La EME hike Monterrey: 10 km ascent with certified guides

Climb 10 km of forest, rock and metal staples to reach Monterrey's most demanding summit

La EME de Chipinque is a 10 km round-trip ascent in Monterrey's Chipinque National Park that combines forest trails, loose-rock scrambles and a technical climbing section with metal staples, guided by certified instructors. You reach the summit above 2,000 meters with views across the Sierra Madre and the city, and leave with professional photographs of the climb.

The experience

This is not a standard hike. La EME combines three kinds of terrain in one morning: you start on forest paths, move into sections of loose rock and blast, then finish with a stretch of climbing using metal staples bolted into the rock face to reach the summit. The whole route covers 10 km round-trip and takes 8 hours. Certified local guides stay with you throughout, managing the technical sections and keeping you safe on the most exposed parts of the climb.

At the top, above 2,000 meters, you stand in the Sierra Madre with views down to Monterrey and across the range. The guides photograph you at the most impressive points so you have proof of the climb. You descend the same way you came up, with the guides supporting the descent as they did the ascent.

What you carry and wear is arranged: helmet, communication radios, hiking poles and a first aid kit travel with the group. The guides hold the medical reimbursement insurance. Transportation to Chipinque National Park is included in one option. If you arrange your own, public transport runs to the area. Minimum age is 12, and you need at least moderate fitness. The climb is steep and sustained, and the metal-staple section demands strength and nerve.

What’s included

• Certified guides in English or Spanish.
• access and park permissions.
• helmet, communication radios and hiking poles.
• professional photographs at key moments.
• first aid medical kit.
• medical reimbursement insurance.

Options for this experience

2 options

Promotion to the EME led by certified guidesGuide in English or Spanish · 06:00

With transportation includedGuide in English or Spanish · 06:00Pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Lasts 8h, runs every day at 06:00, from US$ 95 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish, in groups of up to 15 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Black Dragons Excursions

Is this one for you?Book this if you're ready for technical climbing with metal staples and blast steps, not a hiking tour, and want a certified guide managing the most exposed sections.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the metal staple climbing section like on La EME?

The staple section is a technical stretch near the summit where metal staples are bolted into the rock face to create handholds and footholds. Your certified guide supports you through it, and you wear a helmet and use communication radios so the guide can direct you. It is the most demanding part of the route and is what makes La EME an ascent rather than a hike.

How long does the whole climb take?

The full ascent and descent takes 8 hours, covering 10 km round-trip. That includes time on the forest trails, the loose-rock sections and the metal staple climbing, plus the time spent at the summit.

What happens if I have never rock climbed before?

La EME is designed for people with moderate fitness and no climbing experience. The certified guides manage the technical sections and stay with you on the metal staples. You do not need prior climbing skill, but you do need the strength to pull yourself up using handholds and the nerve to climb exposed rock with a guide's support.

Are the photographs included in the price?

Yes, photographs at the most impressive points are included. The guides take them during the climb so you have memories of the summit and the technical sections.

Do I need to bring my own hiking poles?

No, hiking poles are included. The guides also provide a helmet, communication radios and a first aid kit.