Although on the map this has been designated as a Protected Natural Area by the state, local land developers have been gearing up to try and subdivide the forest land below the climbing area. Grupo Escala and Tierra Verde are two groups that are trying to keep las Paredes de Copoya in its natural state.
This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund,
and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates.
BETA PHOTO: Local Climbing Guide for the area of Copoya.
Description
The climbing area known as Copoya is located on the outskirts of Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital city of the Mexican State of Chiapas. There are currently just over 60 bolted routes established in the area, and these range from 5.7 to 5.12+.
Within Copoya there are six main climbing areas: La Piedrita with 14 routes, La Cortina with 6 routes, La Terraza with 9 routes, La Cascada with 15 routes, La Ceiba with 15 routes, and La Jardin del Profeta with 4 routes.
The limestone walls that can be found around this mesa (known locally as La Meseta de Copoya) are quite solid and generally of good quality. Another plus is that many of the climbs in this area are in the shade year round due to Copoya's location on a densely wooded hillside. Although this climbing area is only fifteen minutes from the capital, is has a wild and secluded feel once you begin hiking under the dense canopy of trees.
The climbing community is very small in Chiapas, so you will probably have the place to yourself, but on the weekend you may run into a couple of folks from a local non-profit climbing group know as GECE (Grupo Escala Climbing and Exploration A.C.) In fact contacting them as a cheap and reliable guide service might prove to be the most reliable way of finding your way to the base of the cliffs. Proceeds earned by this non-profit club go to putting up more routes as well to continued construction on the only local, indoor climbing gym. Make sure you thank them for putting up and maintaining all of the quality routes in this area, and and in working to preserve Copoya as a protected area.
Getting There
To get to las Paredes de Copoya from the capital city of Tuxtla Gutierrez, take a taxi to "la Colonia Ideal", or catch a number 15 "collectivo" bus on the corner of East 1st Street, between 6th and 7th South. Mke sure the bus or taxi is taking you to La Colonia Idea, and NOT the town of Copoya. This climbing area gets its name from the town, but the climbson are actually located the cliff faces below Copoya. When you get to la Colonia Ideal, hop out at the last stop, or the highpoint on the route (located at a right turn at the top of a gravel road). Follow the meandering trail system, roughly 15 minutes upwards, towards the base of the cliff. There are a number of side trails so try stay on the ones that look to be the most traveled, and keep heading up hill. See the attachments for individual route descriptions, or check out the Grupo Escala webpage: www.grupoescalachiapas.com As I have mentioned above, the best way of getting to las Paredes de Copoya the first time is by contacting Grupo Escala, the local non-profit climbing group. Their email address is: grupoescala@yahoo.com, and the phone number for their local climbing gym is: 019612129240
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