Montemorelos

Montemorelos is a small city in the Northern Mexico state of Nuevo León, lying on the banks of the Rio Pilón. The city is best known for its citrus orchards producing several types of oranges as well as grapefruits and tangerines. Visitors appreciate the town's slow pace, traditional feel, and its local cuisine. The town is one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos and is a popular weekend destination and highway pitstop along busy federal highway MEX-85 between the U.S. border and Mexico City.

Understand
The first Spanish settlers to the Rio Pilon valley arrived in the early 17th century, but it wasn't until 1685 that a church (dedicated to St. Matthew) would be built to serve as the focal point for a town to grow up around it. In 1825, the governor of Nuevo Leon decreed that it was now a city and that it should be named Montemorelos in honor of Jose Maria Morelos, hero of the Mexican War of Independence.

Various types of fruit grow in the orchards around Montemorelos, but oranges are the city's most recognized product. Three types of oranges are grown, each with different harvest times, providing steady, year-round work for fruit growers and pickers. Oranges you might find in Montemorelos are:


 * Valencia - from May to July
 * Albérciga - from July to August
 * Temprana - from October to November

See








Do

 * Bioparque Estrella - about 20 km west of town, off highway MEX-85, is a family safari adventure park. The highlight is the Safari Serengeti in which visitors get in a large transport truck and drive through the safari area to see various African animals up close and as personal as you'd probably want to be.
 * Pueblo Salvaje, Camino a la Morita, Congrecion Calles - about 10 km northwest of town north of Congrecion Calles is another animal park that's a low-key, family-friendly attraction. They have a kids petting zoo area with ducks, goats, llamas and more, as well as a drive-through safari area you can drive through in your own car, or rent a truck from them for M$300 (more if you want them to provide a driver). No food or drink is sold, but there is a picnic area where you can bring your own food and grills are provided. Admission is M$100 per person.

Festivals

 * Feria de la Naranja - the town's celebration of its favorite fruit takes place during July each year (to coincide with the largest of three harvest periods). Visitors can enjoy midway games, rides, cultural events, and the regional cuisine of Montemorelos and nearby cities.

Eat






Sleep






Connect
Cell reception is good in Montemorelos, but it will be mostly 4G in town and along area highways. 5G becomes predominant as you approach the city of Monterrey. Most hotels and restaurants have good internet connections with free WiFi.

Go next

 * Linares
 * Santiago
 * Cumbres de Monterrey National Park
 * Monterrey