Day 1 · Arrive in Mexico
Fly into Monterrey; we transfer you out to Potrero Chico (about an hour) and settle in.
Sleep in Potrero
Potrero Chico Mexico Climbing Adventure
World-class limestone sport climbing and easy multi-pitch near Monterrey.
Hot springs, caves, city tour, and incredible Mexican food.
Top Rope 5.9+ (gym grade)
$2,195 per person
8 nights · Oct 17-25 or Dec 26-Jan 3
Max 7 climbers + expert local guides
Trip At a Glance
Duration + Dates
- 9 days — Oct 17-25 or Dec 26-Jan 3
- From $2,195 per person
Skills Required
- Top rope 5.9 (gym equivalent)
- No lead or multi-pitch required
Itinerary
- Sport climbing + easy multi-pitch days
- Monterrey · Huasteca · hot springs · caves
Guides + Group
- Max 7 climbers + expert local guides
- Late 20s/30s · gender balanced
- Small-group climbing ratios
Dates & Price
$2,195
per person (shared room) · $500 deposit
Trip Dates
Oct 17-25, 2026
Dec 26 - Jan 3
Included
- All in-country activities and climbing days
- Expert local climbing guides
- Local transportation and trip logistics
- Monterrey city tour, hot springs, and cave tour
- Hotels, breakfasts, group dinners, and park entries
Not Included
- International flights
- Required climbing insurance (usually around $150)
- Most lunches/dinners and personal expenses
- Private room upgrade (may be available at extra cost)
Itinerary
Representative schedule. Daily details may shift for weather, conditions, and group level.
Day 2 · Sport Climbing in Potrero
A full day on Potrero Chico's famous limestone with local guides, then an evening sound-healing session.
Sleep in Potrero
Lunch on crag
Sound healing
Day 3 · Explore Monterrey
Guided city tour through Macroplaza and the cathedral, the Sunday market, and a river boat on Santa Lucía, ending with a group dinner.
Sleep in Potrero
City lunch
Group dinner
Day 4 · Multi-Pitch Climbing
An accessible multi-pitch day with local guides — top rope or follow the whole way. Evening massages back at the hotel.
Sleep in Potrero
Lunch on crag
Massages
Day 5 · Hike + Climb in La Huasteca
Morning hike on the Pico del Águila trail in the dramatic Huasteca canyon, then easy sport climbing in the afternoon.
Sleep in Potrero
Lunch delivered to the park
Dinner in town
Day 6 · Sport Climbing + Spa Town
More sport climbing in Potrero, then transfer to a spa hotel in San Joaquín for hot springs and a traditional temazcal.
Sleep in San Joaquín
Lunch on crag
Hot springs + temazcal
Day 7 · Hot Springs + García Caves
A relaxed morning in the hot springs, then a tour of the Grutas de García caves and the surrounding town.
Sleep in Potrero
Lunch in town
Group dinner
Day 8 · Multi-Pitch + Community Bonfire
A bigger multi-pitch day to finish, then a bonfire and buffet with the wider Potrero climbing community.
Sleep in Potrero
Lunch on crag
Bonfire & buffet
Day 9 · Depart
Transfer from the hotel to Monterrey airport.
Skills Required
🧗 Top Rope 5.9–5.10a (Gym Grades)
You should be comfortable climbing around this range indoors.
🏔️ At Least One Outdoor Climbing Day
You do not need extensive outdoor mileage, but at least one outdoor day is required.
⚡ Full-Day Physical Stamina
You should be ready for active days: approaches, climbing, and travel transitions.
🪢 No Multi-Pitch or Lead Requirement
Potrero Chico is famous for accessible multi-pitch. You can top rope all trip and opt out of multi-pitch days if needed.
Your Guides: Taylor & Michelle
Taylor Valore
Trip Leader
80+ countries
15 years abroad
Wharton MBA
Climbed on 5 continents
I organize this trip and I’m on the ground with the group. Our climbing guides are local experts who know these crags inside out, and I coordinate logistics so your days feel smooth and focused.
I’ve traveled to 80+ countries, often with just days of planning, and I’m most at home on physically intense adventures—rock climbing, Spartan races, canyoning, and long active days outside.
Before Go Harder Travel, I lived abroad for 15 years, earned my MBA from Wharton, and worked in tech. I built this company to combine challenge, community, and unforgettable trips.
Michelle Garza
Climbing Guide
Local Potrero Chico guide
500+ climbs
English & Spanish
I’m a full-time climbing guide from Hidalgo, Nuevo León — right next to El Potrero Chico — with well over 500 climbs on this limestone. I know these routes, the terrain, and the conditions here intimately, single pitch and multi-pitch.
I found climbing at 23 during a hard chapter of my life, and what started as an escape became my profession. I’m one of the few active female climbing guides from the region, and I love introducing people to this place.
I focus on safe systems, patient coaching, and route choices that match each climber’s level. My goal on every trip is simple: help you feel safe and confident on the wall and leave Potrero Chico with unforgettable days of climbing.
FAQ
Is Potrero Chico safe?
Potrero Chico is a long-established international climbing destination with a steady stream of visiting climbers. We handle all in-country transportation and logistics, stay in well-known climber lodging, and travel as a group.
Do I need to know how to lead or multi-pitch?
No. You can top rope throughout the trip, and Potrero’s multi-pitch routes are very accessible. Lead and multi-pitch experience is not required.
What happens if weather affects a climbing day?
We don’t climb wet rock. First we adjust sectors based on conditions; if needed we swap in one of the non-climbing days (city tour, hot springs, or caves).
Do I need travel insurance specific to climbing?
Yes. Your policy must explicitly cover outdoor rock climbing and hiking in Mexico, including accident, medical, and evacuation coverage for your trip dates.
How are meals handled on climbing days?
We usually grab snacks on the way out or have lunch delivered to the park, with relaxed group dinners in town around local timing.
If I’m not interested in a specific activity, can I substitute it?
The core itinerary runs as a group plan. In some cases we can arrange alternatives for an additional fee, depending on logistics and guide availability.