Delta 2014 - (Page 48)

Those who visit the "Sultan of the North," a major center of economic activity, quickly discover that it's also heavy in cultural and entertainment options. Although business oriented, Monterrey has a vibrant arts scene, great shopping and multiple opportunities for outdoor fun, all framed by Cerro de la Silla, or Saddle Hill. BEST PLACE TO STAY The Gran Hotel Ancira is a national landmark packed with modern conveniences. More than 100 years old, it was inspired by Paris' Ritz and has hosted everyone from Marcel Marceau to the former king of Belgium. BEST NATURE EXPERIENCE The Cumbres de Monterrey National Park is a beautiful protected expanse with waterfalls, pine tree forests, caves and peaks, including Saddle Hill, one of the city's most famous landmarks. In the mountain of El Fraile are the Grutas de Garcia, a series of caves with ancient stalactite and stalagmite formations reachable via cable car and only a short drive away from the city-center. The national park's most accessible area from Monterrey, however, is Chipinque Ecological Park, which offers multiple opportunities for immersion with nature through mountain biking and hiking. BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE Among the most representative of Monterrey experiences is a meal of cabrito al pastor-kid goat cooked on a spit-found in any number of restaurants, but done superbly at the Gran San Carlos. Once that's out of the way, embark on a trolley ride to view some of the city's historic sites and monuments, including the Government Palace and its cathedral. Another highlight is a narrated motorboat ride on the canal of Paseo Santa Lucia, home to several restaurants, fountains and gardens. Paseo Santa Lucia, which twinkles with lights at night, is connected to Fundidora Park, a vast area designed on the grounds of an old steel company that is considered an open-air industrial museum of sorts and pays homage to Monterrey's economic background. Within this park are amusement rides, a steel museum and cultural venues. BEST KEPT SECRET MARCO, Monterrey's Museum of Contemporary Art, one of the leading repositories of its kind in Mexico. Memorial statue in Monterrey Puerto Vallarta PUERTO VALLARTA MONTERREY Monterrey Puerto Vallarta's malecon Snuggled between Banderas Bay and the southern portion of the Sierra Madre Mountains, Puerto Vallarta is a vision of pitched roofs covered in red tiles, stone walls adorned with bougainvillea and artistic expression everywhere you turn. This is a city whose rise as a tourist hotspot is often attributed to a Hollywood movie, but its natural beauty is better than anything you'll see on the big screen. BEST PLACE TO STAY The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta offers its own private stretch of beach, plus a beautiful beach club and access to several area golf courses. BEST NATURE EXPERIENCE Conquer the jungle of the Sierra Madre Mountains on a well-planned hike, on horseback or on a 4x4, and don't forget the binoculars for a bit of bird-watching. Skim the treetops on a canopy tour to spot blue-footed boobies, snorkel around the Marietas Islands and, during the winter months, get an eyeful of humpback whales breaching. Swim the waters around Los Arcos, visible from the mainland. Conquer the sea on a ﬁshing expedition for marlin and sailﬁsh. BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE Mix culture with Hollywood magic by spending a few hours in Mismaloya and its romantic cove, hugged by the jungle. Much of the 1963 movie "The Night of the Iguana" with Richard Burton and Ava Gardner was ﬁlmed in this area. They all fell in love with Puerto Vallarta; Burton purchased a home for Elizabeth Taylor here and director John Huston lived in the area known as Las Caletas, accessible only by boat, toward the end of his life. Once back in downtown Vallarta, walk along the promenade that showcases the Paciﬁc Ocean on one side and beautiful bronze sculptures on the other. Lose yourself in the city's streets, stopping to admire the "crown" of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, shopping its art galleries and having a drink in one of the Romantic Zone's restaurants before waiting for the sunset in Los Muertos Beach. BEST KEPT SECRET Puerto Vallarta's Botanical Gardens, recently voted as one of North America's Top 10. 48 D38-D49.indd 48 12/20/13 9:15 AM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Delta 2014

Editor's Notes
Hotel Desk: Aloft Hotels
Tour Talk: Swain Destinations
Uniworld's Queen Isabel
Disney Magic
Delta Air Lines Travel Guide 2014
Macau
Egypt Update
Scandinavia Exposed
B Hotels & Resorts
What's New in Las Vegas

Delta 2014