In this episode of DeMochilas, I step outside the city to explore ecotourism in Nuevo León, visiting some of the most impressive natural areas surrounding Monterrey.

I start with Chipinque, a massive natural reserve where I hike a 10 km circuit alongside my mom and Luis—no special training, just patience, steady pacing, and a lot of elevation. The trail takes us through steep climbs, narrow rocky paths, unexpected workout “stations,” and even a close encounter with local wildlife that reminds you who really owns the mountain.

The journey continues south to Santiago, a Pueblo Mágico that blends small-town life with nature. From the Cola de Caballo Waterfall to its compact historic center, this stop becomes a mix of short hikes, scenic viewpoints, and the kind of food stops you only discover by walking around without rushing.

To close the episode, I visit La Huasteca, a place that feels less like a destination and more like a reminder of scale—towering mountains, broken roads reclaimed by nature, and views that make you pause and look inward.

This chapter isn’t about conquering nature—it’s about moving through it slowly, respecting it, and realizing that incredible landscapes can exist just minutes away from a major city.

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In this episode of DeMochilas, I continue exploring Nuevo León from downtown Monterrey—but this time, I’m not focusing on museums. Instead, I talk about tourist tastes: what different people look for when they travel, and how those preferences quietly decide your route.

For me, traveling is a lot of walking, nature, and observing everyday life. For my mom, churches are a must—especially because she’s an art restorer and she notices details most people walk right past. So this chapter becomes a mix of parks, greenery, historic streets, and a church-hopping route that reveals how varied downtown Monterrey can be in just a few blocks.

We move through key areas like Macroplaza, talk about how the city feels on foot, and how public spaces shift from quiet corners to crowded event zones. I also share small discoveries that made the day memorable: striking architecture, unexpected contrasts between churches, the way Monterrey connects (or doesn’t) without a car, and the kind of family “navigation drama” that only happens when you travel together.

This is a long episode with a lot of walking, observations, and gossip—built around one simple idea: the same city can feel completely different depending on what you’re looking for.

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In this episode of DeMochilas, I start exploring Nuevo León from the heart of Monterrey: downtown, Macroplaza, and the museums that shape how the city tells its story. This was Day 1 of the trip, and because everything is close, it turned into a full day of walking, observing, and learning.

I talk about moving through the area by metro and on foot, the feeling of downtown Monterrey compared to other parts of the city, and how certain places carry layers of time—traditions, architecture, and everyday life all stacked together. Along the way, I visit three key museums: Museo del Palacio, Museo de Historia Mexicana, and Museo del Noreste, each one offering a different way of organizing information and shaping your perspective.

This chapter isn’t just about exhibits—it’s about how we interpret history, how design choices inside museums change what we understand, and how a simple walk can turn into a deeper conversation. We also end with Paseo Santa Lucía, the walkway that connects downtown with Parque Fundidora and adds another layer to how Monterrey is experienced: as a place to move, reflect, and connect.

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