Trip Report
Potrero Chico PSA

by Winter
Sunday November 6, 2011 5:03pm
Having just returned from two weeks in the Potrero, I wanted to pass on some information about local conditions. The drug wars combined with the July bombing of the Monterrey casino have reduced the gringo factor to a mere trickle. In short, we had the entire place to ourselves.

Despite rumors of violence and questionable looks from friends that heard of our travel plans, we had no safety issues whatsoever. The locals are as friendly and kind as ever, and they definitely need the support of the international climbing community. The prime season just started - go check it out!

More here: http://chriswinter.blogspot.com/2011/11/el-potrero-chico-psa.html

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Climber on the Mota Wall with the Outrage Wall and Time Wave Zero in t...
Climber on the Mota Wall with the Outrage Wall and Time Wave Zero in the Background
Credit: Winter
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Who are these guys?
Who are these guys?
Credit: Winter
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Climber on the classic 5th pitch of Snot Girlz
Climber on the classic 5th pitch of Snot Girlz
Credit: Winter
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Kristin on Tortilla Flats
Kristin on Tortilla Flats
Credit: Winter
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Jaime on Permanent Vacation, 5,11
Jaime on Permanent Vacation, 5,11
Credit: Winter
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  Trip Report Views: 3,132
Winter 		About the Author
Winter is a punter from Portland.

Comments
all in jim

climber
  Nov 6, 2011 - 05:25pm PT
Thanks for that... I miss that place!
Knave

Trad climber
Napa
  Nov 6, 2011 - 07:45pm PT
I was there in February and had no issues. Fly in, taxi straight there. I would go again without too much hesitation. I wouldn't drive there however. Still some risk involved but once in Hidalgo it's pretty safe from violence, I believe.
Ezra Ellis

Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
  Nov 7, 2011 - 08:49am PT
Stellar TR bro, thanks!
Glad Y'all had no problems!
jfailing

Trad climber
PDX
  Nov 7, 2011 - 09:45am PT
Nice - a note signed by ST's own K-man and Adamame... Glad you had fun, and the place to yourselves!
Manimal

climber
SLT, Ca
  Nov 7, 2011 - 11:06am PT
I wish "we had no problems" meant something about the conditions. I'm not saying I wouldn't go but this means nothing with respect to the risks involved. Nothing happens until something happens. I'd be interested though in what the locals are reporting. I've heard one should get transportation straight from the airport to EPC and to look as scruffy as possible, no stops, no shopping, nada, as the dangers are very real in and around Monterrey. Hopefully the cartels have better things to do than exploit the presence of international climbing tourists, but hey, let's be real, there's opportunity for profits wherever those with the resources to travel are.....some not so pleasant!
Winter

climber
Author's Reply  Nov 7, 2011 - 12:33pm PT
Manimal -

Just to be clear, we did get transport directly from the airport with Ed, which I would recommend to others, although I don't have first hand experience with Monterrey outside the brief time we spent in the airport. We talked to a fair number of locals form both Monterrey and Hidalgo. They all generally agree that their country is in crisis mode right now with the gangs and violence but the Potrero, Hidalgo, and foreign climbers have not experienced any issues to date. As with all travel in developing countries, YMMV, but I never felt any more at risk than I have in lots of other places - in fact less so. Just my .02.
Crimpergirl

Sport climber
Boulder, Colorado!
  Nov 9, 2011 - 08:56am PT
A friend there just reported (and I mean yesterday) that they received word that 10 people were shot and killed (3 innocent) in Hidalgo--the little town by El Potrero. Details are sketchy now. Just thought I'd put that out there. Maybe this report will prove untrue, but the source is quite reliable.

Glad the posters had a great time. It's a beautiful place!
Peter Haan

Trad climber
Wyoming
  Nov 9, 2011 - 10:29am PT
Winter, Adamame and K-man are Adam and Kelly Rich, highly talented stalwarts from Santa Cruz and of course post here with those handles. Both awfully talented climbers; kind of a May-September setup though
Winter

climber
Author's Reply  Nov 9, 2011 - 11:34am PT
Ah thanks Peter. My comment was made kind of tongue-in-cheek. I met and climbed with those guys in Potrero back in April 2010 and knew they were Taco-ites.
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