it is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves. -sir edmund hillary
Why EPC ?
Budget friendly. You could easily spend a month at EPC and spend less than 10USD/day.
Big multi-pitch sport. EPC is great for Climbers looking to expand there skills into the Multi-pitch arena. The plethora of bolts and and anchors make it an ideal area to hone your systems and practice skills like simul-climbing and rapping. Petzl offers some great TECH TIPS here to get you started. It is always recommended that you hire a guide if you have any doubt about your abilities. We recommend El Potrero Chico Guides
Tourism as Service
Hidalgo is a rural town in a poorer country and the boost to it's economy by climbers is tremendous. A local can rent an apartment in town for 60USD, so even on a dirtbag budget, your dollars are going a long way to providing food, shelter, and education to the local community.
Food
Markets: Tuesdays and Fridays. The Markets have lots of fresh produce and meat and offer a wide variety of local prepared foods. Be sure to check out the Churros and Elotes.
Leos: Located just down from LA posada. Monday nights he offers all you can eat meat grilled in front of you for $90 ($4.5usd). ***Highly recommended
Faceburger: Hamburgers the size of your face for 80$ served with fries. Ask around for directions, this place is located in a very nice lady's house.
Tamale Esperanza. Just down from the Tuesday market. You can get 12 for $84. The more you buy the cheaper they are but 12 is good for 2 people.
La Posada Nice accommodations. Mediocre food. The food is convenient if your staying here, but the price is higher than most places and the food is bland. Average breakfast 70pesos, dinner 120mxn.
gear
- Helmet
- Harness
- Lanyard (PAS)
- Belay device for double or twin ropes
- 70 meter rope
- 20 to 30 quickdraws, at least 6 alpine draws
- 4 locking carabiners
- 1 cord loop for a Prusik or kleimheist friction hitch
- 1 mechanical blocker (like a TIBLOC) and a capture pulley (like a MICROTRAXION) to help the second
- Chalk bag
- Climbing shoes
- Lightweight backpack (20 liters)
- Food
- Drink
- Light windbreaker
- Knife
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Topo, map
A note on clothing; we stayed in EPC for 2 weeks and during that time we had 95 degree days and 24 degree nights; choose clothing that can handle a spectrum of conditions.
...
Credits:
C.2017 ADventure