Monterrey: Enjoy a refreshing water crossing Cerro Agujerado

Exploring Cerro Agujerado: A Refreshing Water Crossing in Monterrey

If you’re looking for an outdoor experience that combines spectacular natural scenery with a splash of adventure, the tour to Cerro Agujerado might just be your next highlight in Monterrey. This 4.5-hour guided outing costs around $76 per person and takes you on an easy 9 km hike through the Sierra Madre Oriental, ending with a memorable water crossing. What makes this trip especially appealing is the chance to enjoy serene mountain landscapes, a fun water crossing, and the opportunity to snap some unforgettable photos—all led by knowledgeable guides.

Two aspects we particularly love? First, the refreshing water crossing that gets you wet up to your waist—it’s a simple yet exhilarating way to beat the heat. Second, the spectacular views from Cerro Agujerado, especially the cave and the arch in Cerro de la Silla, which are truly photographic moments. That said, a minor consideration is that the trail is on the easier side, making it unsuitable for children under six, and you’ll need decent footwear to stay safe.

This tour is best suited for families with older children, nature lovers, or anyone wanting a light but memorable outdoor adventure. If you enjoy scenic hikes with a splash of fun and appreciate guides who are both friendly and informative, this trip could be perfect for you.

Key Points

• Clear, well-organized itinerary with a focus on safety and enjoyment
• Stunning mountain scenery and a unique water crossing that’s both fun and refreshing
• Knowledgeable guides that enhance the experience with local insights
• All-inclusive package with photos, safety gear, and insurance for peace of mind
• Accessible trail suitable for most hikers, but not recommended for children under 6
• Flexible cancellation policy allowing for full refunds if plans change

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting the Adventure: Meeting Point & Safety Briefing

Your journey begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Monterrey, where a friendly guide will greet you in a gray KIA van. From here, it’s about a half-hour drive to the trailhead located in Juarez County, part of the Monterrey metropolitan area. The initial moments are all about setting expectations and reviewing safety procedures, which helps ease any pre-hike jitters.

The Hike into Cerro Agujerado

Once at the trailhead, you’ll embark on an upstream hike that meanders through the lush surroundings of Cerro de la Silla, one of Monterrey’s most iconic landmarks. The trail is described as easy, making it suitable for most hikers, and takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the canyon and arch area.

What we loved here was the serenity of nature—the sounds of flowing water, bird calls, and the scent of pine and fresh mountain air. The guides keep the atmosphere relaxed yet informative, pointing out interesting flora and fauna along the way.

The Water Crossing: A Refreshing Challenge

The highlight for many is the water crossing—standing in a shallow canyon with water up to your waist (or chest, depending on your height). Don’t worry, the water isn’t deep enough to be dangerous, but it’s enough to cool you off and add a sense of adventure. One reviewer from Japan summed it up as “very refreshing”, and another from Mexico emphasized that they “got wet up to the waist” and enjoyed the fun of crossing together.

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Reaching the Cave and Viewing Points

After crossing the canyon, you’ll climb toward a spectacular cave that offers panoramic views of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains. The guides often take photos here, capturing the rugged beauty that makes Cerro Agujerado so special. The arch in Cerro de la Silla is also visible from this vantage point—an iconic symbol of Monterrey—and is a favorite for photos.

Additional Highlights: Sierra Madre Landscapes

The tour’s route offers a variety of landscapes—rock formations, mountain views, and lush greenery. It’s a gentle hike, but the scenery feels grand, especially when framed by the blue sky or afternoon clouds. As one traveler said, the “spectacular mountainous landscapes” make the effort worthwhile.

What’s Included – Value and Comfort

The all-inclusive package covers certified guides, safety equipment, hiking poles, accident insurance, and a photo shoot (shared via a link). You’ll also find a first aid kit on hand, which adds a layer of security. The tour company handles local permits and logistics, meaning you don’t have to worry about the details.

Practical Tips – What to Bring

To fully enjoy the experience, pack a windbreaker, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a change of clothes for after the water crossing. Don’t forget hiking shoes—preferably with good grip—and a towel. A garbage bag for your trash is encouraged to keep the environment pristine.

The Downside – Things to Consider

While the tour is quite accessible, it’s not suitable for children under 6 years, mainly because of the water crossing and uneven terrain. Also, if you’re sensitive to getting wet or prefer more challenging hikes, this might not be the ideal option. Lastly, the tour’s duration (4.5 hours) is perfect for a half-day adventure, but if you’re after a more intense mountain experience, you might want to explore other options.

Authentic Traveler Feedback

Reviewers are unanimous in praising the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. One said, “Lily was awesome,” emphasizing her patience and engaging manner, making the experience both fun and educational. Many appreciated the stunning scenery—one noted it was “super bonito,” and others mentioned the “spectacular mountain landscapes.” The water crossing consistently gets praise for being “very refreshing” and “fun”.

The importance of appropriate footwear was highlighted—one reviewer recommended wearing shoes with good soles to avoid accidents. Many found the experience well worth the price, considering the included photos, safety gear, and guided experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families with kids over 6, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a light outdoor adventure close to Monterrey. It’s especially good if you want a fun, safe, and visually stunning activity that combines light hiking with a splash of excitement. Those wanting a more challenging or longer trek might prefer other options, but for most, this offers a perfect balance of scenery, adventure, and ease.

The Sum Up

If you’re visiting Monterrey and craving an outdoor experience that combines beautiful mountain scenery, a fun water crossing, and the company of friendly, knowledgeable guides, the Cerro Agujerado tour is a fantastic choice. It offers excellent value with included photos, safety gear, and insurance, making it a hassle-free way to connect with nature.

This tour is best suited for families, casual hikers, and travelers wanting something memorable without the physical strain of more demanding treks. With stunning views, a refreshing water challenge, and a relaxed pace, it provides a genuine taste of the Sierra Madre’s natural beauty. Plus, it’s easy to fit into a half-day schedule, leaving you plenty of time to explore other sights in Monterrey.

Whether you’re snapping photos at the cave or simply enjoying the peaceful mountain atmosphere, Cerro Agujerado promises a genuine and delightful outdoor escape—no experience necessary.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your accommodation in Monterrey in a gray KIA van.

How long is the hike to Cerro Agujerado?
The hike from the parking area to the canyon and arch is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, considered easy in difficulty.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for hiking, including a long-sleeved shirt, hiking shoes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a windbreaker.

Can children participate?
No, this tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old due to water crossing and terrain.

What’s the water crossing like?
You will cross a small canyon with water reaching up to your waist (or chest depending on height). It’s refreshing and fun but requires some balance and appropriate footwear.

Are photos included?
Yes, a professional photo shoot is part of the package, and images are shared via a link.

Is this tour suitable for seniors?
As long as they are comfortable with light hiking and water crossings, seniors can enjoy this tour. It’s not overly strenuous.

What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes, towel, food and drinks, hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and a garbage bag for trash.

How flexible is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind to plan your trip flexibly.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Portuguese, English, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

This Cerro Agujerado tour offers a well-balanced mix of natural beauty, fun, and ease—perfect for adding a memorable outdoor adventure to your Monterrey trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: