Ignore the know-it-all cynics who tell you the northeast isn’t the ‘real’ Mexico, whatever that’s supposed to mean. The fact is, there are many good reasons to visit this region.
A great number of visitors who cross the border here limit their stays to just a break in an overnight journey as they travel further on at full throttle. True, there are no full-fledged beach resorts here (and that’s a bad thing?) and the colonial towns and pre-Hispanic remains really are more impressive further south, but the northeast does nature like no other place, and it also has plenty of places of cultural interest to merit diversions off its excellent highways.
Economically, the northeastern states of Nuevo León, Tamaulipas and Coahuila form one of Mexico’s most prosperous and business-driven regions. Its biggest city, Monterrey, is a confident, progressive place with iconic modern architecture, terrific museums and some of the best bar-hopping in the country, while up in the mountains, the colonial charm of Saltillo and the atmospheric allure of Parras compete to impress.
Beyond the urban beat you can bird-watch in desert scrub and cloud forest at Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo, one of Mexico’s most biologically diverse corners, and soak away an afternoon in the ethereal waters of Cuatrociénegas, deep in the Chihuahuan desert. The coast has remote beaches, lagoons and wetlands, with a diverse and easily seen marine life.
And, perhaps best of all, those who do take time to explore here can expect a particularly warm welcome from the norteño locals, for there’s simply no tourist trail in these parts.
Last updated: Sep 23, 2008
