3 Easy Monterrey Day Trips Between World Cup 2026 Matches
With six days between Monterrey's group matches, day-trip to Grutas de García caves (45 km), the Cola de Caballo waterfall in Santiago (40 min), or Chipinque mountain park (15 km). Here's how to plan each one around World Cup 2026.
Published June 18, 2026·5 min read
TL;DR: Monterrey's matches are spread across June 14, 20, 24 and 29, 2026, leaving multi-day gaps perfect for day trips. The three easiest are the Grutas de García caves (45 km, ~45 min), the Cola de Caballo waterfallnear Santiago (~40 min southwest), and Chipinque Ecological Park(15 km, in San Pedro). All three are nature escapes from the desert-mountain city.
Grutas de García — caves and cable car
About 45 km northwest of the city, the García Caves feature enormous stalactite chambers reached by a cable car that climbs 700 m up the sierra. Entry is around MXN 260 plus MXN 60for the cable car. It's the easiest first-timer trip — a half-day round trip by rideshare or guided tour.
Cola de Caballo & Santiago — waterfall and a Pueblo Mágico
The Cola de Caballo("Horse's Tail") waterfall is a 35-meter cascade inside Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, about 40 minutes southwest. Pair it with Santiago, a Pueblo Mágico of colorful streets and local food. From the parking area it's a roughly 1 km walk to the falls — an easy half-day even without a car.
Three trips at a glance
| Destination | Distance / time | Best for | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grutas de García | 45 km / ~45 min | Caves, cable car, views | Half day |
| Cola de Caballo + Santiago | ~40 min southwest | Waterfall, Pueblo Mágico | Half to full day |
| Chipinque park | 15 km / ~30 min | Hiking, mountain views | Half day |
Keep your maps live on the road
Once you leave the metro grid for García or Santiago, you're relying on mobile data for navigation, rideshare, and tour check-ins. A travel North America eSIMrides on Telcel, which has the broadest rural coverage in Nuevo León, so your maps don't cut out in the sierra. Here's how the options compare:
| Option | Cost | Setup time | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Low (US$3–25) | ~5 min (pre-install on Wi-Fi) | Excellent (local carrier) |
| Carrier roaming | High ($10–15/day) | Instant (already enabled) | Medium (partner-dependent) |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Medium | Airport pickup / rental | Good (extra device to charge) |
FAQ
QWhat are the best day trips from Monterrey during the World Cup?
AGrutas de García caves, the Cola de Caballo waterfall in Santiago, and Chipinque park. All three fit comfortably in the multi-day gaps between Monterrey's matches.
QHow far is Grutas de García from Monterrey?
AAbout 45 km northwest, a roughly 45-minute drive. Entry is around MXN 260 plus MXN 60 for the cable car up to the cave entrance.
QCan I visit Cola de Caballo without a car?
AYes — guided tours and rideshare make it doable. It's about 40 minutes southwest near Santiago; from the parking area it's a ~1 km walk to the 35-meter falls.
QWhen are Monterrey's World Cup 2026 matches?
AJune 14, 20, 24 and 29, 2026 at Estadio BBVA. Three group games and one Round of 32 tie, with multi-day gaps ideal for day trips.
Bottom line
Use the gaps between Monterrey's matches to see the sierra — García for caves, Santiago for the waterfall, Chipinque for a quick hike. Back in the city, line up downtown sightseeing and watch parties in Barrio Antiguo.
Sources: Mexico Travel & Leisure — Day Trips from Monterrey, Silly Suitcase — Monterrey Day Trips, Kickoff Adventures — Monterrey schedule.