Santiago is a tiny lakeside town just south of Monterrey. Founded in 1648, the town is surrounded by mountains, cool and always comfortable. Pedestrian friendly, Santiago is perhaps even more of what people are looking for in Monterrey itself, but without the pressures of a bigger city. Every variety of hospitality and restaurant service can be found in the calm repose of an established little town comfortable in its own mountain skin.
The town is also a colonial treasure. Throw in some waterfalls and a thriving apple industry, and you end up with postcard-ready weekend getaway. Likely the most emblematic waterfall, the Cola de Caballo (the Horsetail Falls), is a good 25 meters high. Surrounded by paved trails and picnic areas, the Bridal Veil falls are just part of the adventure of the western heights over Santiago.
Adventurers come back to the Los Cavazos area for an Artisan Corridor of furniture, homemade sweets and all kinds of artisan works. And this is just the more artistic corner of town. Everywhere the apples are being cooked into specialty recipes that compliment the northern grilled specialties.
The greater Santiago area hosts a number of communities. All of them are integrated around the lake and the La Boca Dam. Many outdoor sports and adventure outfits offer services here and into the surrounding mountains. A number of small cabins will host families for long weekends, or more serious adventure seekers on their way into the field.
Santiago is about 45 minutes south of Monterrey. Buses will take a little longer, but they leave regularly from the Plaza Alameda area. Organized tours are also widely available, with most major providers offering packages in and around Santiago and the lake.
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