El Potrero Chico, Climbing Retreat

Smile & Sunrise

El Potrero Chico Climbing Retreat

Single: $2650

ADD ON MULTI-PITCH DAYS
$450 1:1, $600 2:1 + addt. accomodations

Intermediate - Advanced

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El Potrero Chico, Mexico

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6 -Days

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November 29th - December 4th - Ladies Holiday Trip

February 14th - Februrary 19th - Queer Love Trip

  • El Potrero Chico is a world-famous limestone sport climbing paradise in northern Mexico.
    It offers a variety of excellent climbing routes, but is most popular for multi-pitch sport routes ranging in difficulty from 5.8 to 5.14.

    Led by Becca Droz & Meg Nickman, two female climbing guides with years of international climbing and guiding experience, this trip offers a balance of technical progression, cultural immersion, and joyful exploration. Our guides bring more than just knowledge of the rock — they foster an inclusive, empowering environment that encourages connection, confidence, and curiosity.

    Whether you're here to sharpen your climbing skills, reconnect with nature, or have an epic time with a rad crew, this trip to El Potrero Chico promises growth, gratitude, and a whole lot of fun.

    Come ready to learn, laugh, and challenge yourself in our one-of-a-kind trips, surrounded by truly inspiring mountains. Let’s go!

  • Pre-Adventure Trip Call:

    We will schedule a 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, catch a ride to EPC, and settle into our lodging. We will stop at a market for snacks/food for the week.

    Day 2 - Climbing! Based on the forecast and group energy, we will plan to single pitch climb and get to know each other better in the morning, then some shorter multi-pitch climbs in the afternoon.

    Day 3 - Explore Ivory Towers area and the ridgeline/spire summits.

    Day 4 - Hike up to the Outrage Wall for some of the best limestone features - tufas, steep jugs, sharp pockets!

    Day 5- Longer multi-pitch routes on El Toro or Las Estrellas.

    Day 6 - pack up and head back home. Transportation to MTY airport will be based on your flight.

    If you’re interested in staying for a few more days to develop skills, climb other objectives, let us know, and we can accommodate that!

    *** Itinerary is subject to change based on forecast, group goals, & risk management

  • PRICE INCLUDES

    +Guide fees (2:1 climber-to-guide ratio)

    +Group equipment such as ropes, helmets, harnesses, shoes, and technical climbing equipment, small multi-pitch backpack

    +Transportation to and from the MTY airport

    +Lodging in EPC

    +Meals - Most meals will be traditional Mexican food cooked by our host. We may also visit a local restaurant for a few dinners. There will be options to accommodate most dietary needs.

    PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

    +Transportation - Air travel

    +Alcoholic beverages

    +All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (evac fees)

    +Trip cancellation insurance

+PREPARATIONS FOR EPC WITH SMILE + SUNRISE

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Technical Experience

Basic technical climbing skills such as tying in and belaying are recommended. Multi-pitch climbing experience is recommended for this adventure.

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Fitness

Moderate physical fitness is strongly recommended. Climbers should be able to hike and climb for approximately 6-8 hours while carrying a small pack. We encourage you to join if you confidently top rope 5.8 outdoors and 5.10- in the gym.

Our EPC Rock Guides

  • BECCA DROZ

  • A smiling woman with short brown hair wearing an orange Arc'teryx hiking jacket and backpack in front of a desaturated mountain landscape with clouds.

    MEG NICKMAN

Meet The Smile Mountain Guides Team

FAQ’s

Climbing in El Potrero Chico

The answers to our most commonly asked questions for El Potrero Chico.

  • PRICE INCLUDES

    +Guide fees (2:1 climber-to-guide ratio)

    +Group equipment such as ropes, helmets, harnesses, shoes, and technical climbing equipment, small multi-pitch backpack

    +Lodging in EPC

    +Breakfast and dinners - The meals we'll be eating are traditional Mexican food cooked by our host. There will be options to accommodate most dietary needs.

    PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

    +Personal equipment (see Gear List)

    +Transportation

    +All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (evac fees)

    +Trip cancellation insurance

  • +Helmets

    +Harness

    +Shoes

    +Small backpack

    +Ropes and group technical equipment

    Smile Mountain Guides does not provide the necessary clothing for comfort in a mountain environment.

  • 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.

  • Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy.

  • Please email meg@smilemountainguides.com & beccadroz@gmail.com for more information.