General Terán is a small town in eastern Nuevo León. It is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos, but with few genuine attractions to interest tourists, not one of the more memorable ones.
Understand
[edit]History
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The town began as a hacienda to develop agricultural commerce in the region. It was called Hacienda de la Soledad de la Mota. In the 1800s, it grew successful, due in no small part to its herds of cattle. Agriculture, particularly cattle ranches, continue to drive the local economy today. Besides cattle, farms in General Teran grow oranges, wheat, beans, and sorghum.
The town is named in honor of General Manuel de Mier y Terán, an early 19th century military commander who was known for his role in the Mexican War of Independence and later for his diplomatic work prior to the revolt of Texas.
Get in
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The nearest city with commercial and international flights is Monterrey. From Monterrey, it is about 100 km to General Teran. You can get there by bus, or hire a taxi or Uber, or rent a car and drive (though driving in Monterrey is not particularly easy).
By bus
[edit]There are two ways to get there by bus: 1) take a first-class direct bus to Montemorelos and then take a local taxi the last 30 minutes, or 2) take a second-class local bus all the way from Monterrey to General Teran. The first is faster and more comfortable, the second is cheaper but longer.
Buses leave Monterrey from the Central de Autobuses as well as from some company-specific stations in Monterrey's eastern and southern neighborhoods. Noreste, Frontera and some other regional first-class buses can take you to Montemorelos for about M$200. The local second-class bus company that goes directly to General Teran is called Autobuses Azules Y Amarillos, their bus takes about 3 hours to get to General Teran because it stops in Montemorelos and several other stops along the highway and the fare is about M$80.
- 1 Terminal Autobuses Azules Y Amarillos (Bus station), Francisco Javier Mina, Centro. Small bus station with an air-conditioned waiting room with clean restrooms and TVs playing Mexican soap operas or soccer games. Ticket sales and baggage check available. Buses go to Montemorelos and Monterrey. Credit cards are not accepted at the ticket windows (cash only).
By car
[edit]From Monterrey, it takes about 1 hour to drive the 100 km route to General Teran. Drive south on Carretera Nacional (MEX-85) for about 85 km to Montemorelos, where you will turn onto highway MEX-35 headed northeast. If you are driving from their airport, there is another highway you can use to more directly reach Montemorelos, though it's less scenic and has tolls in Monterrey.
Get around
[edit]The town is small and easily walkable. There's only a couple taxis in General Teran and when they're not busy with a fare, they park at a sitio near the bus station.
See
[edit]- 1 Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (Church of Our Lady of Solitude), Benito Juárez, Centro. The town's largest, oldest, and most beautiful church. Built in the early 19th century, it features some outstanding artwork including a mural of the Virgin of Guadalupe in one presbytery and a mural titled Merciful Jesus I trust in you in the opposite presbytery. There is also a sculpture of St. Francis of Assisi.
- 2 Plaza Zaragoza (Zocalo), Benito Juarez, Centro. The town's main plaza is a peacefully bustling public square with paved walking paths and park benches beneath towering shade trees.
- 3 Hacienda Soledad de la Mota, Soledad de la Mota. Historic property, former home of President Plutarco Elias Calle. Beautiful gardens. No photography allowed.
Do
[edit]Festivals
[edit]- Fiesta de Aniversario General Terán 2024 - held in late March the town's celebration includes several norteña bands, midway rides, parades, folkloric dancing, and of course, food and drink galore.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]- 1 La Cocina De Doña Lolita, José María Morelos 501, Centro, ☏ +52 826 262 9941. W-Su 08:00 - 17:30. Homestyle Mexican cuisine with several stews (guisadas) including a pork in green salsa that gets rave reviews. Friendly service and the air-conditioned dining room is very refreshing on a hot day. M$150.
- 2 El Cabritero de Terán, Av. Plutarco Elías Calles 48, Centro, ☏ +52 821 227 7273. Th-Tu 08:00 - 16:30, closed W. Regional northeastern Mexican cuisine with a focus on the region's most famous dish, slow-roasted marinated kid goat (cabrito). Handmade tortillas. M$250.
- 3 Asadero Pancho, Mariano Jiménez 906, Centro, ☏ +52 826 106 7971. Daily 08:30 - 15:30. Casual place with a few tables in the dining room and food to go. Grilled meats including chicken, ribs, arrachera and cabrito (goat). Affordable prices. M$150.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]There are no hotels or other lodging options in General Teran. The nearest city with hotels is Montemorelos, about 30 minutes by car.