Matamoras(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Matamoros, the top choice for families is Red Hawk Resort, nestled in a serene suburban area with lush greenery. It features a children's pool, indoor game room, and spacious family suites. The resort is close to San Ignacio Park, perfect for outdoor adventures with kids. Nearby, local favorites like La Casona serve authentic Mexican dishes such as handmade tortillas and slow-cooked beef stew, offering a true taste of regional cuisine. Complimentary shuttle service runs to downtown, ensuring easy access to attractions. HopeGoo in advance is highly recommended, especially during summer festivals when demand spikes.

The resort also hosts weekly cultural workshops, including traditional crafts and mariachi music sessions, enriching the family travel experience.

The downtown district of Matamoros is ideal for accommodations, located near the Paso del Norte Bridge and Plaza Municipal. This central hub offers walkable access to main shopping streets, historic buildings, and cultural landmarks. Boutique options like Hotel Mesón de la Sirena, blending Spanish colonial architecture with modern design, provide comfort and tranquility. Nearby, 24-hour convenience stores, the iconic Café del Río, and vibrant night food stalls enhance the local charm. Multiple bus routes connect to Mexico City and Texas, making it a strategic base for cross-border travel.

Guests should consider rooms with balconies offering views of the river and the morning sunlit church spires—perfect for photography and peaceful mornings.

One must-try cultural experience in Matamoros is the Fiesta de la Asunción, held annually in August. Streets are adorned with colorful banners and lanterns as locals dance traditional Salsa and Flamenco in festive attire. At the Old Town Church Square, craft fairs showcase hand-painted pottery, embroidery, and leatherwork. The Matamoros Museum hosts "Taste of Mexico" workshops where visitors learn to make tamales, mole sauce, and chocolate drinks under guidance from local chefs.

Afterward, head to the Central Market to savor steaming tamales de mole, immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant community spirit and culinary heritage.

Yes, several hotels in Matamoros provide cross-border shuttle services, especially those near the Paso del Norte Bridge. Hotels like West Inn Matamoros and Riverside International Hotel partner with border transport companies to offer hourly shuttles to McAllen, Texas, costing around $15 USD. Shuttles operate from 7 AM to 9 PM, with pre-booked pickup at hotel entrances.

Luxury properties often include bilingual drivers and luggage assistance for a seamless journey. Guests are advised to confirm flight or bus schedules in advance to avoid delays due to border processing. Some hotels even assist with electronic entry permits to expedite customs clearance.

The must-try dish in Matamoros is Tacos al Pastor with Chile Salsa, a local favorite rooted in traditional Mexican cuisine. At the Central Market, street vendors serve charcoal-grilled pork skewers topped with fresh pineapple, cilantro, and spicy salsa—a perfect balance of sweet and tangy heat. Another highlight is molcajete soup, served in a stone bowl with beans, corn, chili, and herbs, rich and deeply flavorful.

For an authentic experience, visit El Tenedor, a century-old restaurant that opens at 6 AM daily. Limited quantities of chilaquiles and quesadillas de hongos are available, allowing guests to enjoy breakfast while watching the bustling street life unfold.

The Catedral de la Asunción, built in 1890, is the most iconic historical site in Matamoros, blending Gothic and Neoclassical styles. Its 60-meter bell tower chimes on the hour, echoing across the city. Inside, intricate stained-glass windows and carved wooden altars reflect centuries of craftsmanship.

Another landmark is the Antiguo Correo (Old Post Office), originally a 1920s postal hub now transformed into a cultural arts center hosting contemporary Mexican exhibitions and literary talks. The original brick façade remains intact, and the open-air theater hosts nightly folk music performances.

Also notable is Puente Cavallería, a century-old iron bridge connecting downtown to the opposite bank—ideal for sunset photography and riverside strolls.