Covid measures in Bernal

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Bernal, please refer to Mexico’s Official Travel website and the US Embassy’s COVID-19 information for Mexico . Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get in this adventure: An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area A full day of rock climbing depending on your chosen itinerary All technical climbing gear What’s not included: Transportation Accommodation Meals and snacks Park entrance fee (25 pesos)

How fit do I need to be?

If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

What if I’ve never climbed before?

La Peña has a unique adventure for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun! For intermediate to advanced climbers, Bernal has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.

What about required equipment?

All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need: Helmet Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag Ropes Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them) Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.) Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag) Sun hat Water bottle Food you can eat on-the-go Long-sleeved sun shirt Light puffy jacket for high-altitude approaches Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Comfortable approach shoes Sunglasses Camera — optional Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For the private single pitch climbs, the usual guest-to-guide ratio is 4:1. For the private multi-pitch climbs, the usual guest-to-guide ratio is 2:1. Costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family. Climbing days in La Pe ñ a de Bernal can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Peña de Bernal, most people fly into Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO) or Ciudad de México International Airport (AICM) . Santiago de Querétaro is just over an hour away by car or bus. Ciudad de México is 3 hours away. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. The exact climbing spot will be discussed after the booking as guides make that decision after considering the skill level of the group and factors such as crag traffic and weather.

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Peña de Bernal | Mexico

Rock Climbing at La Peña de Bernal

1 day | 5.00

From $370 ()

Head to the outskirts of the picturesque town of Bernal, one of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage sites, and you’ll find the biggest rock monument in México. The 1,700 ft (520 m) La Peña de Bernal is a proper rhyolite playground with over 100 trad and sport multi-pitches, an ample supply of single-pitches, overhangs, and some top-notch bouldering. The routes are vertical, technical, and the hard rock is littered with great edges and chickenheads. The views from the top are amazing, and the stunning panoramas of Bernal, Queretaro and the valley below are sure to push you further and further on the rocks. The fiesta never ends at La Peña de Bernal, and the best part is—everyone’s invited! Find out more about climbing in Central México from Simeon Heimowitz, PCGI certified climbing guide, owner of SouthernXposure, and author of 3 guidebooks.

Adventure Highlights

Up your climbing game on one of the tallest monoliths in the world
Plenty of sunny and shaded routes available any time of year
Over 100 multi-pitches for newcomers and climbing veterans alike

Duration

1 day

Season

Year-round

Group size

Up to 4 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

Get ready for a full day of climbing classic routes on the tallest monolith in México! Head to the “Magical Town” of Bernal and take on a wide assortment of top-notch moderates ranging from 5.6 to 5.12C. Whether you’ve never been tied to a rope or you live in your rock shoes, your professional guide will make sure you push your skills to the next level on La Peña de Bernal’s world-class rhyolite routes.

Peña de Bernal is a focal point for world-class multi-pitch climbing in the whole of Central México. Climb from two to thirteen pitches ranging from 5.8 to 5.12a, and do it under the guidance of a professional local guide. Bernal not only offers great rock quality, but a ton of well-spaced climbs carefully cleaned and bolted all the time. Is there a better way to spend the day? Join your guide and experience the best climbing México has to offer!

Adventure Architect

Let’s build something unique. Design your own adventure from the ground up and let us handle the rest.

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Photo gallery

Climbers at the peak of La Peña de Bernal

One of the biggest monoliths in the world, Queretaro, Mexico

A woman climbing Pena de Bernal in Mexico

Adventure, packed to go

Rock Climbing at La Peña de Bernal

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Simeon Heimowitz

Simeon is a PCGI Certified Climbing Guide with over 15 years of experience in guiding in Northern & Central Mexico. He is the owner of SouthernXposure, a climbing school & guide service in Central Mexico. Simeon wrote three guidebooks on Mexico rock climbing, covering the Bernal, Aculco, and El Potrero Chico areas, where he has spent over 18 years climbing the crags!

5.00

SouthernXposure

SouthernXposure is a premier guiding service at the forefront of rock climbing in Mexico. It is a union of the best rock climbing guides from all over North America. They are developing the areas, routes, and the infrastructure on terrain that is destined to become the focal point for the best climbing — not only in Mexico, but also all of the northern continent from Canada to Central America. They are building a future for the next generation of locals to take pride in what they do to prosper, while embracing their local heritage!

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (3 reviews)

Bradley N.

Cindy and I just spent winter break climbing in Bernal and Aculco and Simeon was incredibly helpful. He was always available to answer questions to help us put the trip together and we had an amazing time climbing with both Sim and Carlos! We couldn’t have felt safer or in better hands.

Jason T.

I have had multiple outings with Simeon and each has been amazing. From climbing for the first time at Peña de Bernal to climbing with my whole family at La Concepcion to most recently learning how to set anchors. Simeon has taken climbing from something that I always had an interest in into something my whole family can enjoy together. All of the instruction is detailed and tailored to the individual skill level with safety always being the priority.

Drew W.

On my first trip to Mexico for rock climbing, Simeon was gracious in showing us several local climbing destinations within an hour or so from Queretaro. Without his help, we would have been lost. Simeon is passionate about the sport of rock climbing as well as introducing Mexican culture to individuals visiting from the states. His knowledge of both is invaluable, and I would highly recommend Southern Xposure as a guide service.

Show all reviews

Bradley N.

Jason T.

Drew W.

Things to know

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Bernal, please refer to Mexico’s Official Travel website and the US Embassy’s COVID-19 information for Mexico.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get in this adventure:
- An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
- A full day of rock climbing depending on your chosen itinerary
- All technical climbing gear
What’s not included:
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Meals and snacks
- Park entrance fee (25 pesos)
If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.
La Peña has a unique adventure for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun!

For intermediate to advanced climbers, Bernal has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.
All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:
- Helmet
- Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
- Ropes
- Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
- Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)
Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:
- Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
- Sun hat
- Water bottle
- Food you can eat on-the-go
- Long-sleeved sun shirt
- Light puffy jacket for high-altitude approaches
- Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
- Comfortable approach shoes
- Sunglasses
- Camera — optional
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
- For the private single pitch climbs, the usual guest-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
- For the private multi-pitch climbs, the usual guest-to-guide ratio is 2:1.
- Costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.
Climbing days in La Peña de Bernal can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

Min. age requirements:
- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Peña de Bernal, most people fly into Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO) or Ciudad de México International Airport (AICM) . Santiago de Querétaro is just over an hour away by car or bus. Ciudad de México is 3 hours away.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. The exact climbing spot will be discussed after the booking as guides make that decision after considering the skill level of the group and factors such as crag traffic and weather.
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.

Have more questions?

Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.

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Rock Climbing

Central Mexico’s Hidden Gems of Rock Climbing

One thing rock climbers are always looking for are fresh areas to explore. From newly-bolted routes, undiscovered crags, and pristine walls, Central Mexico has all of that in spades. Here to tell you all about its hidden gems is Climbing Guide, Simeon Heimowitz. After spending 15 years climbing and developing routes in El Potrero Chico’s limestone paradise in the north, Simeon decided to journey southwards and explore what Central Mexico had to offer. What he found were the exhilarating multi-pitch climbs of Peña de Bernal, the tallest monolith in the world; the intricate rhyolite cracks of Cascada de la Concepción, a secluded spot shielded by a massive waterfall; and the cobbled conglomerate of Las Peñas de Dexcani, whose staggering cliffs were formed by ancient eruptions. To Simeon it was clear as day—Central Mexico is a treasure trove of world-class climbing. Mexico is teeming with North America’s next great winter climbing destinations. If you’re looking for tons of new options, pre-polish-and-crowds, Central Mexico is your ticket this Rocktober and FA-vember. Join this one-hour session and hear from an expert guide who has developed routes all over the continent and written three guidebooks on rock climbing in Mexico. Simeon will answer any questions you may have after his presentation.

Book This Adventure for a Private Group

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