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Cascada de La Concepcion is an exquisite climbing destination just a short distance north of Mexico City. This crack climber’s paradise is located just outside of Aculco de Espinoza, in a winding river gorge with a majestic cascading waterfall at the back of the canyon. The rhyolite cliffs lining the scenic river valley hide some of the greatest crack climbs in all of Mexico and possibly the entire North American Continent! What makes climbing here particularly enjoyable is the smooth texture of the volcanic stone—you can climb from dawn till dusk with little to no abrasions to the skin. This climber’s paradise is nestled amongst an oak tree forest lining a river gorge at 8,500 feet (2,600 m) in elevation. Amazing climbs, ideal weather year-round, and a gorgeous backdrop help create a perfect combo for climbing. Nobody leaves these cliffs disappointed, so why not have a crack at them yourself! Learn more about climbing in Central Mexico from Simeon Heimowitz, PCGI certified climbing guide, owner of SouthernXposure, and author of 3 guidebooks.

  • Experience the best traditional crack climbing in Mexico

  • Enjoy great climbing conditions year-round

  • 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 5.6 to 5.12a, with a variety of options for all levels of climbers. Let your guide organize the day according to your needs and wishes. You can work on your jamming skills, conquer world-class routes or simply have a wonderfully relaxing day in this scenic family-friendly location!

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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 (5 reviews)
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

  • 57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

    We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures at La Cascada de La Concepcion, Mexico, please refer to the US Embassy’s COVID-19 information for Mexico.

    Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

  • What you get on this adventure:

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

    What’s not included:

      • Transportation
      • Accommodations
      • Lunch and snacks
  • 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. Be prepared for a full day of climbing on routes ranging from 5.8 to 5.12a.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Have more questions? Read our FAQ,
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