El Potrero Chico, Climbing Retreat

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. It’s a place where you can unplug from daily life and connect back to yourself in a unique and stunning environment. This trip is tailored to your progression and your curiosity. Your energy and experience on the rock guides us to the CUMBRE! 

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.

Come ready to learn, laugh, and challenge yourself, let’s go!

Maximum Time on the Rock

This isn’t a casual, one-climb-a-day itinerary. Expect full days of climbing tailored to your energy and goals. We want to climb multiple pitches per day, with time to refine technique and build familiarity with technical systems. You’re immersed in the mountains!

Low Ratios & Intimate Group Setting

With a low climber-to-guide ratio  the experience becomes intensely personal - real-time feedback on every climb, immediate adjustments to technique and strategy and space to ask questions, reflect, and try again. You’re not one of many—you’re the focus.

Mornings and evenings are just as meaningful as the climbing. Back at the casita, the group stays connected through shared meals, stories, mindfulness practices, games, and giggles. It’s a relaxed environment where we are invested in each others growth.

Education Built Into Every Moment

This is where the trip stands apart. It’s not just guided climbing—it’s a learning experience woven throughout. We start the day with a morning circle for movement, grounding and mindfulness. We discuss various climbing options with you, collectively weighing the pros and cons. Including you in the conversation to stay aligned with goals and expectations. On the rock, we build mental fortitude- embracing confidence, managing fear, trusting our own abilities. We narrate and explain the technical systems along the way to make sure you’re able to analyze systems with competence. 

The Result

By the end, you’re transformed through connection and experiences that last far beyond the trip. You’re equipped with skills to be confident and knowledgable in climbing. You’re empowered to trust yourself physically and mentally. And inspired for the next adventure!

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. We’ll arrange a taxi to pick you up at the airport and drive you the 60-90 minutes to Leo’s casita where you’ll settle in. If needed, you can stop at a market for extra snacks/food on the way. We’ll have our first dinner together!

Day 2 - Climbing! After breakfast and morning circle, our first climbing day will focus on building comfort and familiarity with the rock and multi-pitch systems.  

Day 3 - Our second day of climbing is a good day to push ourselves with a longer or more challenging route while you still have fresh energy. 

Day 4 - For those interested, this is a good day to work on honing and practicing multi-pitch systems. This instructional day offers a little rest from long multi-pitch routes. We’ll climb short multi-pitches and single pitch routes.

Day 5 - Our last day of climbing! By now, you’ll have an idea of the kind of climbing you hope to do on our last day. We’ll do our best to match your desires with the perfect objective! After our last dinner we’ll have a closing circle to reflect on our incredible week together. 

Day 6 - Pack up and head back home. We’ll arrange transportation to MTY airport for you. 

If you’re interested in staying for an extra day + to develop skills or climb other objectives, let us know and we can accommodate that!

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

Some areas we may climb at if you want to poke around:

- Mota Wall (this wall is great if we wants sunny day)

- Estrellas Canyon

- Buzz Rock (mostly sunshine; great place for first multi-pitch leads)

- Ivory Tower

- El Toro

- The Conundrums 

- La Selva

PRICE INCLUDES

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

+ Group climbing equipment such as ropes, draws, anchors, etc.

+ Taxi ride to and from the MTY airport

+ Five nights of lodging in EPC

+ Breakfast & Dinners - Our meals will be traditional Mexican food prepared by the best grill-jefe around! There will be options to accommodate most dietary needs.

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

+ Transportation to Monterrey - Air travel

+ Alcoholic beverages - we recommend bringing some cash to cover the cost of libations, sodas, souvenirs, and any tips for our in country hosts

+ Trip protection insurance or expenses incurred in the event of early departure

+‍ ‍Individual Guide Gratuities - we recommend between $200-$500 depending on your experience and prosperity