Included: An experienced, local climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area A full day of climbing All technical climbing gear Not included: Transportation Accommodations Lunch and snacks Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be?

If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

What if I’ve never climbed before?

El Potrero Chico has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun! For intermediate to advanced climbers, El Potrero Chico has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.

What about required equipment?

All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need: Helmet Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag Ropes Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them) Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.) Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag) Sun hat Water bottle Food you can eat on-the-go Long-sleeved sun shirt Light puffy jacket for high-altitude approaches Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Comfortable approach shoes Sunglasses Camera — optional Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For single pitch climbs, the max guest-to-guide ratio is 4:1. For multi-pitch climbs, the max guest-to-guide ratio is 2:1. Costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family! Climbing days in El Potrero Chico can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to El Potrero Chico, most people fly into Monterrey International Airport 45 minutes away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Hidalgo, a town right below El Potrero Chico. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s in Hidalgo or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

El Potrero Chico | Mexico

Rock Climbing at El Potrero Chico, Mexico

Guided rock climbing at El Potrero Chico

A climber ascending a wall in El Potrero Chico

Guided Rock Climbing in El Potrero Chico

From $380 ()

Duration

1 day

Season

September through April

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Things to know

Located just outside of Monterrey, El Potrero Chico is Mexico’s multi-pitch paradise and one of the best big wall climbing spots in the world. It has become an international destination due to its ease of access, friendly community, and abundant climbing. Boasting over 600 fantastic limestone sport routes, it truly deserves its nickname—”the Yosemite of Mexico’’. Choose from a wide range of routes, from Virgin Canyon’s more moderate 5.8s to intimidating 5.12+ monoliths like the Time Wave Zero. If climbing up to 23 pitches in length under the inviting Mexican sun sounds like something you’d enjoy, give El Potrero Chico a shot!

Adventure highlights

Big wall climbing

El Potrero Chico offers more than a dozen big wall multi-pitch route, making it one of the world’s finest big wall climbing destinations
Find your perfect route

With an expert guide by your side, choose among 600 fantastic routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.13a
Easy access

Many of the area’s greatest climbs are only a 5-minute hike away from the road

Available itineraries

Download itineraries

Private Single-Pitch Climbing With a Guide

Discover El Potrero Chico, a sport-climbing mecca with over 600 routes within walking distance! Test your prowess on beginner-friendly routes such as the Wonder Wall, or take on challenging climbs such as the 5.11 Pangea or the 5.13a Hombre de Rifle. A seasoned guide will accompany you, helping you choose the best routes and keeping you safe on the rocks. There will be one guide for a maximum of four people—with more people joining, the price goes down! If one day isn't enough, feel free to choose more days of climbing upon checkout.

Private Multi-Pitch Climbing With a Guide

Get ready for a multi-pitch rock climbing adventure in El Potrero Chico—one of Mexico’s most famous climbing areas! Get lost in Nuevo Leon’s landscapes and test out your endurance and skill on El Potrero Chico’s massive multi-pitch climbs, such as the 23-pitch Time Wave Zero. Your guide will help you choose the appropriate routes, so relax and enjoy the climbing experience of a lifetime. With multi-pitch climbing, there will be 2 people at most with one guide. Feel free to choose multiple days upon checkout if you're up for several days of epic climbing!

Rock Climbing at El Potrero Chico, Mexico

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Simeon Heimowitz

Simeon is a PCGI Certified Climbing Guide with over 15 years of experience in guiding in Northern & Central Mexico. He is the owner of SouthernXposure, a climbing school & guide service in Central Mexico. Simeon wrote three guidebooks on Mexico rock climbing, covering the Bernal, Aculco, and El Potrero Chico areas, where he has spent over 18 years climbing the crags!

5.00

SouthernXposure

SouthernXposure Climbing School and Guide Service is at the forefront of rock climbing in Mexico. They are a union of the best rock climbing guides from all over North America. They develop the areas, routes, and the infrastructure on terrain that is destined to become the focal point for the best climbing — not only in Mexico, but also all of the northern continent from Canada to Central America. SouthernXposure is a professional guide service that embraces the cultural heritage of the surrounding area by enlightening visitors to what makes the towns we visit so special. If you've never traveled to the breadbasket of Mexico you are in for a real treat!

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - A full day of climbing
  - All technical climbing gear
Not included:
- - Transportation
  - Accommodations
  - Lunch and snacks
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.
El Potrero Chico has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun!

For intermediate to advanced climbers, El Potrero Chico has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.
All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:
- - Helmet
  - Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
  - Ropes
  - Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
  - Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)
Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
  - Sun hat
  - Water bottle
  - Food you can eat on-the-go
  - Long-sleeved sun shirt
  - Light puffy jacket for high-altitude approaches
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Comfortable approach shoes
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For single pitch climbs, the max guest-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
  - For multi-pitch climbs, the max guest-to-guide ratio is 2:1.
  - Costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family!
Climbing days in El Potrero Chico can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to El Potrero Chico, most people fly into Monterrey International Airport 45 minutes away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Hidalgo, a town right below El Potrero Chico.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s in Hidalgo or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.