EL POTRERO CHICO MULTI-PITCH CLIMBING RETREAT
Join us for a week long dive into the climbing and cuisine of Mexico! El Potrero Chico is well known for its high limestone walls and warm winter temperatures. Potrero is one of the best winter climbing destinations in North America. Its walls have climbs for everyone from beginner to advanced climbers. The climbing is typified by highly featured rock and interesting movement. The friendly nature of the climbing and laid back culture of the town is perfect for vacations. Come with us to climb a bunch of stellar routes with like minded climbers. In the evenings we will gather to share a meal at one of the many local restaurants.
Dates:
Jan 25th - Jan 30st 2025 (Arrive Jan 24th, leave Jan 31st)
Prerequisite
Climbers at all experience levels are welcome!
Course Ratio
Max 2:1
Trip Length
6 Days
Cost
$2650; This includes shared housing. We offer the option to rent a private apartment for the week for $400 extra. You can share this cost with a friend or partner if desired.
TRIP ITINERARY
DAY 0 (TRAVEL DAY)
El Potrero Chico sits just outside of the small town of Hidalgo. Hidalgo is a quick drive from Monterrey, the largest city in northern Mexico. For most, the easiest and fastest way to arrive in Hidalgo will be to fly into the Monterrey airport and take a taxi to Hidalgo. Please plan on getting to the house in Hidalgo sometime in the afternoon on the first day. See the FAQs below for more info on logistics. Once everyone has arrived, we will all go out to eat for a welcome dinner where we will all get to know each other and do a little orientation for the trip.
DAYS 1-3
Our goal for the first couple days will be to get warmed up to the style of climbing in potrero. We will split into small groups depending on individuals' experience and interests. Ratios will be kept low at 2:1 the whole trip so folks who are interested can head up on multi pitch routes.
DAY 4: OPTIONAL REST DAY
After a few full days of climbing, we fully expect folks to feel a little tired. If folks are interested, the group can head down to the San Joaquin Hot Springs, which are about an hour drive away. The Hot Springs are a great way to relax and recover, and they are honestly one of the coolest hot springs we have been to! It is also possible to fit in a half day of climbing before heading down. This is also a great day to work on skills on the ground with the mentorship of a guide, this could include things like anchor building and cleaning, rescue skills or multi-pitch efficiency.
DAYS 5-6
After everyone is rested up, we will keep climbing in our small groups. These days are the best time to get up on some of the long multi pitch routes Potrero is famous for!
DAY 7 (TRAVEL DAY)
Time to travel home! We can help you arrange transportation to the airport.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
INCLUSIONS
6 days of professional instruction by AMGA certified Rock Guides
7 nights of lodging in a shared house with other participants, walking distance from the climbing (We can work with you to accommodate upgrades)
Breakfast and lunch every day (not including travel days)
Dinner every day, including a welcome dinner on the first travel day (does not include dinner on the final travel day).
Use of group technical equipment such as ropes, rack and quickdraws.
Annual park entrance passes
Transportation to and from the Airport
EXCLUSIONS
Airfare/flight
Breakfast and Lunch on Travel Days
Personal Climbing Equipment (harness, helmet, climbing shoes, we can supply some rentals and are happy to work with you to make recommendations on what/where to buy)
Day passes for the Hot Springs
Trip Insurance (Trip Insurance is Mandatory for this trip)
Guide Gratuity
FOOD AND HOUSING
Its no secret that the food in Mexico is amazing, and its certainly no different in the town of Hidalgo.
We have the taco tour of Hidalgo DIALED. We have been told by some that the food tour was a highlight of their trip. We will take the group out to a different restaurant each night, making sure everyone gets the full experience from authentic street vibes to cozy sit downs. We can cater to various dietary restrictions, just reach out to us ahead of time to confirm.
For lunches, we will get a large batch of tamales for the group as well as some produce to supplement. We will stop by one of the grocery stores a couple times throughout the week in case there are specific things you like to have in the mornings or throughout the day. The produce is amazing, fresh and cheap and the stores have most staples. If there are specific US snacks or bars that you prefer, we recommend bringing them.
For Lodging, we will be renting a large house walking distance to the park. This will be a private house with only course participants inside. The house will have a full kitchen, with a fridge and stove. There are multiple bedrooms, though its likely that you will have to share a room with someone else on the trip. The house will have WiFi. If you want a private room for yourself, let us know and we will reserve a private apartment nearby. This is $400 extra and could be split between two people.
FAQS
DO PEOPLE USUALLY SIGN UP SOLO OR IN GROUPS?
A lot of people sign up alone. It can be intimidating to travel to a new place alone with a bunch of strangers, be assured a lot of folks are in the same boat. It is a great way to network and meet new friends and climbing partners.
HOW MANY PEOPLE SIGN UP? WHAT IS THE TYPICAL DEMOGRAPHIC?
If a trip fills, we will typically expect around 4 - 6 people on a trip. We usually get a relatively even split of men and women. Historically, the average age has been mid 20's through mid 40's. Though we have had people of all ages sign up, even some in their 70's! Minimum age for this trip is 18.
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL EXPERIENCE LEVEL PEOPLE WHO SIGN UP HAVE?
This retreat is open to people of all experience levels, whether its your first time climbing, or are looking to break into 5.12. The low ratio on this course will allow us to split up into small groups and cater to everyone's goals.
HOW MUCH WILL I GET TO LEAD?
We pride ourselves on providing solid instruction and giving people the opportunity to grow. While its certainly not a requirement for the trip, we are happy to mix in some instructional curriculum for those interested. Potrero can function as a great classroom, whether its your first time climbing outside, or your looking to leading multi pitch routes on your own!
HOW HARD DO I NEED TO CLIMB TO GET THE MOST OF THIS TRIP?
El Potrero Chico has tons of classic routes at all grades. To get the most out of your trip, we would recommend that you should be able to climb 5.9 in a gym without falling. This shouldn't be viewed as a hard and fast rule, but will set you up with a good baseline to have a wide range of climbs within your reach in Potrero.
WHAT IF I'VE NEVER BEEN TO MEXICO? DO I NEED TO SPEAK SPANISH?
The town of Hidalgo is the perfect mix of tourism and local authenticity. If you've never been to Mexico before, you will be blown away about how warm and inviting their culture is. Hidalgo is an excellent glimpse into that small town vibe. While it doesn't hurt to speak Spanish, it is certainly not a requirement
WHAT GEAR DO I NEED TO BRING?
See the packing list for this trip HERE. We will send out more information on what to pack and travel strategies in the booking process.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY
We have a strict cancellation policy. See our Terms and Conditions page for a more detailed outline on what this looks like. We highly recommend you purchase trip cancellation insurance.
