El Potrero Chico?

Any one heading down to El Potrero this year? I heard it was a really bad idea.

Too unstable & violent for my blood (so to speak). It's a really fun place to climb, but I'm staying away from Mexico for a while.

I would say that climbing at Boat Rock in the ATL is probably just as dangerous. Unless you're in a cartel or involved in Mexican politics you're not really a target IMHO.

Yo Andrew! Just talked to my friend who is the director of tourism in Hidalgo, she is a climber as well. She said all is good to go at The Potrero. The scene is even better than last year. Was there all winter last year and all was pretty cool. Headed there this winter as well. Look for the old blue Toy with Utard plates. Just remember after crossing the border anything goes.

Come on down, everything here is tranquilo. As long as you stay away from the casinos in Monterrey you'll be fine.

Everything you need to know is here: magicedspotrerochico.com

Bud (and anyone else driving down): There is a new rule this year. When you get your vehicle permit you will also have to post a bond of $200 to $400 usdollars depending on the age of the vehicle. This is in addition to the $50 dollar permit fee and is returnable when you cancel the permit upon exiting the country.

I was there last winter for a week and had a blast. My friend Dan was there for a couple months and other people I met all had great things to say about Potrero Chico.

Just get there and don't go into the city, especially at night. Several people I met there took a pre-arranged taxi from the airport through one of the hostels and that seemed to be the way to go if you could spare $40 or so. Otherwise, it's not that hard to catch a bus from the airport terminal to the bus terminal. And then straight to Hidalgo. Much cheaper but takes longer.

It is possible to get from the airport to the climbing by bus but you better give yourself about 4 hours and a lot of gear lugging as opposed to 45 easy minutes by private tansportation.

Ed Wright wrote:Come on down, everything here is tranquilo. As long as you stay away from the casinos in Monterrey you'll be fine. Everything you need to know is here: magicedspotrerochico.com Bud (and anyone else driving down): There is a new rule this year. When you get your vehicle permit you will also have to post a bond of $200 to $400 usdollars depending on the age of the vehicle. This is in addition to the $50 dollar permit fee and is returnable when you cancel the permit upon exiting the country.

Thanks Ed! Hopefully they will understand my Spanish and I'll be able to get across the border with no problems.

Jackie and I are FLYING! down this Winter. We'll rent a car at the Aeropuerto. Should be bitchin'.

edit- really, Border Guards returning 100's of US dollars to you as you leave. you just hand them a reciept and they hand you back all your cash? no problems?

caughtinside wrote: It's a credit card deposit. You return your stickers and paperwork and they cancel the deposit. No problemo amigo, no cash involved.

My bad, that's awesome if you're driving!

http://www.borderlandbeat.com/

Things have changed here, Hank. Everything at the border is computerized and fairly efficient. Most of the personnel there speak English. And if you don't have a credit card they will take, and return, cash.

Scott--thanks for the report--that has been an ongoing problem in the Juarez area for 20 years now.

Thanks for all the info everyone!