When: November 1, 2026 – November 11, 2026
Where: El Potrero Chico, Mexico
Trip Leader: Terrence Liu (Terrence.KL.Liu@gmail.com)
Details: El Potrero Chico is located on the outskirts of Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, a quaint little town that has been welcoming the climbing community since the late 80s and early 90s. Participants will fly into the nearest airport at Monterrey, Mexico. We will arrange for ground transportation with a private driver from the airport to our accommodations in Hidalgo, which will be either a hostel or an airbnb home depending on the size of our group.
The guided program days will consist of a 3-day Multi-Pitch Climbing and Rescue Course followed by 1 multi-pitch day where participants get guided on an appropriate/personally challenging multi-pitch objective.
The general topics covered on the 3 day Multi-Pitch Climbing Course include:
- Planning your objective;
- Hazard management in the multi-pitch environment;
- Material strengths and limitations;
- Anchor building;
- Leading and belaying in the multi-pitch environment;
- Following skills and tactics;
- Rope and station management;
- Efficient multi-pitch transitions;
- Efficient multi-pitch rappelling;
- Multi-pitch rock rescue and emergency preparedness.
This instructional course will be followed up by a day of guided multi-pitch climbing where participants pair up and tackle one of the region’s classic multi-pitch climbs, putting their newly acquired skills into action. The goal of this day is for the participants to climb a personally challenging objective while the guide leads and mentors – providing modeling of effective systems and hazard management in a multi-pitch sport environment. This is a great opportunity to see these newly acquired skills be put into practice out on a longer route while practicing the skills required to efficiently second a multi-pitch rock climb.
On days when participants will not be on the course or out for the guided multi-pitch day participants have a number of options. These include taking a rest day to explore the local area/restock on groceries and supplies or participate in climbing activities facilitated by the Trip Leader. These facilitated days may be single pitch crag days or possibly multi-pitch mentorship climbs. These days are flexible based on energy levels and weather conditions.
Application Process: If you are interested, please send a brief climbing resume to Terrence Liu highlighting climbing experience. If sufficient interest is generated, then there will be an informal information session get together to discuss the trip in more detail.
Approximate Cost:
The cost of the guided days through Yamnuska Mountain Adventures works out to be a total of CA$1289.00 per participant. This includes all guiding fees for three days of 6:1 instruction and one day of 2:1 multi-pitch guiding. This price does not include participant transportation, meals, flights, insurance, phone coverage, accommodation, personal climbing gear and any guide gratuities.
Cost for flights from Toronto to Monterrey are $878.00 Canadian Dollars at the time of writing and airport transfers can be anywhere from 300-1000 pesos or $25 to $80 Canadian Dollars, depending on the number of people taking the shuttle.
Accommodation costs can vary depending on if Participants want to camp, take a hostel, or have a private room. This pricing will also vary depending on when we have enough people to make a booking, and then we need to get a quote. In the past, camping was around CA$15/night and private rooms can go as high as approximately CA$80/night, with generally a range of options in between.
Pre-requisites:
Participants will be instructed and guided by an ACMG certified guide during the beginning of the trip. As such, this trip is suitable for participants with at least beginner level lead climbing experience. This is, at a minimum, indoor lead climbing and belaying experience. More experience prior to the trip will facilitate deeper learning opportunities as a result of increased bandwidth for such participants. The climbing will be sport and, as such, no experience clearing gear is required.
Gear Requirements:
Participants will need a minimal climbing kit for the instructional and guided days. This should, at minimum include:
- Climbing harness;
- Climbing helmet;
- Backpack (30-40 l);
- Small multi-pitch backpack (10-15 l);
- Chalk bag;
- Rock climbing shoes;
- A belay kit consisting of:
- An ATC style belay device with guide mode;
- 1 HMS/pear locking carabiner;
- 1 locking carabiner (of any type, d shape works best);
- An anchor kit consisting of:
- 1 120cm sewn sling;
- 2 non locking carabiners;
- 1 HMS/pear locking carabiner;
- 2 additional HMS locking carabiners;
- 1 additional non locking carabiner;
- 1 5m x 7mm accessory cord;
- Rappel back up cord;
- Belay gloves (optional but highly recommended for rappelling).
Participants with a 60m or 70m dynamic climbing rope (preferably with a diameter <= 9.5mm) and quickdraws are welcome to bring these items, but they are not strictly necessary as group gear will be provided.
Participants are encouraged to bring certain climbing gear they would like to become familiar with particularly with its operation and limitations. This includes, but is not limited to, various belay devices and personal anchor systems (PAS tethers). Confirm gear eligibility with Trip Leader.
Visa requirements:
No visa requirement for Canadian citizens holding a valid Canadian Passport with more than 6 months left prior to expiration. Travelers should be ready to meet all entry/exit requirements for Mexico and any layover countries (such as the United States) prior to the trip. Contact the Trip Leader with any questions.
# of Participants (min): 6
Trip Classification: B/C
Waivers:
Please note you will be required to sign the ACC Exclusion of Liability, Assumption of Risk Indemnity Agreement (found here in English and French) prior to commencing the program. Members should ensure that their membership is up to date and have signed the online waiver. Non members should be prepared to sign a full-colour, paper copy of the waiver in ink upon arrival to the event.
Please note you will also be required to sign the Yamnuska Release of Liability, and Waiver of Claims prior to commencing the program. Please review the sample waiver linked above prior to booking. Contact Yamnuska Mountain Adventures with any questions.
Trip Hazards
Before registering for an event, please read and understand the hazards associated with the event identified on the trip posting.
Communication and Rescue, Falls and Belaying, General Hazards, Rockfall, Terrain.