Mountain Project Logo

Advice on Potrero Chico without partner

Original Post
Lisa Rosenthal · · Sacramento · Joined Oct 2014 · Points: 1

I'm currently in Central America finishing a job and was planning on meeting a friend in Potrero Chico to climb for 3 weeks in November. He would bring the rope, quickdraws and my helmet that I needed to replace after TSA removed it from my bag and lost it in the airport.

Unfortunately, he can't come, which leaves me without a partner, gear (I have my own personal things like shoes, harness, PAS, chalk), and my helmet.

I have a few questions to see how I can reconcile this:

1. How is Potrero now-days and in November for a single girl early 20's, safety-wise and for finding a partner? I have a fair amount of travel experience in Central and South America and I climb in the 11's outdoor sport.

2. Will I be able to find a partner without a rope and draws?

3. Is there a climbing store where I can buy a helmet near Potrero? I don't own a 70 m rope at home, so if I could buy a rope too I would.

4. Do the hostels with camping provide tents or do people bring them?

Thanks for the advice in advance! And of course, if you will be going down there in November, let's talk! Especially if you're from the Bay Area, maybe you can bring down my things and I'll figure out some very awesome way to repay the favor!

Tim Stich · · Colorado Springs, Colorado · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 1,520

Ed can answer all of your questions. As far as I know, things are pretty normal in Hidalgo and the Potrero. You can contact Ed via his website:

magicedspotrerochico.com/

I really miss the place. I used to go down all of the time. As a guy, I had no problem finding partners the week I was there back in 2007. You'll have even less trouble I would venture to guess.

David Gibbs · · Ottawa, ON · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 2

When I was last there a couple years ago, Posada EPC had a small gear store, definitely rope, probably helmets. They might have had rental helmets, too, or those might just have been for there climbing school/guiding service.

On finding a partner or partners -- likely yes. But, it may not be every day, and it will require being social. Figure out the climber hang-outs (Posada, Homero's, etc) and wander around talking to people, asking people to climb. The last couple times I've been down there, there have been other people down as singles looking for climbing partners. (Most recent was winter 2013 for me.)

For camping: you provide your own tent. Posada rents rooms, and there's a number of small houses/villas available for rent. Ed may be able to help hook you up for that if you're looking.

Lisa Rosenthal · · Sacramento · Joined Oct 2014 · Points: 1

Thanks for the replies guys. I just emailed Ed, so hopefully I get an answer from him. Do you know if there I can rent a tent there too?

I'm leaning towards just scratching the plan for EPC for now and coming back home and just climb in California. Although I will be in Mexico in November, sadly it would probably be cheaper and much less hassle to return to the US and fly to EPC when I have all of my gear and a partner with me.

doligo · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 264

Lisa, I sent you a pm.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

International
Post a Reply to "Advice on Potrero Chico without partner"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.