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*thriller*
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Apr 12, 2004, 2:42 PM
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I'm headed down to El Potrero Chico this coming wekend and I was wondering people's opinions on where to stay. It'll be my first time there and I'm going on my own, so my main task is finding partners who will want to climb with me at about the 5.10 level. They're all about the same price i think ($4-5), and I've read that cerro gordo and la pagoda have swimming pools and that the camping at cerro gordo might be nicer, but nothing about how easy it might be to meet people.
my only other problem is the question of how long to stay for. i have 2 months, but i'd like to see other stuff up the west coast as well, so i'm thinking i would stay for 1 - 3 weeks, but now i'm realizing i'll have to decide before getting there since i have to buy mexican car insurance (that's right, i'm driving there from canada). now if i buy insurance for a week, but want to stay longer, i can buy more online, but are there any places around (at one of the ranches or in hidalgo) that have internet and printers? i've read that there's a place called "informatica 911" that should be ideal, anyone know if they're still around?
-ian
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jcr
Apr 12, 2004, 3:00 PM
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You will most probably meet more peoiple at homeros, but camping in cerro gordo is alot more like camping outdoors, I mostly stay at cerro gordo and head for homeros to eat or have a couple of beers, but thats just me depends on what type of campoing your into. But for meeting people I'd guess homeros.
JC
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gblauer
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Apr 12, 2004, 3:01 PM
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I really liked cerro gordo because the tent sites were more "natural" (not just in a big field). (Although we stayed in the large casita).
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*thriller*
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Apr 12, 2004, 3:35 PM
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are the places close together? an easily walkable distance apart? and they don't mind you hannig out at homeros if you're staying at cerro gordo? that could ba a good alternative.
another question - has anyong done the drive from ontario to EPC? I was guessing it would be around 40 hours of drivng, but mapquest says it'd be more like 32 - anyone know from experience?
-ian
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jcr
Apr 12, 2004, 3:35 PM
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Oh, and another thing, I've been climbing for almost a year and lead climb 5.10's, If you need a partner I´m always up for some good climbing, so if you want just PM me and I'll head down there.
JC
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jcr
Apr 12, 2004, 3:39 PM
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Thats a yes for the first question, the places are close together (walkable distance).
And a no for the second, they dont mind you being at homeros if you are staying at cerro gordo.
JC
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roc-dude
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Apr 12, 2004, 3:42 PM
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I like La pagoda, Quite and clean place with very nice owner. Hemeros is the meeting place. It can be loud and busy. Cerro Gordo is about a 1/3 to 1/2 mile away. Great campsites and nice facilities. When you get there you can spend 45 mins and walk around and check each out. If you don't like one you can change the next night.
I can't tell you how long to stay that is a real personal thing. I would go from a week to two weeks. You could do most of the classic in that amount of time. If you can find a partner.
In do not know about internet but I am sure you can find it somewhere.
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prodigalclimber
Apr 12, 2004, 3:47 PM
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You can purchase insurance on the border when you cross into mexico--I know this for a fact if you're crossing in Loradeo, TX (which I highly reccomend as it's very easy to get across there).
The town you'll be staying in, you'll find, is very small and there's not much there to offer if you're looking for a printer or insurance in town.
Every time I go, I stay at the Ranchero (where Kurt used to live) but that's b/c I prefer quiet over crowds. If you're looking to meet people, stay elsewhere as the Ranchero is not as popular as it used to be.
Oh...and make sure to eat at Checo's. That place is the best and it's walking distance from all the camp sites. The owner, Checo and his family cook nightly and the prices are very reasonable. Plus...they have Caguamas (huge beers) there that you can take with you back to the camp site 8)
And while you're there....climb Spaceboyz if you find someone to climb it with you---it's incredible.
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*thriller*
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Apr 12, 2004, 4:46 PM
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JCR - PM sent
if anyone else is going to be down there i'll be looking for partners all week. if you're looking for me i have a black cavalier with ontario plates and i'll be camping out in my yellow MEC tent - most likely at cerro gordo or homero's.
see you there
-ian
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redpiton
Apr 12, 2004, 4:51 PM
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LA POSADA!
la pagoda is allright, but more touristy. homeros is a DUMP. La posada is inexpensive, quiet, clean, and the owner (luis) would do anything for you. Full kitchen, showers, bathroom... dont stay anwhere buy La Posada. its right across from Homeros, and right beside La Pagoda.
Stay at La posada.
Luis Lozano
posada@elpotrerochico.com/mx
cell (52)(81)8362.6672
(5 minute walk to first climb at Potrero)
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cfnubbler
Apr 12, 2004, 4:51 PM
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In reply to: make sure to eat at Checo's. That place is the best and it's walking distance from all the camp sites. The owner, Checo and his family cook nightly and the prices are very reasonable. Plus...they have Caguamas (huge beers) there that you can take with you back to the camp site
Ditto that. Checos rules. Very nice folks, heaping helpings of tasty food and beer, and great prices.
-Nubbler
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escale
Apr 12, 2004, 4:56 PM
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I like staying at La Posada as well.
Quiet, nice showers, excellent kitchen facilities.
Cheap to camp out.
---Escale
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mike_ok
Apr 12, 2004, 4:57 PM
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My vote goes Posada as well... whats the restaraunt called there? The one in the big tent next to the guest kitchen? That places is AWESOME.
Check my pics for a few taken at Posada.
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timstich
Apr 12, 2004, 5:41 PM
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Wherever you stay, make sure your gear is under lock and key when you go out climbing. And don't leave your pack at the base of any climbs. Clip it to the first anchor. Rentable lockers would be very cool for any and all of the places to stay, but I'm not sure if anyone has provided that yet. If you are driving in your car, you can just lock your things in there. Vehicle break ins aren't a problem, but thieves will routinely enter tents and steal unattended packs, even within each camp.
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redpiton
Apr 12, 2004, 6:10 PM
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In reply to: but thieves will routinely enter tents and steal unattended packs, even within each camp.
Orlando, the caretaker at La Posada is very aware of the happenings around the camps and is there from dawn till dusk. You couldn't drive into La Posada without him asking you who you were, where you were staying or who you knew. I felt very safe with my belongings... but again, being cautious is always the best way.
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nnichols
Apr 12, 2004, 6:15 PM
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In reply to: In reply to: make sure to eat at Checo's. That place is the best and it's walking distance from all the camp sites. The owner, Checo and his family cook nightly and the prices are very reasonable. Plus...they have Caguamas (huge beers) there that you can take with you back to the camp site Ditto that. Checos rules. Very nice folks, heaping helpings of tasty food and beer, and great prices. -Nubbler
I have to agree completely with this!!! Yum!! I also have stayed at La Posado both times I've been to Potrero and have not been disappointed - Luis is a fantastic person and the site is well maintained and quiet.
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jcr
Apr 12, 2004, 6:34 PM
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I agree, la posada IS the place to be if you are looking for a comfortable quiet place to stay at, but its a little more expensive, not much though.
Me, I prefer camping with a little more "outdoors" feel to it (cerro gordo), but obviously this is less comfortable... It all depends what you want.
JC
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*thriller*
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Apr 12, 2004, 7:18 PM
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It's $4/night at homero's and $5/night at cerro gordo right? how much is it at posada?
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nnichols
Apr 12, 2004, 7:23 PM
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Posado - $4/night
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mistymountainhop
Apr 12, 2004, 8:12 PM
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La Posada............................100%
Totally clean, nice owner, good food, i stayed there and it is more like a resort............... for people who dont like resorts.
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james_climber
Apr 12, 2004, 8:36 PM
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i think homeros is the best place for meet and drink beer , but i like to stay cerro gordo
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chugach001
Apr 12, 2004, 8:47 PM
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I agree with several above - La Posada treated me like a king. Luis Lozano is a young guy with great English and the whole family loves to please.
posada@elpotrerochico.com.mx
Jeff
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*thriller*
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Apr 12, 2004, 9:59 PM
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hey
i just thought of another question - will i need my car once i get there - to go in to town to the market and whatnot - or is it walkable? just curious because i might be able to get insurance for the day i get there and the day i leave and none otherwise if it's just parked in a lot.
thanks again
ian
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mike_ok
Apr 12, 2004, 10:28 PM
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Its a long walk to town, but do-able... I've walked it a few times.
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james_climber
Apr 13, 2004, 3:24 AM
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yes im agree its a long walk but if u like walk do it
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