Gondola approaching. Entrance to cave complex visible high up on the mountains.

The caves themselves are approximately 2300 feet above the valley floor on the side of a mountain. Years ago, an incline railway (similar to that found at Royal Gorge) carried people to the cave entrance. Sometime around the year 2000, however, this was replaced with a gondola-style apparatus that performs the same function. The tracks of the old incline railway can still be seen just below the gondola cables. If you don't want to take the gondola, you can take the hiking path--something I'd only consider if you're in good condition. For most people, a more enjoyable option may be to take the gondola up and then walk down--but it's still a lot of work descending 2300 feet over such a small distance.

The caves are visited by following a guided tour that takes the visitor through caves that are artificially lighted. The tour itself covers about a mile in 45 minutes and includes steep ladders and sometimes rough and uneven concrete floor. This isn't particularly dangerous--just be a little careful. This definitely isn't a tour that is "wheelchair-accessible." I don't have any pictures of the caves themselves right now, but I'll put some online the next time I'm there and actually take the tour again. Last time I took the tour I didn't have a camera with me.

In addition to the caves, the area includes a picnic area, a snackbar, and two playgrounds for children. There is also a souvenier shop. These are pictured below.

At the time of this writing (March 2005), the parking lot at the caves cost 20 pesos, the cost for an adult to take the gondola up to the caves and take the tour is 60 pesos, and if you want to hike up the steep path instead of taking the gondola it will only cost you 35 pesos (including the tour). Sorry, no discount if you take the gondola up and walk down. :)

To visit the Grutas de Garcia from downtown Monterrey, drive west on Constitucion Avenue following the signs towards the city Saltillo. About 10 minutes outside of Monterrey on the highway you will see a small green sign on the right of the road that says "Grutas de Garcia" with an arrow pointing to the right. Turn right and follow that road. From the turnoff from the Saltillo highway to the caves themselves is about 20 or 25 miles of mostly four-lane highway. You'll pass through the town Villa de Garcia after which the caves are about another 8 miles.

The caves are in these mountains	Road approaching the caves	Visitors exiting the gondola
A playground for the kids	Picnic area	Pictures of the caves themselves coming soon! (I hope)