• Price:
  • Duration: 9 Days

All-inclusive Guided Rock Climbing Trip in El Bajío, Mexico. Sunshine, Culture and Spectacular Climbing. Mexico Rocks!

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Overview:

Escape winter with a climbing trip to Mexico!  Join us for a completely unique rock climbing experience to central Mexico, led by CMS guides Bernardo Beteta, a Mexican native, and Steve Levin, AMGA Certified Rock Guide and author of Eldorado Canyon, A Climbing Guide.

On this all-inclusive guided tour, you’ll visit several areas far off the U.S. climber radar, experiencing a mix of rock climbing and Mexican culture. This one-of-a-kind trip was designed for the climber with a sense of exploration!

For 2020, we are offering a 9-day trip starting in Querétaro (with direct flights from many U.S. cities).

We’ll begin by picking you up at the Querétaro airport, in the heart of colonial Mexico. We’ll climb at the sport climbing center of Las Peñas Dexcani Alto near Jilotepec, the fantastic multi-pitch walls of Peña de Bernal, and the historic crack climbing at Aculco. We’ll enjoy a rest day in San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage city, enjoying hot springs, craft markets, cobblestone streets, and an authentic Oaxaca dinner and artisanal mescal tasting.

You can relax as we take all of the worry and hassle out of Mexican travel. Driving distances are kept to a minimum, hotel stays are comfortable, and the authentic Mexican cuisine is outstanding. Bernardo will provide recommendations and often order widely from the menus, giving you the opportunity to try dozens of foods you’ve never had. We will tailor the climbing to your experience and background, whether sport climbing, multi-pitch climbing or crack climbing.  No other guide service offers a trip like this, and it would be difficult to do this on your own!

Read a full report on our rock climbing trip to Mexico in 2017 in Dougald MacDonald’s article in Climbing Magazine: Mexico Rocks! Exploring 5 Crags Near Mexico City.

Details:

Frequently Asked Questions:

What about drinking the water?
We supply bottled water, so bring a couple of water bottles to refill and plan on staying hydrated! One can also drink fresh-squeezed juices, the traditional horchata, and bottled sodas.

How long are the driving times?
We try to minimize time spent driving, with an average of 1.5 to 2.5 hours from location to location, not including stops.

What about cash and documents?
You will only need cash for souvenirs and alcoholic beverages – we take care of everything else. ATM machines are common if you prefer not to carry much cash. You will need a valid U.S. passport, and a tourist card (available on your plane before arriving in Mexico).

Sample Itinerary:

9-Day Excursion

  • Day 1: You will be picked up at the airport and taken to the hotel in beautiful downtown Querétaro. We will have an authentic Mexican dinner and orientation to talk about trip specifics. Stay the night in Querétaro.
  • Day 2: Delicious Mexican breakfast in Querétaro, then drive to Jilotepec and climb the remainder of the day at the fun conglomerate sport crag near town. Dinner and stay in Jilotepec for the night.
  • Day 3: Climb more routes at Jilotepec during the day, and then drive to the small colonial town of Aculco to have dinner and spend the night.
  • Day 4: Homemade breakfast and full day of crack-climbing at the splitter basalt cracks of Aculco Canyon. Mexican dinner followed by a second night in Aculco.
  • Day 5: Homemade breakfast and morning climb in Aculco Canyon. Drive to San Miguel de Allende for a delicious dinner and some free time to see the beautifully lit colonial buildings in downtown. Spend the night in San Miguel de Allende.
  • Day 6: Culture / Rest Day. Tasty Mexican breakfast followed by free time to explore the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende and all of its craft markets. Then an optional soaking in La Gruta hot springs. Traditional Oaxacan style dinner and Mescal tasting. Stay in San Miguel de Allende.
  • Day 7: Breakfast in town, then drive to the charming town of Bernal. Climb the majestic volcanic plug of Peña de Bernal for the remainder of the day. Mexican cuisine dinner and spend the night in Bernal.
  • Day 8: Roof-top breakfast followed by a multi-pitch climb with amazing views all the way to the summit of the Peña de Bernal monolith. Dine and lodge in Bernal.
  • Day 9: Breakfast in Bernal then drive to the Querétaro airport and take flight home.

Meeting location:

Querétaro City, Querétaro

Notes:

Expedition Cancellation Policy:

  • A 50% deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Full balance is required 90 days before your reservation begins. A refund minus a 10% administrative fee can be issued 120 days prior to trip start. 50% will be refunded 90 to 120 days before trip start. 25% will be refunded 75 to 90 days before trip start. Inside of 75 day, no refund is available.

All Upcoming Dates and Locations:

  • No dates found

Prerequisites:

We recommend that you are able to follow 5.8 rock climbs and have some outdoor climbing experience, although it’s not required. The areas we visit offer a wide range of climbing difficulties, and we can accommodate climbers of all abilities, from motivated novice to experienced shredder.

Duration:

9 Days

Maximum Ratio:

6:2

Minimum Age:

18

Price Includes:

  • Rock climbing guiding, ground transportation, food (excluding alcoholic beverages), lodging, and entrance fees.

Price Excludes:

  • Airline tickets, baggage fees
  • Personal climbing equipment
  • Trip Insurance
  • Guide gratuities
  • Non-meal time food & drink purchases; alcoholic beverages
  • Expenses beyond CMS’s control

Item Description Quantity Example Purchase At Rent At Equipment Type
Approach Shoes

These are “hiking” shoes specifically made for approaching and descending from a climbing venue where scrambling is necessary, or even for climbing an entire route. They have sticky climbing rubber on the bottom and a formed fit to influence better climbing abilities while scrambling. Consider high-tops for additional ankles support if needed. Regular hiking boots or athletic shoes may be acceptable for many climbs.

1

Men: La Sportiva TX3 Men
Women: La Sportiva TX3 Wmn

Neptune Mountaineering

Clothing
Backpack: 18-25 liter

This small pack is carries one’s approach shoes, water, food, extra layers, and toilet kit on the route. This pack should close completely so that no items can fall out.

1

CAMP M2 20L

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Belay and Rappel Device

Plaquette style devices with auto-block mode are ideal.

1

CAMP Piu 2

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Belay Gloves

Leather gloves, either full fingered or fingerless. These protect your hands from rope wear when belaying or rappelling and keep your hands warm at belays.

1

CAMP Axion

Neptune Mountaineering

Clothing
Chalk Bag

Holds climbing chalk, which is usually made from Magnesium Carbonate. This is the same compound that gymnasts, weightlifters, and other athletes will put on their hands in order to improve friction and grip.

1

CAMP Patabang

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Climbing Harness

UIAA or CE approved; With belay loop and gear loops. The waist belt should fit over multiple layers of clothing.

1

CAMP Laser CR

Neptune Mountaineering

Colorado Mountain School

Equipment
Climbing Pants, Shorts or Capris

For all seasons, cotton, loose-fitting (or tight, stretchy) pants are usually acceptable for rock climbing. Shorts are acceptable during the summer – though shorts expose the knees and shins to abrasions. New climbers are encouraged to wear pants or capris. A synthetic material (like in softshell pants) may be required by your guide due to potential rain storms.

1

Men: Rab Sawtooth
Women: Rab Womens Sawtooth

Rab Stores

Clothing
Cotton Socks

Cotton Socks are acceptable for most rock climbing days. Synthetic and merino wool socks tend to be too hot and make climber’s feet sweat excessively.

1

Point 6 Socks

Neptune Mountaineering

Clothing
Double-length Sewn Runner

48″ or 120cm. Used for rappelling, making leashes, and improvised rescue.

1-2

CAMP 11mm Express Dyneema

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Face Mask – PPE

Should be made with at least two layers of fabric. Your mask needs to cover your nose and mouth without large gaps. The mask should have ear loops or ties so you can adjust it. Look for a mask with a bendable border at the top so you can mold the mask to fit the bridge of your nose and prevent your glasses from fogging.

2 Clothing
First Aid Kit

Your guide will have an emergency First Aid Kit. You should bring a small kit including blister prevention and care products such as a role of athletic tape and Moleskin. Your kit should also contain a few Band-aids, some Tylenol and Ibuprofen.

1

Neptune Mountaineering

Optional
Food

Proper lunches that are prepared ahead of time are recommended (sandwich, burrito, leftover pizza, etc), along with an assortment of snack bars, gels, or trail mixes. Feeze-dried meals are acceptable on overnight trips, but not day trips.

1

Made in Nature, Thrive Tribe

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Headlamp

Load with fresh batteries. Critical for hiking before sunrise and great to have in the pack in case you are caught out after dark.

1

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Lightweight Baselayer Top

Synthetic or Merino Wool; Worn against the skin and is considered a “wicking” layer that facilitates the movement of moisture away from the skin and through the layers. Hooded base layers add extra versatility.

2

Men: Rab Syncrino Base LS Tee
Women: Rab Syncrino Base LS Tee

Rab

Clothing
Lip ScreenSPF 15 or higher.

Non-SPF rated lip balms can actually increase your chances of getting burned.

1

Rocky Mountain Sunscreen Lip Balm

Neptune Mountaineering

Optional
Long and Short Sleeve T-shirt

Cotton or Synthetic and Merino Wool; Bring a variety of short-sleeve or tank tops, and a few long-sleeve. Synthetic shirts are not required, but many prefer the feel and quick-dry performance. If your program includes crack climbing, a long sleeve cotton shirt adds a layer of comfort.

1

Rab Mantle Tee

Rab Store

Clothing
Midweight Baselayer Top

Synthetic or Merino Wool; Adds extra warmth and protection from the cold and wind without creating a moisture barrier as a jacket would. Having at least one base layer that is hooded adds versatility, protecting the neck and ears from cold winds.

1

Men: Rab Ascendor Light Hoodie
Women: Rab Ascendor Light Hoodie

Rab

Clothing
Neck Gaiter

“Buffs” are quite versatile in their uses. They can be used as light beanies, neck warmers, and can offer face protection from the cold wind or sun.

1

CMS Neck Gaiter

Neptune Mountaineering

Clothing
Non-locking Carabiners

Most climbers prefer wire-gated carabiners due to their light weight and low bulk, among other useful characteristics.

2-3

CAMP Nano 22

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Pajamas

It can be nice to have something clean to change into each night for sleeping in your sleeping bag.

1 Clothing
Personal Care Items

Medications, glasses or contacts, feminine products, etc.

1 Optional
Personal Toilet Kit

At minimum, bring a small Ziploc with toilet paper. Consider bringing a travel sized package of hand-wipes. Idealy, purchase, or for free from the RMNP Backcountry office, bring a “Rest Stop.” The Rest Stop, known as “Blue Bags” in the Pacific Northwest, or the “Wag Bag” in other areas, are poop-in-a-bag systems that include toilet paper and a sanitizing hand wipe.

1

Neptune Mountaineering

Optional
Prussik Cord

1m of 6mm nylon accessory cord. Tech cord (kevlar, spectra) is not acceptable.

2

Sterling HollowBlock

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Rock Climbing Helmet

UIAA/CE approved; Should be large enough to fit over a beanie. Plastic helmets are more durable, but heavier. Foam helmets are lighter, but more easily damaged when carried in a pack.

1

CAMP Titan

Neptune Mountaineering

Colorado Mountain School

Equipment
Smartphone

Great for taking photos and videos. Smartphone batteries tend to shut down in freezing temps – keep your phone in a warm inner layer. A tether is ideal in the mountains to protet against dropping your phone.

1 Optional
Softshell and Fleece Jacket

Water-resistant, windproof, yet it “breaths,” which means it allows moisture to move through. Hoods are ideal. There are multiple thicknesses of Softshell jackets. A lightweight or medium-weight jacket is preferred. Fleece jackets are acceptable.

1

Men: Rab VR Summit Jacket
Women: Rab VR Summit Jacket

Rab

Clothing
Sports Bra

Provides support and allows for full range of motion

1

North Face Beyond the Wall

Neptune Mountaineering

Clothing
Sun Hat

A billed hat to keep the bright mountain sun at bay.

1

Rab Trucker Logo Cap

Rab

Clothing
Sunglasses

“Wrap-Around” style sunglasses with 100% UV Protection.

1

Julbo Shield

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
SunscreenSPF 30 or higher.

Travel size.

1

Rocky Mountain Sunscreen SPF 50

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Toiletries

Bring enough for the trip. Toothpaste; brush, floss, deodorant, lotion, eye drops, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.

1 Optional
Water Bottles

1 liter bottles are the standard. Bladders such as Camelbacks and Platypus are acceptable for above freezing temps, but only in conjunction with another bottle. Bladders are not acceptable during sub freezing temps. Sports drinks are also acceptable.

2

Nalgene, Hydro Flask

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Waterproof Shell Jacket

Non-insulated, Gore-Tex, Dermizax, Event, or other waterproofing system is required. Mostly, this jacket sits in the bottom of your pack and comes out when the weather gets nasty with precipitation. This jacket should fit over all other layers.

1

Men: Rab Khroma Cirque GORE-TEX Jacket
Women: Rab Women’s Khroma Cirque GORE-TEX Jacket

Rab

Clothing

5 reviews for Rock Climbing in El Bajío, Mexico

  1. Roger S.

    I highly recommend the rock climbing trip to El Bajio, Mexico. The climbing and cultural aspects are not to be missed. In addition, I can’t speak highly enough of the two guides, Bernardo and Steve, for their professionalism, good humor, and meticulous planning. Truly an adventure to remember.

  2. Pam R.

    Such an unexpectedly fantastically fun trip! Great climbing on a huge variety of rock, and Bernardo and Steve couldn’t have been better guides! Our food and accommodations were top notch, and there were so many interesting cultural asides. Not your average climbing trip…I can’t recommend it highly enough! Go!!!

  3. Dougald M.

    The Bajio trip was an eye-opener in every sense of the word. We sampled five great climbing areas, with a huge range of styles, from bolt-clipping to stout crack climbing. The rest days were amazing (we’ve got souveners all over our house). And the guides, especially Bernardo, a native Mexican, helped us navigate approaches, busy streets, and unfamiliar menus while providing insights and access to the culture you’d never get while traveling to Mexico on your own.

  4. Chuck M.

    I had such a good time on the first CMS rock climbing trip to Mexico that I’ve signed up to do it again this year. The accommodations, the food, and the transportation arrangements were all first rate and hassle-free. The places we climbed were pretty spectacular. Steve and Bernardo did a great job looking after us.

  5. Jim

    Steve and Bernardo,
    One last opportunity to thank you for your leadership, instruction, humanity and care while we were in Mexico. I think I can speak for everyone when stating that this has been more than a climbing vacation. Rather, it was a life changing enhancement to us all, physically, culturally and emotionally. Again, thank you very much.
    Your friend, Jim

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