Rock Climbing Retreat in El Potrero Chico

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 in El Potrero Chico, Mexico, please refer to the U.S. Consulate’s travel advisory 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:

• • Seasoned, AMGA-certified rock climbing guides with extensive knowledge of the area
  • Seven days of professional rock climbing instruction
  • Accommodations in a shared house for the duration of the tour
  • Welcome dinner on day 1
  • Dinner in local restaurants on days 2-7
  • Use of group climbing equipment such as ropes, rack, and quickdraws

What’s not included:

• • Transportation to Monterrey, Mexico
  • Taxi fees from Monterrey to El Potrero Chico and back
  • Breakfast, lunch, and snacks on days 1-7 (transportation to the grocery store can be arranged with your guide)
  • Meals on days 0 and 8
  • Personal climbing equipment
  • Guide gratuities — optional

If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Like climbing in the gym, outdoor 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.

For this adventure, some indoor climbing experience is necessary, but you don’t need to have any experience with outdoor climbing. 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.

For technical climbing equipment, you’ll need:

• • Helmet
  • Harness with belay and gear loops
  • Four locking and four non-locking carabiners
  • One 48” or “double length” nylon sling
  • Tube-style belay/rappel device
  • Prusik loop
  • Rock shoes
  • Multi-pitch climbing pack (10-15L)
  • Cordelette, quickdraws, and belay gloves — optional
  • Assisted braking belay device — optional
  • Chalk bag — optional

Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

• • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-50L bag)
  • Water bottles with 2.5-3L of water capacity
  • Snacks that you like but aren’t available in Mexico — optional
  • Approach shoes
  • Moisture-wicking clothes
  • Spare clothes for layering and 7 days of climbing
  • Toiletries ( bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Headlamp
  • Camera — optional

Your guides can supply some rentals and are happy to make recommendations on what to buy.

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.

Your group will stay in a private spacious house, just a short walking distance from the climbing routes. The house will have multiple bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and Wi-Fi. 

If you prefer to stay in your own accommodation and want to make sure that you won’t have to share a room with anyone, your guide can reserve an apartment for the week for $400 extra. You can share this cost with a friend or partner if desired. 

You’ll be able to buy yourself food for breakfasts and lunches at local markets. Expect nothing less than the freshest food of very high quality at affordable prices! 

Your guide can cater to various dietary restrictions, just reach out ahead of time to make the arrangements..

Group sizes and prices:

• • For this group retreat, the maximum number of participants is 4.
  • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate.
  • The cost does not decrease as the group grows. 
  • A lot of people sign up alone. It is a great way to network and meet new friends and climbing partners.

Rock climbing in El Potrero Chico can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the retreat 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.

• Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure any time in case the dates don’t suit you.
• Once the dates for 2024 are set, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
• The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
• Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.

For regular dates, a 20% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 2 months (60 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. 

• • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to sixty (60) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund minus the deposit. 
  • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.

To get to El Potrero Chico, most people fly into Monterrey International Airport 45 minutes away. From there, your guides will arrange a taxi for you to take you straight to your accommodation for the trip. To make things easier for yourself and your guide, we recommend arriving at Monterrey before 5 pm on the first day of your trip.