Monterrey is the Capital of the northeast state of Nuevo Leon. It is a city of about 4 million people. The city spreads across the Río Santa Catarina flood plain at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountains (elevation 1,800 feet). Serrated mountain peaks surround the city and the distinctive Cerro de la Silla (a saddle-shaped peak to the east reaching a 5,700 foot elevation) makes a rather striking backdrop.

Due to the altitude, the area’s weather is somewhat unstable with quick changes possible at any time – summer or winter. The evenings can get very chilly (or cold) in the winter, but daytime highs remain mild. Summers in Monterrey are usually very hot, with daytime highs sometimes climbing above the 100-degree mark. Afternoon rains come during the summer months, mainly late June to September. Normally the rain lasts for only a few hours after which the sun comes out and the air is much cleaner. November to June are generally the driest months.

The people in Monterrey (and in Mexico in general) are very friendly, and the society tends to be conservative. There is much respect shown toward elders. The ethnic diversity mainly consists of Latino and Indigenous people groups. Because Monterrey is so close to the US, there is a large American influence; many people watch American movies, sing American songs, and play American sports. Many also work for the American factories that are located in Monterrey.

The usual meal consists of some of the following: beans, rice, meat, tortillas, hot chili peppers, eggs, potatoes, and cheese. Be warned, the chili peppers are HOT, so be careful not to cover your food with the sauce. If hot substances are eaten, eat bread, crackers or tortillas. A glass of milk would help too.

Monterrey is considered a very important industrial center in Mexico, being the site of the nation’s largest iron and steel foundries, as well as a major cement producer. It has experienced further growth with the construction of maquiladoras, or foreign-owned plants that export goods to the U.S. There is a great disparity between the wealthy and impoverished regions of the city. While there are beautiful paved streets that will take you to suburban type neighborhoods with stucco houses styled from Spanish colonial times, there are also many areas that consist of shacks and uneven dirt roads.

Source of information: mexicovacations.com

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