El Potrero Chico

Post by **toad857** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 1:55 am

Anyone ever been? I'm putting it on my destination wishlist. Seems like it would be a great place for a trip. What's a good amount of time to spend there to get a decent experience?

?

Post by **Ascentionist** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 2:06 am

At least a weekend...

Post by **pigsteak** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 2:24 am

at least a week.

Post by **pawilkes** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 10:27 am

i was down for 1.5 weeks which was really nice. I'd say 5 or 6 days is a minimum. i'd recommend flying into Monterray rather than taking a bus across the border. It may seem expensive but once you pay for bus tickets, taxi's and waste alot of time the cost is worth it.

Post by **Savage** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 12:54 pm

i went for a long weekend and it was nice. There is so much to do there that you really could stay for quite a while.

I agree, fly into monterray. And then have a taxi arranged to pick you up. There are some SUPER shady areas down there and if you have a car arranged, they will take you the safe way along toll roads. Only a couple bucks more, but worth it.

The hotels/hostels will arrange the car for you if you ask. I stayed at La Posada. Luis, the owner, is super cool. He looks like a mexican orlando bloom.

Post by **Steve** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 12:24 am

Go for two or three weeks, it is super cheap.
Driving isn't so bad if you got your ducks in a row.
If you fly into Monterrey have Dane pick you up. He is a real character.
La Posada is top notch, four star (for a climber) digs.
Go to the Tues market and find juiceman. Fresh squeezed was never so good and cheap.

Post by **Rollo** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 2:54 pm

i also recomend la posada.... luis is doing things right down there! for a room with two single beds and a bathroom it's only 28 bucks a night. http://www.elpotrerochico.com.mx/

luis quit his job and took over the place from his parents about 4 years ago... constantly improving it. i climbed with him when i was out there a couple years ago.
flight to Monterey will cost about 500 and the taxi ride (45 mins or so) will cost about 25x2 bucks to and from the airport if pre-aranged.

stay a week around new years if you can... prime time is november to feb.

Post by **FujManiac** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 5:14 pm

Good information, I'm thinking of a trip there as well.

How do you manage your way around to the climbs once you're there? Are all the crags within walking distance?

Post by **RRO** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 6:58 pm

yeah you can walk to anything you need. crags, fresh market, restaurant/bar its all right there and cheap. i thought it was an amazing place. we stayed a few weeks and would go back and stay many more.

Post by **Artsay** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 10:47 pm

I would suggest not going there around Christmas/New Year because the crowds are so bad. February is a great month I hear (I've always gone for New Years). I've always camped but I hear renting a hacienda is cheap and I would pursue that option next time I go. I've both driven and flown and they both have pros and cons. I like having my own car for going to the market, exploring, etc. so next time I would probably fly and rent a car but if you're young with three weeks at your disposal and a bunch of committed friends, just drive. But be aware there are a bunch of things you have to do to get your vehicle through the border, like the owner must have a major credit card in his/her name. I would also drive through the Columbia Bridge crossing instead of Laredo to save time.