If you’ve ever dreamt of scaling towering limestone cliffs, munching on post-send tacos, and narrowly avoiding existential crises on exposed multipitches, then El Potrero Chico (EPC) is calling your name. Nestled in northern Mexico near the small town of Hidalgo, EPC is a climbing paradise packed with endless bolted routes, breathtaking views, and enough adventure to keep your palms sweating long after you leave. But first, let’s talk logistics, because getting here shouldn’t feel like navigating a choose-your-own-adventure book where every wrong turn ends with you explaining yourself to a border agent. Getting to El Potrero Chico A. Flying In (For Those Who Value Speed and Sanity) Your best bet is to fly into Monterrey International Airport (MTY), which is about an hour’s drive from EPC. Major airlines fly here regularly, and you can find affordable fares if you book ahead (or are willing to gamble on the whims of budget airlines). Our Skoolie happily nestled at Finca El Caminante...

Well we didn’t actually drive all the way back to Maine to re-register BaseCamp as an RV, like the Mexican border agent demanded — or did we? Well there was the additional detail of Maine summer employment, so we had ourselves a 2 birds/one stone journey north.   Here we were in January 2023 — one year later— back at the Mexican Border town of Piedras Negras, after a 6000 mile detour to clear up paperwork and earn some dollars.  New RV class registration in hand I climbed the steps to the Banjercito office to get our TIP (temporary import permit). I was pleasantly surprised to see no line, but my confidence wavered when I recognized the woman at the counter. It was the same mujer that sent us packing last round. “Never mind last time,” I thought as I handed her my paperwork, “we’re good now.” There was a long uneasy silence as she analyzed the registration. She looked up at me — Did she recognize me, the dejected bus guy? She spoke, “Voy a necesitar ver su vehículo.” Things we...

  Third Time’s the Charm!   Sorry Base Camp, you’re gonna need to sit this one out… After drowning our sorrows in guacamole at a Mexican takeout joint on the US/Texas side of the border, we hatched Plan B. Leaving our beloved, overweight-by-Mexican-standards Base Camp in Big Bend National Park, we would ford the Rio Grande, and make our way on foot, or by burro to the small village of Boquillas. How to Visit Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico, from Big Bend National Park If you’re exploring  Big Bend National Park  and looking for a unique cross-border experience, a visit to  Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico , is a must. This tiny village along the Rio Grande offers authentic Mexican cuisine, handcrafted souvenirs, and a glimpse into rural life in northern Mexico. This guide covers  everything you need to know  about crossing the border from  Big Bend National Park to Boquillas del Carmen , including logistics, entry requirements, and tips for a seamless tr...