7 Rappels, April Through September

Overview

Seven rappels in a single day is the whole point of this trip. The descent through the canyon at Potrero Redondo, in the municipality of Santiago, Nuevo León, mixes rope work with trekking, swimming with a vest, natural slides and jumps into turquoise pools. The rappels measure 10, 30, 35, 48, 30, 45 and 50 meters, and the last one drops into a large pool between high rock walls. The final two rappels run beside a waterfall the operator lists at 110 meters tall.

The operator, Nantli Living, rates the difficulty intermediate to advanced. It suits people who have rappelled before and done some water tours, who can swim, and who have no recent injuries. The canyon day itself runs about 6 hours over roughly 7 km with 314 meters of elevation gain, at an altitude of 1,344 meters. Counting transport from the meeting point, the whole outing is booked as a 13-hour experience. There is no hotel pickup: everyone meets at Carr. a la Cola de Caballo 6, Cieneguilla, Santiago.

Food is covered on the day. A light breakfast is served at Potrero Redondo before the hike, snacks are carried on the go, and a regional dish closes the trip after the exit hike. Wetsuit, helmet, harness, descender, canyoning vest and lifeline are all provided, along with photo material from the tour.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Cola de CaballoThe meeting point is the Hotel Cola de Caballo at Carr. a la Cola de Caballo 6, Cieneguilla, Santiago. There is no hotel pickup.
2. Off-road driveTransport is by off-road vehicle through the mountains on a dirt road to the Potrero Redondo ejido. The drive takes an hour and a half.
3. Breakfast and gearAt Potrero Redondo the group has a light breakfast and each person is fitted with the gear needed for the canyon.
4. Hike to the canyonA thirty-minute hike through pines and green areas leads to the top of the first rappel.
5. Seven rappelsThe first 10-meter rappel is a warm-up, followed by more rappels, pools, slides and jumps, with a rest and snack along the way. The sixth and seventh rappels are beside the 110-meter waterfall, and the last one ends in a large turquoise pool.
6. Exit hikeAn uphill hike of about an hour brings the group out of the canyon to the vehicle area.
7. Meal and returnAfter changing into dry clothes, the group eats a regional meal, then drives an hour and a half back to the Hotel Cola de Caballo.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make or break this day, since the tour is long, wet and physical.

• Footwear matters. Trekking boots or shoes are required, and the listing is specific: no Vans, Converse, canvas shoes or anything without a snug fit or with a smooth sole. You will be walking on wet stones. Bring a second pair of shoes and dry clothes for after the canyon.
• Fitness and swimming. The operator expects participants in good physical condition who can swim and have no recent injuries. The day involves climbing up and down rocks, walking between paths and wet stones, plus an uphill exit hike of about an hour. Prior rappelling and water tour experience is the stated benchmark for this option.
• Leave valuables behind. All belongings stay in the 4x4 vehicle during the adventure. The operator advises against electronic devices, since they are likely to be lost on the jumps, and accepts no responsibility for lost items. Prescription glasses need a safety cord, or should be left at home.
• Food and drink. A light breakfast, on-the-go snacks and a regional meal at the end are all included. You should bring your own thermos with hydration for the transport legs. The listing also suggests eating and drinking well in the days before the tour.
• Weather prep. A windbreaker or jacket is recommended depending on the forecast, and biodegradable sunscreen and mosquito repellent are on the bring list. The tour runs from April to September. Fingerless gym or mechanic gloves are also suggested.
• Documents. Bring an official ID: passport, INE or license. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, nor are weapons or sharp objects.

Common issues. This tour has real entry requirements that disqualify some travellers: you must be able to swim and be free of recent injuries, and the operator positions it for people with prior rappelling and water tour experience. The total booking duration is 13 hours, with a 6-hour canyon section, so it is a demanding day rather than a casual outing. There is no hotel pickup, so travellers must arrange their own way to the meeting point in Santiago. Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; inside that window the listing gives no refund terms.

Questions About This Tour