In this episode of DeMochilas, I explore the markets of Nuevo León, moving through very different environments that, at first glance, might feel unrelated, but are deeply connected by the people who bring them to life.

From Mercado Juárez in downtown Monterrey, to temporary stalls in the Macroplaza, the small market in Santiago, and the open-air gathering spaces of San Pedro Garza García, each market has its own rhythm, layout, and atmosphere. Some are permanent, others appear only at certain times of the year, but all of them share something essential: families, friends, vendors, and locals creating moments of community through daily life.

Walking through these spaces, I notice how markets are more than places to buy things. They’re places where traditions continue, small businesses are born, and people gather simply to walk, talk, eat, and spend time together. Whether it’s candy stalls, bakeries that have survived for generations, handmade crafts, or street food, every stop reveals a different side of the city.

This episode is less about what you buy, and more about what you feel—how markets reflect the character of a place and the people who call it home.

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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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