Parque Ecológico La Huasteca — Attraction in Nuevo León

Free entrance, but guided tours may cost extra.

"Huasteca Santa Catarina" is a stunning ecological park located within the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park in Nuevo León, Mexico.

Weather is usually dry and hot, but in the middle of afternoon it turns dry and cold. Known for its dramatic rock formations, diverse flora and fauna (eagles, condors, foxes, snakes, armadillos, bats, scorpions, etc) and adventure activities, it offers a perfect escape into nature.

Rock Climbing and Rappelling

· The park’s impressive rock formations (some reaching 120 meters high) are ideal for rock climbing and rappelling. Permits may be required, so check in advance .

Cave Exploration

· Recommendation is to hire a professional tourist guide to ensure a safe journey into Visit Cueva de los Murciélagos (Cave of the Bats) and Cueva de la Virgen (Cave of the Virgin), which house unique wildlife and endangered plant species like the Victoria agave .

Wildlife and Flora

· The park is home to endemic species like the Agave victoria reginae and the Pinus santa catarinae. Keep an eye out for lizards, birds -like eagles and condors- and other small animals .

Panoramic Views

· Climb to the highest peaks for stunning views of Monterrey on one side and the vast mountain landscapes on the other .

Photography and Nature Walks

· The park’s unique landscapes, including the Santa Catarina River dry bed and rock formations, are a photographer’s paradise .

Budget Estimates (Per Person)(MXN)

Transportation Public Bus 20-30 From Monterrey to Santa Catarina Ride-sharing (Uber/Didi) 100-250 One-way from Monterrey

Guided Activities Rock Climbing/Rappelling 300-600 Optional guide fees (if required) Hiking Guide 200-400 Recommended for safety and insights

Food and Drinks Packed Lunch/Snacks 100-200 Bring your own water and food Local Eateries 150-300 MXN Meals at nearby streetcar restaurants in Santa Catarina, in the park there's no food services.

Miscellaneous Equipment Rental 200-500 If renting bikes or climbing gear (check locally) Total (Day Trip) 570-1,950 MXN Depending on transportation and activities chosen.

💡 Budget Tips: · Bring your own water and snacks to save money, as the park has limited facilities . · If you are budget limited, use public transportation to reduce costs, but it's highly recommended bringing your own vehicle. · Group tours may offer discounted rates for guided activities.

🍽️ Food and Drink Options

· No restaurants inside the park: There are no dedicated food vendors within the park, so bring your own food and plenty of water . · Local eateries in Santa Catarina: After your visit, head to the town of Santa Catarina for local restaurants serving traditional Nuevo León dishes like: · Tacos Mañaneros. · Carne Asada (grilled meat). · Machacado con Huevo (dried meat with eggs) . · Picnic spots: The park has areas where you can enjoy a packed lunch...

Shear, razor thin peaks soar. Free access to this park. Road has improved in the decade since my last visit. It was all gravel and sand then. Now paved up to the flash flood dam. Many people seem to have invested in fincas or ranchitos for eco visitors. On the Sunday I visited, I saw many bicyclists, rock climbers, dune buggies, and side by sides. Families everywhere. Rock climbing is a big deal here. They even had an ambulance on standby. Access from Monterrey and the metropolitan...

Definitively worth a visit: seeing how the the Sierra Madre Oriental is born from the floor level, all the way to a majestic mountain, is amazing. If you have enough time, bring or rent a bike. I believe, as with most National and State Parks in México, that more could be done to encourage tourism, while protecting the tourists, and preserving the area: if this park had accesible bike only trails, many more people would be...