El Potrero Chico
México
January 16-22, 2022 - SOLD OUT!!!
January 30-February 5, 2022 - SOLD OUT!!!
7 days/6 nights
From $2795.00
“El que busca encuentra - he who searches, finds.”
With more four-star moderates than anywhere else, El Potrero Chico is the classic North American winter getaway.
Unlike almost any other climbing destination on the continent, El Potrero Chico is truly a playground for climbers. Home of the mini-big-wall sport climb, the limestone walls of Potrero have attracted climbers looking for a warm winter escape for decades. Stacked with miles of climbable stone in one of the most picturesque settings you’ll ever see, Potrero is a dream, and not only for the climbing. Amazing food, vibrant culture, easy access and pure fun are what Potrero’s all about. But don’t get the wrong idea - the climbing is amazing. Where else can you walk twenty minutes to a twenty pitch route with only a rack of quickdraws and still get back in time for a fresh margarita and some of the best tacos on the planet?
Long routes, short routes, easy routes, hard routes - whatever you’re after, Potrero’s got it.
Climbing
With some of the most fun and accessible stone around, El Potrero Chico is an international destination for climbers of all abilities. It is uniquely popular, however, due to its unmatched concentration of moderate single and multi-pitch sport climbs. Whether you climb 5.4 or 5.14, Potrero has something for you, but for the 5.6 to 5.10 climber it’s truly paradise.
Famous for its technical faces on sculpted grey limestone, the style of climbing is generally more delicate than powerful, and doesn’t demand that climbers be pull-up machines. But don’t worry - if steep is what you’re after there also plenty of caves and tufas as well.
What’s more, most of the approaches are short, and don’t involve any driving at all as we can simply walk into the canyon from our hotel.
Each day we’ll head out in small groups, with two climbers and a guide for multi-pitches, and up to five climbers for single-pitch outings. We’ll make sure everyone gets to climb a mix of single and multi-pitch days, and we’ll ensure you’re paired with climbers that match your ability so you don’t have to worry about being held back or pushed too far.
Like all of our climbing vacations, this trip is a perfect opportunity to come alone or with a friend or partner, and to learn new skills, push your limits, work on your lead or multi-pitch game, or just enjoy the ride.
Food & Accommodations
If you’ve never visited Mexico before, this is a perfect introduction, and if you don’t already love Mexico and Mexican food, you will after this trip. For those who have spent some time down south already, you’ll probably already agree that Mexico is the best. It’s hard to explain exactly, but the combination of a rich cultural history, deep traditions and relaxed, friendly people always keep us coming back.
Either way, we promise you’ll fall in love with La Posada, our home for the week. The property comes complete with gorgeous grounds, breathtaking views, an outdoor pool, a fantastic bar and restaurant, and friendly, bilingual staff.
Your lodging options include private rooms with one or two beds and private bathrooms, as well as super-stylish “glamping” luxury tents complete with electricity, beds, linens and furnishings.
Getting There
El Potrero Chico is located in the state of Nuevo León, and close to Monterrey, the largest city in northern Mexico. All you’ll need to do is get to Monterrey International Airport, which is modern, busy, and easy to reach. Our team will pick you up there, and you’ll quickly leave the city’s bustle behind with a forty minute drive to La Posada.
El Potrero Chico is located just outside the small town of Hidalgo, and is quiet, gorgeous, and a world away from any security issues that may concern travelers in other parts of the country. The US-Mexico border has also remained open throughout the pandemic, and there are no issues whatsoever with traveling to Mexico at present.
We do, however, ask that all trip participants be vaccinated against Covid-19 by the time the trip begins.
Itinerary
Day 1: ¡Bienvenidos a México!
You get yourself to Monterrey and our team will meet you there. A short drive will get you to La Posada, located at the mouth of the Potrero canyon and walking distance to all of the climbing, as well as the lovely little town of Hidalgo. You’ll be on your own to settle in, meet your guides and the rest of the group as they arrive, enjoy the scenery, have some dinner, and get some sleep.
Day 2: Climbing Day #1
We’ll start the day with breakfast at La Posada before we head for a short walk into the canyon to climb. We’ll begin by tuning up (or introducing) some skills for multi-pitch climbing, and will spend the rest of the day on the rock before enjoying a special parrillada, or local barbecue, for dinner.
Day 3: Climbing Day #2
We’ll start the day right with another breakfast before we head out to climb. We’ll split into small groups, with some teams heading to single-pitch climbs and some to enjoy multi-pitch adventures. Depending on our timing, we may also be able to visit the colorful Tuesday market in Hidalgo. No matter what the day holds, we’re sure you’re going to be ready for another cerveza and a delicious dinner.
Day 4: Rest Day & Yoga
Climbing for five days in a row can be pretty harsh, so like it or not, you’re probably going to need a day off. Don’t worry though - guides will be ready if you want to keep climbing (don’t say we didn’t warn you), and our very own Katie Paulson will be offering outdoor yoga classes to help you stretch out and recover. Massage services are also available, and there are tons of opportunities to explore town, hike one of the nearby peaks, or just take some downtime by the pool. We’re also going to give you the night off with no group dinner just so you don’t get tired of us.
Day 5: Climbing Day #3
Feeling refreshed from a day off, we’ll once again head out to climb. For folks interested in working on their skills, you’ll have all the time you need to learn and practice with our IFMGA and AMGA trained and certified guides.
Day 6: Climbing Day #4
We’ll once again start with breakfast, and this will be our last climbing day of the trip. We’ll have another opportunity to visit the market in Hidalgo, and since it will also be our last night at La Posada, we’ll make it a special one with a celebratory farewell dinner of another grand parrillada Norteña.
Day 7: Heading Home
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end, and you’ll have to go home. We’ll get you to the airport in Monterrey, and from there you’ll be on your way.
What’s Included
Airport transfers from and to Monterrey International Airport upon arrival and departure
Transportation to and from all climbing and cultural outings
Expert instruction and guiding
Six nights’ accommodation
Daily breakfasts, lunches, and snacks
Fantastic dinners of our favorite local foods
Drinks with every meal
Gratuities for hotel and restaurant services
Complimentary Now!Climbing and She Moves Mountains hats and t-shirts
What’s Not Included
Dinner on your rest day. Multiple options are available within a short walk from La Posada, or if you prefer you can also just eat at the hotel again.
Airfare
Gratuities for your guides
Guides
Chris Wright
IFMGA Mountain Guide / AMGA Certified Rock Guide
Chris has climbed, guided, skied and eaten his way across the globe. Winner of the 2020 Piolet d’Or for the first ascent of 7041m Link Sar in Pakistan, he is always hunting for good food, stone and sunshine, and the perfect rock climbing vacation to offset cold nights in snowy mountains.
Karla Moya
El Potrero Local / Guía de Escalada / All-Around Chingona (Badass)
A Monterrey native and our local ambassador, Karla is the expert on all things Potrero Chico. In addition to climbing and guiding extensively in Potrero and throughout the region, Karla also donates her time to replacing rusty bolts and hardware, and being a member of the local search and rescue team.
Lizzy Van Patten
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor / Apprentice Rock Guide
In only six short years of climbing, Lizzy has managed to amass an impressive resume. In addition to being the founder and owner of She Moves Mountains, America’s leader in climbing instruction for women, she’s also found time to make the first ascent of the hardest trad route put up by a woman in Oregon.
Maiza Lima
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor / Professional Rock Climber
Maiza grew up in the Brazilian Amazon before coming to the US as a teenager, and since finding climbing she’s charged quickly through the grades and onto the cover of Climbing magazine. When she’s not busy crushing routes, she’s often hard at work developing new ones near her home in Montana.
Tico Gangulee
IFMGA Mountain Guide / AMGA Certified Rock Guide
Tico began his affair with the mountains early in his home state of New York and it hasn’t stopped yet. In addition to climbing 5.13 and V10, he’s also made first ascents and descents all over the world, and will undoubtedly be the only guide on the trip able to perform one-armed pull-ups on demand.
Katie Paulson
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor / Apprentice Rock Guide
Climbing first caught Katie’s attention as an awkward teenage tomboy and over the last 17 or so years has evolved into her greatest passion. When she’s not casually jogging twenty plus miles, climbing 5.12 cracks, or cuddling her dog Mo, she’s also our resident and multi-talented yoga instructor.
This trip is offered in collaboration with our friends at She Moves Mountains. We figured they’re great at getting women into the outdoors, so why not collaborate for some trips where everyone’s invited? Read more about She Moves Mountains here.
