About an hour northwest of Monterrey, you will find El Potrero Chico, which has been attracting rock climbers from around the world.  El Potrero Chico features more than 600 bolted routes with permanent artificial anchors embedded in the rock, and which all are in easy access of campgrounds or lodging at the base.  Though this spot is ideal for climbing, the typical crowd usually only reaches 50 or 60 people, so you will usually only see a few other climbers during your climb.  The bolts in the rock make the rugged terrain easier to tackle, and the limestone uplift offers a combination of ledges and landings. 

 Lodging and camping is easy to find at the base of most climbs, which lets you devote your time to the reason you came here. Posada El Potrero Chico is a family-run campsite and lodge, and helps in aiding climbers by offering Wi-Fi, and a small gear shop.  Here you can get weeklong guided climbing trips that include a guide, equipment, airport shuttle and lodging in a casita with private bath.

 El Potrero Chico is just west of Hidalgo.  Living is simple here, and in the markets you can find the hearty food that you expect to find in traditional northern Mexico.  And in the town, the locals are devoted to encourage the climbing and preserve the environment, that’s why the climbing school runs cleanup days where the local children help with the maintenance of routes by collecting trash.

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