El POTRERO CHICO, MEXICO
EL Potrero chico, Mexico Retreat
Nov & Feb
6- Days
Intermediate
From $2,900
Upcoming TripS
Nov 14- Nov 19, 2026
Feb 6- Feb 11, 2027
EXPLORE MEXICO
| OVERVIEW |
This special Smile & Sunrise trip was created as a collaboration between two woman-owned guiding companies, Sunrise Mindset & Smile Mountain guides. Becca Droz & Meg Nickman have years of international climbing and guiding experience. Along with their climbing expertise, they foster an inclusive, empowering environment that encourages connection, confidence, and courage.
With the guidance of Meg and Becca, you’ll improve your climbing skills, connect with nature and the culture of Mexico and have an epic time with a rad crew! This trip to El Potrero Chico promises growth, gratitude, and a whole lot of fun.
El Potrero Chico is a famous limestone climbing paradise in northern Mexico, most popular for multi-pitch sport routes. The landscape is expansive and the climbing seems endless.
| GALLERY |
| ITINERARY AND PREP |
Pre-adventure trip call
We will schedule a group call before your departure to check in and ensure everything is prepared. We will discuss personal goals, route options, review gear, and share additional contacts for the trip. This is also a great time to ask any questions.
DAY 1
Arrive in Monterrey, MX. Clients will be transported to our lodging in the town of Hidalgo, where we will settle in for the trip.
DAY 2
Welcome to climbing in the canyon! We walk from Leo’s into the canyon to explore. Our hike is about 20 minutes and we expect to climb 6-10 pitches on day one.
DAY 3
After getting a feel for the rock and routes, we will get out for another multi pitch day. If possible, we love to climb some impressive ridges/spires with unique summits. Our second day of climbing can be a good day to push yourself with a challenge!
DAY 4
Today, you take the lead! After two days of watching and learning multi pitch transitions, we let you get hands on experience, swapping leads with a partner. Becca & Meg will be next to you for any questions, pointers, or assistance.
DAY 5
One more big day of climbing - With a small group we have the option to cater this day to another long multi pitch route, pushing limits / casually cragging, or more skills learning. We’ll do our best to match your desires with the perfect objective.
DAY 6
Heartfelt “hasta luegos” and a taxi ride will be arranged to take you back to the airport.
Technical Experience
Basic technical climbing skills such as tying in and belaying are recommended. Multi-pitch climbing experience is recommended for this adventure.
Fitness
Climbers must be in excellent physical shape to join this expedition. This is perhaps the most important aspect of high altitude climbing, and cannot be stressed enough. Regular, challenging exercise for many months in advance of departure is the only way to gain the necessary level of fitness that is needed on big peaks. We highly recommend a structured training regime with a gym or personal trainer to assist you in preparing for climbing at altitude.
GROUP SUMMIT SELFIE, CUMBRE!
LEADER SKILLS DAY FOR GUESTS
| WHATS INCLUDED |
- All lodging according to itinerary, including double occupancy lodging while in town and group lodging in mountain huts
- Breakfasts in town, all meals while on the mountain
- Group camping and climbing equipment
- Scheduled in-country transportation
- Airport transfers
- Certified guides
- International flights
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Additional nights in hotel outside of the itinerary
- In-town dinners
- Tips for guides or local staff
- Hospitalization or evacuation costs
- Single supplement charges
- Excess baggage charges
- Alcohol
- Other personal expenses
- The costs of delays or changes to itinerary that are beyond the control of Smile Mountain Guides or its agents are not included.
FOOD SERVED AT LEO’S
BECCA DROZ, EPC
| PRICING DETAILS |
EL POTRERO CHICO, MEXICO
El potrero chico, mexico retreat
Nov & Feb
6- Days
Intermediate
$2,900 Per Guest
Singles
$2,850 Per Guest
Partners
Upcoming TripS
Nov 14- Nov 19, 2026
Feb 6- Feb 11, 2027
| QUESTIONS |
el potrero chico mexico retreat.
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Smile and Sunrise focus on small groups and ratios that meet the professional standards of mountain guiding. These programs have a 2:1 ratio for multi-pitch days; we maintain this ratio for cragging and instructional days.
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We require Rescue Insurance on all of our international expeditions. Rescue insurance will help cover costs in the event that you need to be rescued off the mountain (Ex: Helicopter/medical evacuation). Travel Insurance (which we strongly recommend) can cover issues that would cause you to cancel your trip in advance, like illness. We do recommend Global Rescue who does offer a Comprehensive Travel Protection option to your required Rescue (Evacuation) Insurance.
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The closest airport to EPC is Monterrery, MX. (MTY)
Viva Airlines offers direct flights in and out of Denver. Please be sure to check which ticket you’re purchasing and account for your baggage needs.Other airlines have flight options as well. We suggest making your reservation as soon as possible as these flights fill up quickly.
From the airport, we provide taxis from Monterrey to EPC.
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Yes, we provide the following gear at no charge for our climbing schools. Helmet, harness, shoes, and small climbing backpack. Please note- this equipment is available on a first come, first served basis, so please make your reservations early!
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Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy.
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We will have a private house at Leo’s. The amenities include 3 bedrooms (each with two single beds), two full bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room, wifi, an air conditioner in the living room, a coffee maker, kettle, microwave, & some pans and dishes.
We will be able to walk to the climbing areas directly from Leo’s, so no vehicle is needed. Leo’s also hosts the best karaoke night in all of EPC! -
Please email meg@smilemountainguides.com & beccadroz@gmail.com for more information.