How safe is Hidalgo? (El Potrero Chico)

I would really love to take a trip down there esp since it’s not a very far drive for me but I‘ve been holding off. The fact that two police chiefs got murdered over there is crazy. 

I just got home yesterday (11/14) from a short trip (11/7 - 11/14) trip there.  I  felt more in danger of drowning from the rainy weather then anything else...

Seriously, things seemed pretty tranquil with very much an off season vibe.  Not that many climbers around and places like Homero's and Checo's were not open yet.  Mostly saw other climbers (maybe 25-30 in total). in the evenings at the Posada and the new brew pub on the outskirts of town.

But the whole town/area seemed more run down and depressed that I remembered (it's been 10+ years since I was last there).  Tin roof below the Jungle Wall torn down = sad.  There was a very visible heavily armed police presence very evident - in Hidalgo and all the way along the highway to Monterrey.  

Hidalgo isn't the nicest town. You'd be ok in most interactions but as a gringo you wouldn't want to stay out drinking late at night in the pueblo, IMO. Spanish is extremely helpful in navigating and lessening the otherness.

The climber ghetto of EPC, which is about 10 minutes up the hill from the town proper, is perfectly safe. 

Daniel Kaywrote:

The climber ghetto of EPC, which is about 10 minutes up the hill from the town proper, is perfectly safe. 

What exactly is that?

Ben Gwrote:

Most climber lodging--and many of the restaurants and other businesses that cater primarily to climbers are clustered just outside the entrance to the gorge that is the main climbing area. This is located roughly a 1/2 mile from the main part of Hidalgo. Climbers can--and not infrequently do, spend their entire trip without  venturing into Hidalgo itself--other than driving through while arriving and departing. Hence the 'climbers ghetto'.

Alan Rubinwrote:

Most climber lodging--and many of the restaurants and other businesses that cater primarily to climbers are clustered just outside the entrance to the gorge that is the main climbing area. This is located roughly a 1/2 mile from the main part of Hidalgo. Climbers can--and not infrequently do, spend their entire trip without  venturing into Hidalgo itself--other than driving through while arriving and departing. Hence the 'climbers ghetto'.

^ nailed it. It’s easy to walk to and from the climbs, but this area is distinct from the town of Hidalgo.

That said, if you don't go to hitch hike into town and visit the carneceria, face burger, and market day, you're not getting the whole experience

Kyle McPheeterswrote:

That said, if you don't go to hitch hike into town and visit the carneceria, face burger, and market day, you're not getting the whole experience

Very true, but there does seem to be a significant percentage of climbers there who do miss out on those experiences.

Best reason to go to town:

https://www.epcbrewing.com

Hidalgo is only about a 1/2 mile from the climbing getto why would you hitchhike?  If you can't make the walk back up the hill you should not be climbing!

The Farmers Market in town is worth the walk.

Mark Frumkinwrote:

Hidalgo is only about a 1/2 mile from the climbing getto why would you hitchhike?  If you can't make the walk back up the hill you should not be climbing!

The Farmers Market in town is worth the walk.

According to Mr Google it is 4.1km from the Posada to the Hidalgo town square - definitely more then "only about 1/2 a mile"

Brewery opened right after i was there last, so haven't gotten to check that out! If you're not there in prime season and its in the 90s that 1.5 mile walk is rough! And like I said...the experience! 

First trip there someone pulled over for us in a flatbed and insisted we jump on. We were skeptical but turns out the locals are eager to give the tourists a lift. Rode many times without ever sticking out a thumb 

I have had the same experience with locals wanting to give rides up the hill. 

It's an easy walk. 

Climbers complaining about walking  . Nitpicking over distance. Put a huge haul sack on, walk into town fill it up with lots of beer and a few treats then double time back up the hill.

Mark Frumkinwrote:

Climbers complaining about walking  . Nitpicking over distance. Put a huge haul sack on, walk into town fill it up with lots of beer and a few treats then double time back up the hill.

Double time back up the hill where there's already treats and more beer than you could ever drink already there.

Yes, Hank. Are you a show pony or a climber?

4.1km does that equal about 3500 bananas end to end?

Mark Frumkinwrote:

 

Climbers complaining about walking  . 

Well, it is just a glorified sport climbing area.   

Alan Rubinwrote:

Most climber lodging--and many of the restaurants and other businesses that cater primarily to climbers are clustered just outside the entrance to the gorge that is the main climbing area. This is located roughly a 1/2 mile from the main part of Hidalgo. Climbers can--and not infrequently do, spend their entire trip without  venturing into Hidalgo itself--other than driving through while arriving and departing. Hence the 'climbers ghetto'.

Is there really a difference in safety half mile away from the town?

While not necessarily, there is at least some safety in numbers. I have not felt especially vulnerable in the main part of Hidalgo--though usually only been there during the day, but I can see that an isolated gringo or 2 could be a tempting target for someone looking for trouble. Less likely to happen in a place where so many outsiders are concentrated. But, there was a cartel multiple homicide a number of years ago in the 'climbers ghetto' area ( not involving any climbers), so, yeah, no place is really safe--including wherever you call home.

Mark Frumkinwrote:

Yes, Hank. Are you a show pony or a climber?

4.1km does that equal about 3500 bananas end to end?

I'm a climber with a few dazzling show pony incidents in my past.

I've done that hike exactly as you suggest many times since the late 80's, just funnin' ya'.

Well, I've been to Hidalgo many times and never been shot at... I was shot at in my own yard... ergo, Hidalgo is safer than my own yard.

I count on getting a ride back up the hill from town.  Locals are always friendly and willing to give you a ride.  Take the ride and hand them a couple tamales and a beer when you get out.  You'll have a friend for life.