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Rock Climbing at La Cascada de La Concepción

Discover the breathtaking Cascada de La Concepción, Mexico’s crack climbing paradise near the ‘Magic Town’ of Aculco de Espinoza! With rhyolite cliffs, smooth volcanic stone, and a stunning waterfall, it’s a dream for climbers of all skill levels. At 8,500 ft (2,600 m), the oak forest backdrop and perfect year-round weather make every ascent rewarding. Learn more about climbing in Central Mexico from Simeon Heimowitz, a certified climbing guide who’s authored 3 comprehensive guidebooks on climbing in Central Mexico! Whether you’re a seasoned crack climber or a novice eager to learn how to hand jam, La Cascada de La Concepción awaits!

Adventure highlights

  • Gorgeous surroundings
    Nestled near a majestic waterfall and surrounded by an oak forest, the gorge offers a serene backdrop for climbers
  • Test your endurance
    With climbs ranging from 5.7 to 5.12 and a focus on 5.10 grades, this destination is perfect for honing your technique
  • World-class crack climbing
    Take on a wide variety of cracks for climbing connoisseurs of all skill levels
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Itinerary

Join your guide and take on the cliffs of La Cascada de La Concepción, the “Indian Creek” of Mexico! Climb 65-165 ft (20-50m) rhyolite cliffs ranging from 5.7 to 5.12a alongside an expert, certified guide! You can work on your jamming skills, conquer world-class routes or simply have a wonderfully relaxing day in this scenic family-friendly location! 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.

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Meet your guides

Simeon Heimowitz
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!
SouthernXposure
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!
5.00 (9 reviews)
Phillip Binnema (source: Google Reviews)
Had an amazing few days climbing at La Concepcion in Aculco with Simeon! The cracks are splitter, but the movement is surprisingly fun and varied… Boy did it feel good to jam cracks and place gear again! I would encourage everyone climbing in mexico to check this place out as there are routes suitable for learning to jam, and laser tips cracks as well. Thanks again Simeon!
Iliana Hernandez (source: Google Reviews)

Simeon truly knows the triple crown of Mexico in and out as he and Jerry developed many of the routes there. We were able to climb routes that are not in any guidebook, and on gorgeous rhyolite crack that you rarely find in the US. Simeon is super encouraging and seemed to be genuinely just as stoked for us as we were. As a new leader, I felt comfortable and confident lead climbing outside for the first time. This trip expanded my awareness of climbing in Mexico outside EPC and I left with so much good beta on the area for when I return. 10/10 would recommend.

Nathan Ball (source: Google Reviews)
Simeon is a fount of knowledge and insight about the Central Mexico climbing scene. His Rakkup guides are the best written source of information in English for Pena de Bernal and Aculco; I would highly recommend them. He is, himself, an incredibly helpful person who wants everyone who comes to this part of Mexico to enjoy it to the fullest. With his guidance, we were able to experience so much more than what we would have been able or willing to without him – the perfect hotel, rides to and from the airport, the best places to eat, and of course which routes to climb. Thank you Simeon!
Shirle Wong (source: Google Reviews)
Simeon and Ulysses from SouthernXposure are simply the best. They are extremely knowledgeable and also always put your safety first but checking in on you while also giving you that little push that you need while climbing. I had a really wonderful time with them in Mexico and it was the highlight of my entire trip as well as climbing years! Highly recommend if you’re looking for anything climbing!!! Keep it up!!
Radek C. (source: Facebook)

My wife and I wanted to get the most out of our one day in the beautiful Aculco. And so we contacted Simeon at SouthernXposure Guides who in turn arranged for Carlos (Mac) to take us there and be our “guidebook”. Carlos is a very experienced climber who had established big wall routes on all the inhabited continents over the last 3 or 4 decades. He is a great resource for climbing information around Mexico as well. More importantly, however, he is a humble and a very fun person to be around and it was our privilege and pleasure to get to know him a little. Aculco cracks were enjoyable but chatting with Carlos over some post-climb beers was the definite highlight of the trip. We also want to mention that Simeon had arranged all the lodging for us on this trip (Aculco and Bernal) and the places he recommended (including eateries) were great! Expand your horizons a bit – give El Potrero and Red Rocks a break this winter – and instead head further south. Whether you’re an experienced climber looking to smooth out some logistics or a beginner who’d like to stand on top of the Pena, you should definitely contact the friendly, helpful, and professional folks at SouthernXposure.

Mike A. (source: Facebook)

My friend and I are total newbies but Simeon, the owner, worked very patiently (and humorously) with us as we tried to decode the mysteries of the double bowline and learn to set up anchors. His love for Aculco and Casdadas de la Concepcion was infectious. I will definitely be back, especially when the temperature in New York is dipping into the teens!

Bradley N. (source: Facebook)

Cindy and I just spent winter break climbing in Bernal and Aculco and Simeon was incredibly helpful. He was always available to answer questions to help us put the trip together and we had an amazing time climbing with both Sim and Carlos! We couldn’t have felt safer or in better hands.

Drew W. (source: Facebook)

On my first trip to Mexico for rock climbing, Simeon was gracious in showing us several local climbing destinations within an hour or so from Queretaro. Without his help, we would have been lost. Simeon is passionate about the sport of rock climbing as well as introducing Mexican culture to individuals visiting from the states. His knowledge of both is invaluable, and I would highly recommend Southern Xposure as a guide service.

Jason T. (source: Facebook)

I have had multiple outings with Simeon and each has been amazing. From climbing for the first time at Peña de Bernal to climbing with my whole family at La Concepcion to most recently learning how to set anchors. Simeon has taken climbing from something that I always had an interest in into something my whole family can enjoy together. All of the instruction is detailed and tailored to the individual skill level with safety always being the priority.

Things to know

  • Included

      • An experienced, local climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • A full day of crack climbing
      • All technical climbing gear

    Not included:

      • Transportation
      • Accommodations
      • Lunch and snacks
      • Travel and medical insurance — optional
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • This adventure is for intermediate to experienced climbers with decent fitness levels. Even though crack climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength, La Cascada de La Concepcion’s climbs will properly test your endurance.

    You can find anything from 5.7 to 5.12, but 5.10 is the staple grade here. It is an excellent place to build out your library of moves because the cracks are technically demanding and no two are alike.

  • For intermediate to advanced climbers, La Cascada de La Concepción has loads of routes to spend the day on. If you’re new to crack climbing, your guide will happily teach you the fundamentals, such as efficient jamming, modifying your jam to the rock’s profile, and proper body positions. 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. If you’re completely new to climbing, why not try this beginner-friendly rock climbing tour in El Potrero Chico?

  • 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:

      • Daypack 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
      • Comfortable approach shoes
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
      • 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 this adventure, the max guest-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
      • Costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.

    Crack climbing in La Cascada de La Concepcion 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 La Cascada de la Concepcion, most people fly into Queretaro Intercontinental Airport 1 hour away. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus.

    Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. 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.

  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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