The engine hums quietly during a riverboat ride on the $300 million Paseo Santa Lucía. Modeled after its big Texas neighbor of San Antonio to the north, the river walk winds 1.5 miles, connecting the Macroplaza at the Mexican History Museum to Fundidora Park, a public urban park. Monterrey began construction on the Paseo Santa Lucía in 1996, but when the economy tanked, it remained dormant for nine years, until its completion in 2007. Its inauguration was attended by Mexican dignitaries including President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa; Nuevo León’s governor, Natividad González Parás; and Monterrey’s mayor, Adalberto Madero.

As one of Mexico’s “13 wonders,” this manmade river walk is built over the bed of the old spring, Ojos de Agua de Santa Lucía, where the city was founded more than 400 years ago. Take a guided boat tour of the history of the city, in the shadow of Cerro de la Silla (Saddle Mountain). You’ll pass under 10 arched pedestrian bridges. On the promenade, scope out the many sidewalk cafés.  You’ll hear the rushing waters first when approaching any one of the 22 fountains along the way, including the Fuente de las Olas (Waves Fountain).

This river walk is a popular and safe destination for both tourists and locals, and a riverboat ride (10 a.m.–10 p.m.) is well worth the nominal cost ($3.30 for adults, $1.65 for children). Want more excitement? Try kayaking in the Santa Lucía canal.