Is there a better way to become a stronger and more confident climber than this ladies-only rock climbing retreat in sunny Mexico? Women supporting women while climbing can create very special bonds! When “in the zone” and pushing beyond one’s level of comfort, having such a wonderful crew of fellow lady crushers surrounding you transforms the experience into something very special. Whether you top-rope, mock lead, or full on lead climb, everyone will feel included. What makes this retreat even more thrilling is the guidance of the world-famous Katie Brown and professional staff of women guides! This Mexican adventure offers a rare opportunity to gain skills and inspiration from the very best in the sport.
Join us on this 7-day women-only rock climbing retreat in some of the most iconic climbing spots in Mexico and elevate your climbing skills and knowledge. Over the course of this retreat, you'll climb in three world-class destinations, learning and growing together in a fully supportive group environment. This experience is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of climbing techniques, taught by the best guides, while you tackle amazing routes in spectacular locations.
Today’s clinic will be taught at La Peña de Bernal, the world’s tallest freestanding monolith. On the first day, the focus will be placed on assessing goals, getting to know one another, and climbing great routes while learning about the art of fluid motion. The foundations of climbing and the importance of having a strong and solid partnership between the climber and belayer will be explained.
We cover skills such as on-sighting tactics, efficiency while climbing, and fluid movement. We focus on how to overcome the mindset of only thinking about the falling instead of the climbing. And just as important, why falling is never failing, how to build the best anchor-point on bolts and stripping the anchor safely and efficiently. 99% of past participants are leading sport climbs by the end of the day!
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Hotel or AirBnB
Central Mexico’s most popular crack climbing destination is located just minutes from the gorgeous town of Aculco de Espinoza. The goal of today’s day of climbing is teaching everyone about proficiently climbing cracks. We will observe everyone’s skills and discuss the differences between trad vs sport climbing and safety at the crag. Building top-rope anchor is an essential skill for outdoor rock climbing.
We’ll have time to understand jamming great splitter cracks while learning the skill of setting a proper TR anchors. The focus being on the equipment necessary to stage solid redundant anchors, the use of acceptable natural features found at the top of a cliff and the most modern system for rigging anchors. By the end of the day, everybody should expect to gain the knowledge and understanding to feel comfortable building top-rope anchors at the top of any accessible cliff with natural anchor points. Climbers can participate in the clinic or they can just keep climbing routes!
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Hotel or AirBnB
Discover the charming town of Aculco on your first rest day! From exploring local sights to relaxing at cozy coffee shops, there’s something for everyone. Treat yourself to delicious pastries and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture.
Accommodation: Hotel or AirBnB
This day of climbing will be held at Las Peñas de Dexcani, located in a private woodland preserve just outside the town of Jilotepec de Molina. The goal of the day is to feel comfortable and succeed in a new environment that forces differing techniques and energy conservation. You will be route finding while the pump clock is ticking.
This will be a full day of climbing and learning—as a cohesive group, you will focus on making sure all the necessary building blocks of success have been retained for this day and moving into the future. Learning the techniques specific to sport climbing on steep terrain pays large dividends for anyone looking forward to climbing into the future. Your guides aim to teach lessons and skills to propel one’s entire mindset towards proficiency and self sufficiency!
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Hotel or AirBnB
One more day in Aculco is exactly what you need to recharge! Your muscles deserve a break, so why not exercise your mind with a guided walking tour of this charming town? From tourist shops to cheese shops, and historical sites, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy. Aculco’s beauty will surely captivate you, offering a true taste of Central Mexico’s culture. Let your heart be warmed by this delightful experience!
Accommodation: Hotel or AirBnB
Join us for one more day of pure climbing joy at La Concepcion outside of Aculco! This climbing day is dedicated to honing your crack climbing skills and conquering those challenging routes you eyed on our first day there. We’ll be setting up top-ropes all day on a range of classic routes. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to elevate your climbing game and soak in the breathtaking views while you dial in your technique. Let’s make unforgettable memories together as we reach new heights!
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Hotel or AirBnB
We make sure everyone makes it to the airport with plenty of time to relax before their flight! Happy travels and we hope to see you again soon!
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.
The perfect way to close 2021!! I spent 4 days with an amazing circle of siSTARS for a women’s climbing clinic hosted by Simeon Heimowitz and led by Arcelia Garcia and Sue Kligerman, all incredible human beings and masters of their craft. We explored sport climbing in Bernal and Jilotepec, and crack climbing in Aculco. We learned to set and clean top rope anchors, rappel and lead sport routes. With their beautiful smiles and warm hearts, Sue and Arcelia created a safe container for us individually and as a group, empowering us to lead with confidence both on and off the mountain. Simeon, the owner of Southern Xposure is an absolute gem who genuinely cares for each of his clients as well as his community. Beyond anchors, I built relationships that will last a lifetime. I am so very grateful to be sharing the journey with these remarkable humans and look forward to all of the adventures that remain ahead. Shout out to Sim’s fur babies Peanut Butter and Squirt. See you soon!
Mad gratitude and all the love XO – MB
Included:
Not included:
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 experience rock climbing in Aculco de Espinoza, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.
No prior experience is necessary for this rock climbing tour in Aculco de Espinoza. Whether you’ve never donned a harness or you’re a seasoned climber, a guide will help you meet your individual objectives. Above all, your instructor’s number one priority is your safety. As long as you listen to the given instructions, you’ll succeed in completing your climb.
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:
Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:
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.
The third and fifth day of your adventure are reserved for rest. What you do on this day is totally up to you — and your guide can help with all the arrangements!
If four days of climbing were enough for you, you can pack up and head to the airport (transportation included) on Day 7 and start your journey home. You’ve climbed fantastic routes, learned skills to last a lifetime all the while experiencing the endearing culture found in Central Mexico.
In case you’d like to prolong your adventure, stay for another optional day and use it to your heart’s delight. Join the remaining group for an added day of rock climbing at La Concepcion—at no added cost! Explore more of the magical town of Aculco as there is so much to see and do. Maybe go horseback riding, hiking, visit the hot springs, explore the local museums, venture to the pyramids, hop in for a 4×4 jeep tour, or join a dirt bike tour—the fun never stops! Once you sign up, talk with your guide about how to make the remainder of your trip spectacular. Horseback riding, hiking, hot springs, museums, pyramids, local tourist attractions, 4×4 jeep tours, dirt bike tours, or just hang out! Your time spent here will be unforgettable. Guaranteed.
Group sizes and pricing
Climbing days in Aculco de Espinoza can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.
Min. age requirements
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Aculco de Espinoza, most people fly into Querétaro Intercontinental Airport 25 minutes east of La Peña de Bernal. Your guides will arrange free transport for you from the airport to La Peña de Bernal.
It’s best to fly in a day earlier. Your guide’s car service will pick you up at the airport for a quick trip to Bernal. Once in Bernal, spend the remainder of the day absorbing the beautiful weather and poking around all the artisanal shops in town. Food, music, culture and shopping are all waiting for you.
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!
To secure your spot, a deposit in the amount of 30% is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid 90 calendar days prior to the trip departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If you cancel the booking…
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.
If you’re on the fence about hiring Southern Xposure Climbing Guides, this is a sign to go ahead and book their services!
I signed up for the Own It Women’s Climbing Retreat for March 2024, anticipating top-tier climbing, but everything exceeded my expectations. On day one, I was already learning new techniques and knots (I’ve been climbing for about 7 years).
Guides Simeon and Arcelia were both friendly and knowledgeable, fostering a supportive atmosphere where solo participants like myself quickly bonded with others. The locations – La Peña de Bernal, La Concepcion, and Las Peñas de Dexcani – were truly breathtaking, with challenging yet exhilarating routes. The delicious food only added to the overall fantastic experience.