Mexico/Zacatecas: Jerez

Grutas de Garcia lies just outside of the city of Monterrey. The caves are hidden high up in a mountain (in fact, they were unknown until 1848 when a monk found them) and require a cable car to get to the entrance. Once inside, it’s a rather up and down steep climb to see the formations. Mostly stalactites and stalagmites and some flow stone – the caves are not particularly impressive as far as the caves go. What makes this worse – the tour highlights all the kitschy aspects of the formations and what the rock could look like – here’s Jesus, there’s Freddy Kruger, and gorilla, and hell, and there is even a chapel. As if not enough kitsch – the largest stalagmite in the largest room is decorated as a Christmas tree with lights. Yikes!