With more four-star moderates than anywhere else, climbing in El Potrero Chico is truly a playground for climbers. The limestone walls of EPC have attracted climbers looking for a warm(er) winter escape for decades.
Stacked with miles of climbable stone in one of the most picturesque settings you’ll ever see, El Potrero Chico is a dream, and not only for the climbing. Amazing food, vibrant culture, easy access and pure fun are what Potrero’s all about.
Famous for its technical faces on sculpted grey limestone, the style of climbing in El Potrero Chico is generally more delicate than powerful, and doesn’t demand that climbers be pull-up machines. But don’t worry, if steep is what you’re after there also plenty of caves and tufas to explore.
What’s more is that most of the approaches are short—meaning we can simply walk into the canyon from our hotel. Where else can you walk twenty minutes to a twenty-pitch route with only a rack of quickdraws and still get back in time for a fresh margarita and some of the best tacos on the planet?
Whether you climb 5.4 or 5.13, Potrero has something for everyone. Climb 5.9 to 5.11? Potrero Chico is your true paradise. Save your spot now, and join us for some unforgettable climbing in El Potrero Chico, Mexico!
Mexico Climbing Retreat
- Regular price
- $3,650.00 USD
- Sale price
- $3,650.00 USD
- Regular price
What's Included & Not Included
What's Included & Not Included
Included:
- Transportation to and from all climbing (we actually walk to and from climbing, as it's ten minutes or less from La Posada).
- Expert instruction and guiding.
- One day of multi-pitch climbing at a 2:1 climber to guide ratio. You can expect to climb routes from 2-4 pitches.
- Six nights’ accommodation.
- Daily breakfasts, lunches, and snacks.
- 3 dinners filled with our favorite local foods.
- Gratuities for hotel and restaurant services.
Not Included:
- Trip protection.
- Airfare.
- Transportation to and from La Posada.
- Dinner on nights 3 & 4. Multiple options are available within a short walk from La Posada, or if you prefer you can also just eat at the hotel.
- Gratuities for your guides. We recommend between $250-$500 depending on your experience.
Cancellation & Trip Protection
Cancellation & Trip Protection
We have a very strict cancellation policy. We recommend purchasing trip protection to protect your investment.
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Climbing
Each day we’ll head out in small groups, with two climbers and a guide for multi-pitches, and up to five climbers for single-pitch outings. We’ll make sure you’re paired with climbers that match your ability so you don’t have to worry about being held back or pushed too far.
Like all of our climbing vacations, this trip is a perfect opportunity to come alone or with a friend or partner, and to learn new skills, push your limits, climb your first multi-pitch game, or just enjoy the ride.
Accommodations
We think you’ll enjoy your time at La Posada, our home for the week. The property comes complete with gorgeous grounds, breathtaking views, an outdoor pool, and a bar and restaurant. It is worth noting that La Posada is not a luxury resort. The rooms are basic, the water is usually hot but sometimes it's not, the wifi works most of the time, and the services can be a little hit or miss. You have to bring your own shampoo and conditioner. It's certainly the grittiest of all our retreat accommodations.
Choose from private or shared rooms. There are no more than two guests per room. Want to share a room with a friend? As long as there are two spots available for the same room type, simply book "bed in shared room" and put your friend's name in the "special instructions" section at checkout. Or, if you're fine sharing a bed you can book a private room and add an additional person to your room.
Meals
The food we'll be eating is, for the most part, traditional Mexican food. Since we will not be cooking meals for the group, we only have as much control over what goes into your food as you would going to any restaurant. That said, we've had participants with gluten-free and vegan diets on this trip before and they did just fine.
Schedule
Day 1 | ¡Bienvenidos a México!
El Potrero Chico is located in the state of Nuevo León, and close to Monterrey, the largest city in northern Mexico. You'll fly into Monterrey International Airport, which is modern, busy, and easy to reach. From the airport you can take an Uber or hire a local taxi service. You’ll be on your own to settle in, enjoy the scenery, have some dinner, and get some sleep.
Day 2 | Climbing Day #1
We’ll start the day with breakfast at La Posada before taking a short walk into the canyon to climb. We’ll begin by tuning up (or introducing) some skills for multi-pitch climbing, and will spend the rest of the day on the rock before enjoying a special parrillada (local barbecue) for dinner.
Day 3 | Climbing Day #2
We’ll start the day right with another breakfast before we head out to climb. We’ll split into small groups, with some teams heading to single-pitch climbs and others to enjoy multi-pitch adventures. Depending on our timing, we may also be able to visit the colorful Tuesday market in Hidalgo. No matter what the day holds, we're certain you'll be ready for another cerveza and a delicious dinner come nightfall.
Day 4 | Rest Day (or another climbing day)
Climbing for five days in a row can be pretty harsh, so like it or not, you’re probably going to need a day off. Don’t worry though, guides will be ready if you want to keep climbing (don’t say we didn’t warn you). With tons of opportunities to explore, we highly recommend booking a shuttle to the nearby hot springs, or if you'd like a little solo time you can hike one of the nearby peaks, or just take some downtime by the pool. You'll be on your own for dinner—eat at our hotel La Posada or venture into Hidalgo to explore some of the local cuisine (we have recommendations for you!).
Day 5 | Climbing Day #3
Feeling refreshed from a day off, we’ll once again head out to climb. For folks interested in working on their skills, you’ll have all the time you need to learn and practice with our IFMGA and AMGA trained and certified guides. Come evening, you'll be on your own for dinner again.
Day 6 | Climbing Day #4
For our last climbing day of the trip, we’ll once again start with breakfast. Afterwards, we'll have another opportunity to visit the market in Hidalgo. Since it will also be our last night at La Posada, we’ll make it a special one, most likely at Leo's (plus some karaoke).
Day 9 | Heading Home
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and you’ll have to go home. We’ll get you to the airport in Monterrey, and from there you’ll be on your way. ¡Hasta pronto!
FAQs
Age & Physical Requirements
- Ability to hike three miles over varied terrain while carrying a 15lb backpack, 5 days in a row. While the walks to our climbing are only about 10-15 minutes from where we will be staying this level of fitness insures that you will be able to physically handle 4 days of climbing.
- Ability to do 5 sets of 20 squats.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
Travel Information
El Potrero Chico is located in the state of Nuevo León, and close to Monterrey, the largest city in northern Mexico.
All you’ll need to do is get to Monterrey International Airport, which is modern, busy, and easy to reach. La Posada's transfer service will pick you up there, and you’ll quickly leave the city’s bustle behind with a forty minute drive to El Potrero Chico.
El Potrero Chico is located just outside the small town of Hidalgo, and is quiet, gorgeous, and a world away from any security issues that may concern travelers in other parts of the country.
How many participants come by themselves?
The majority of women come to our clinics alone - somewhere around 95%. If you are hesitating to join because you would be coming solo, please know that we expect a majority of our participants to be joining by themselves, seeking community.
I've never climbed before. Can I still attend?
You don't need to be an experienced climber to attend but we recommend some climbing experience before signing up. We recommend that everyone attending is able to top rope a 5.9 in a climbing gym without taking or falling.
We are aware that climbing 5.9 in a climbing gym is much different than climbing a 5.9 outside, but having the ability to climb 5.9 in a climbing gym will set you up to have a great time in Mexico. Even if you're not quite there, with multiple groups, we can really accommodate a wide range of abilities.
I'm an advanced climber. Will I be able to lead climb?
Probably. Lead climbing is certainly not a requirement for anybody on the trip, but we're happy to let you lead as long as you have prior experience as a leader and can pass a belay test similar to those found in most gyms (minus the falling). We will be picky about the routes we allow people to lead as the bolt spacing is spread out on low angle terrain.
Our main goal is to keep everyone safe, so on our first day out together we’ll just want to see that everyone is able to manage the rope, communicate, lead and belay safely before being cleared to do it throughout the week. If you don’t plan on leading, we’ll just want to go through a belay test to make sure you’re good to go belaying those who are. For those aspiring to lead, we will try our best to coach you through the process throughout the week with the aim of you learning to do so safely.
What is the average age of climbers who attend?
We generally have a wide range of ages at our retreats. The average tends to fall between the ages of 28 to 45. But we have had quite a few climbers in their 60's join as well. It really is up to the attitude and physical ability of the participant.
What will the weather be like?
The weather in January can be a lot of things. That includes hot, cold, sunny, rainy, and windy. January is widely considered prime climbing season in El Potrero Chico, but you should definitely come prepared knowing that it won't be quite the beach vacation you're picturing. Of course there are no beaches, but yeah - it can be a little moody. On our 2022 retreats we definitely had all of the conditions mentioned above but in 2023 it was sunny and warm every day. We definitely had plenty of nice warm climbing days and soaked up plenty of sunshine, but we also did some belaying in puffy coats as well. The weather never stopped us from climbing, but we want you to know what you're getting into, and to not be surprised when it's not bikini weather every day.
How many people will be on the trip, and is it mostly men or women?
If the trip fills, we'll have 20-22 climbers and 6 guides. Our daily groups will consist of 4-5 climbers per guide, letting us have our ropes on 2-3 routes at a time. Our multi-pitch groups will be 2 climbers per guide. Our trips are also mostly women. Men are perfectly welcome, but they tend to be outnumbered.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
The food we'll be eating is, for the most part, traditional Greek food as Leonidio is a small, rural village. We will not be cooking meals for the group, so we only have as much control over what goes into your food as you would going to any restaurant. That said, we've had participants with gluten-free and vegetarian diets on this trip before and they did just fine. Gluten-free bread and other options are provided at breakfast and are usually available at dinner. Vegetarian options are also available, but vegans may find navigating the Greek love of meat and dairy to be difficult. Celiacs may have a challenging time as well.
I'm plus sized. Am I able to climb?
We aren't experts in this area as this is not the lived experience of our current instructor team. But we want you here and we are committed to making your experience a positive one.
If you can:
- Hike three miles over varied terrain while carrying a 15 lb backpack
- Do 20 squats
- Have good balance
- And maintain a positive attitude
CLIMBING IS FOR YOU!
Currently the most limiting factor is the ability to fit into a harness. We have harnesses that can accommodate up to a 56inch waist. We are looking into getting a fleet of fully adjustable harnesses before next season starts.
If you want to learn more from plus sized climbers I highly recommend looking into Climb Big. Climb Big is an organization with a mission to "Make climbing more accessible for fat folx."
Can I bring my pet?
We know you love your fur babies, but unfortunately we cannot allow pets on any of our group trips or clinics.
Are payment plans available?
Yes we have two types of payment options. Please visit our Payment Plan page for more information.
An incredible organization with incredible people. I was out in Mexico with SMM In February 2022 and had a blast meeting folks who I still talk to and climb with today, and I left inspired by everything that Lizzy has done with the group. This is a radical group that puts its money where its mouth is - they hire diverse and experienced and knowledgeable and FUN guides, and give those guides opportunities to lead and grow that I haven't seen in any other guiding program since. They have scholarships and pay-what-you-can programs, increasing access and breaking down barriers for folks for whom climbing isn't welcoming (pretty much anyone who isn't a cis-white man). I think of my time in El Potrero Chico fondly and have raved about this group since. If you are even thinking about going on one of their trips, just go. It'll be worth it.
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