Monterrey Hiking Climbing Rappelling Pico Licos Adventure

Three rappels down a vertical wall, a palm tree at the peak, and a hike that turns into climbing

Pico Licos is a hiking, climbing and rappelling adventure near Monterrey where you hike to the summit of El Dorito peak in the Huasteca, then descend three rappels—a 4-meter warm-up, a 60-meter vertical drop, and a 35-meter final descent—over roughly five hours. The experience includes certified guides in English, Spanish or Portuguese; private transportation; all safety gear and harnesses; emergency insurance; and photographs. Two formats run: the traditional morning climb with daylight views of the canyon, or a nocturne version on full moon dates (availability by request).

The Experience

The hike starts at the meeting point and gradually steepens into a climb along the edge of the Huasteca, a massive canyon wall that frames the city. You're moving toward El Dorito, one of the peaks that crowns the ridge, where a symbolic cross and an iconic palm tree mark the highest point. The summit sits at 1,250 meters, and the view opens in all directions—the city's architecture on one side, the sheer Huasteca wall on the other. This is where the descent begins.

The rappelling sequence is the core of the day. A 4-meter drop first, to warm up your body and your nerves on the rope system. Then the main event: a 60-meter vertical rappel down a completely vertical wall, the kind of drop that tests your nerve and your trust in the harness. A 35-meter final descent follows, and then you're back on the path that leads to the meeting point. All three rappels use a descent system and cannon harness provided by the guides; helmets, insurance and safety protocols are built in. The guides are certified and speak English, Spanish or Portuguese, so they can walk you through each step and answer questions as you go.

Private transportation picks you up and brings you back in an air-conditioned vehicle, so you don't have to arrange a ride or navigate to the trailhead yourself. The operator includes photographs of the day, so you leave with images of the summit, the wall and the rappels. Pico Licos runs in two versions: the traditional morning tour, which lets you climb and descend in daylight, or the nocturne version on full moon dates—ask about availability and the lunar calendar when you book. Children from age 12 are welcome on the adventure.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• certified guides in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• safety helmet, cannon harness and descent system.
• emergency insurance.
• and photographs of the summit and rappels.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Lyliaventuras Guerreros

Is this one for you?The private transport pickup means you don't need a car or local knowledge to reach the trailhead—the guide collects you and brings you back, which settles the logistics for anyone staying in Monterrey without a rental. The morning departure gives you daylight for the climb and the rappels, while the nocturne option on full moon dates is built for travelers who want the canyon and the descent under moonlight instead.

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Top questions

What does the 60-meter rappel actually feel like on Pico Licos?

The 60-meter rappel is a drop down a completely vertical wall in the Huasteca, the kind of descent that tests your nerve and your control on the rope. You're secured in a cannon harness with a descent system managed by certified guides, and the wall itself is the main sensation—sheer rock face, open air, and the ground far below. It's the centerpiece of the day and the reason people come.

How long does the whole Pico Licos adventure take?

The experience runs about five hours from start to finish, including the hike to the summit, the three rappels and the return to the meeting point. The pace depends on the group and how long people want to spend at the summit taking in the 360-degree view.

Do I need climbing or rappelling experience to do Pico Licos?

No prior experience is required, but you do need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The hike becomes progressively steeper and turns into a climb along the edge of the canyon, so stamina and comfort on steep terrain matter. Certified guides lead you through the rappelling technique on each descent.

What's included in the Pico Licos adventure?

Private transportation to and from the trailhead; all safety gear including helmet, harness and descent system; certified guides in English, Spanish or Portuguese; emergency insurance; and photographs of the day. You bring your own water and snacks, though public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer to arrange your own ride.

What's the difference between the morning and nocturne versions?

The traditional Pico Licos runs in the morning, so you climb and rappel in daylight and can see the Huasteca canyon and the city clearly from the summit. The nocturne version takes place on full moon dates according to the lunar calendar, offering a completely different atmosphere. Ask for availability and dates when you book.

Can children do the Pico Licos rappelling adventure?

Children from age 12 are welcome on Pico Licos. They follow the same route—the hike, the climb and all three rappels—with certified guides managing safety and technique for younger participants.