I had the BEST experience climbing Pena de Bernal with SouthernXposure. My guide Mac was a real pro - decades guiding both in Mexico and around the world. I'm new to rock climbing but it felt natural to trust Mac with my life. Fluent in both English and Spanish. Climbing Pena de Bernal was the best adventure of my life - highly recommend SouthernXposure to anyone. Thank you Google for helping me find Sim & Mac! Again soon amigos :)

Says Michael C. CXMX, Mexico Google Reviews

What a wonderful guide service! I emailed with Simeon to arrange to climb up Peña de Bernal, and he was always prompt with his responses and happy to answer whatever questions I had. My boyfriend and I were guided by Carlos up to the peak of Peña de Bernal, and it was quite an excursion! We’re both pretty seasoned climbers, but that was the most intense / first big wall climb I had ever done. I felt very confident in Carlos’s climbing/guiding abilities, and everything went smoothly. Getting to the peak of the monolith felt like such an accomplishment, we both had a really positive experience and would highly recommend SouthernXposure for any of your guiding needs in the area!

Says Kat P. from the US Google.com

This rock climbing guide service is awesome and so is the climbing in Aculco and in the surrounding area. Aculco has some of the best single-pitch trad crack climbing in the world. Every pitch has incredible variety, corner cracks, face cracks, short roofs, chimney, etc. and it’s all super splitter! I honestly think it’s one of the best places in the world to learn to crack climb. 10 days here and you’ll be ready for both Yosemite and Indian Creek! The rock here is super solid, making gear placements bomber. You can either lead or build top rope anchors from the top. Even if you have your own climbing gear, it’s good to hire a guide for at least a day to show you where everything is. Also, there is a world-class sport climbing area in Jilotepec, about an hour from Aculco!!! SouthernXposure is easily the best rock climbing guide service in this region of Mexico. Simeon, from Aculco is amazing. He has been climbing in the area for more than a decade and knows it really well. When we weren’t climbing, Simeon helped us have a cool cultural experience by taking us to all the most interesting places. Simeon also offers dirt-bike motorcycle tours around the mountains in this region. SouthernXposure has other excellent guides, like Carlos, a local with tremendous climbing experience. We traveled there during COVID and felt very safe. Mexicans take mask-wearing very seriously and they mandate that you use their hand sanitizer before you enter any business. There are far fewer COVID cases in Mexico than the US and now I know why! To return to the US, we had to get a COVID test within 3 days of our flight. I was concerned that we wouldn’t find a test with fast enough turn-around time, but it was easy! We got a free rapid test (results in 15 minutes) in Aculco!!! (Now I’m thinking that Mexico is better than the US, in general!) Many Americans think that Mexico is dangerous but that’s only some places in Mexico, usually close to the border with the US (the US’s fault?). Aculco and the surrounding area is extremely safe.

Says Dave Gates of Woodstock, NY Google.com

Course review:

Single Pitch Guide

Simeon is a superb instructor bringing decades of experience coupled with modern, up to date rope management skills.

One of the key tenets of this course is efficiency. You will learn to utilize two key knots that translates to other skill sets. The bowline on a bight and the munter mule. These two knots allow you to effectively set anchor systems for top rope, multi pitch, and rappel scenarios.

This two day course covers many important topics to safely guide parties of different skill, ability and capacity.

Topics explored:

Top Down-

Setting multi point anchor systems.

Equalization of anchor points and master anchor point placement.

Setting up rappel stations.

Keeping your client safe on rappel.

Bottom Up-

Belay technique and rope management.

Rescue techniques for client challenges.

Fundamental first aid triage.

Management of larger parties to keep all members safe.

Lead climbing skills-

Defining the appropriate gear and racking.

Dissecting the climb into sections.

Gear management, back cleaning when appropriate and rope drag reduction.

Top belay and rescue techniques.

As a seasoned climber of four + decades, this was a superb course. I learned why some of the old school strategies where less efficient. This was especially apparent with the client rescue scenarios.

Says Joseph S. of Loveland, Colorado Facebook.com

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 to 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.

Says Jason T. of Queretaro, MX Facebook.com

Had a great time in Aculco on the SPG course. The instructor has a lot of knowledge, that combined with his passion for climbing and the development of Mexico’s climbing scene makes the class worthwhile. Besides Aculco is a magical place, very nice experience. Can’t wait to go back and climb some more trad and take the SPG exam to take things to the next level.

Says Fran C. of Monterrey, MX Facebook.com

We loved Mac, and Peña de Bernal!

Mac was a great guide, and we felt very safe, and in good hands the entire time we spent together. Peña de Bernal is a beautiful place to climb, and was very pleasant for our first multi-pitch experience. Bernalina was great fun!

Says Christina Gambacorta of California Facebook.com

Sim es un guía de escalada con muchísima experiencia. Nos dio una clase de introducción a tradclimb muy completa en Aculco; vimos tipos de piezas, anclajes y maniobras. Te explica todo con mucho detalle, responde tus preguntas y lo mejor de todo es que ríes todo el tiempo porque es una persona muy simpática y divertida.
Al final fuimos a cenar delicioso en el centro de Aculco, fue un gran día :)

Dice Beka de Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico Facebook

Recently spent a bit more than a week climbing with Sim, and if you want a safe, knowledgeable, and kind guide, he's your guy.

As far a the safety goes, I've been climbing outside over fours years with a preference for trad climbing and I certainly picked up a few things from Sim about anchors. Additionally, he has a habitat of analyzing any given situation before he commits to the plan. Combined with years and years of experience with his systems, he's got you covered.

When it comes to knowledge, he's literally written the book on climbing in Bernal and in Aculco he took me to world-class routes that I had completely missed when exploring the area on my own. Jilotepec? Yeah, he showed me what's what there too.

Lastly, the man is a gem. I witnessed him clean up areas, install better anchors using his own materials, and volunteer his time to help others. Moreover, it's motivating just to be around him and his happiness is contagious.

Thanks for everything Sim!

Says Neil Atkinson from Halifax, Nova Scotia Facebook.com

Simeon is not only a tremendously knowledgeable and experienced guide (both on the rock and for tourism in general), he is one of the most kind-hearted people I've had the pleasure of meeting. He is a genuine, down-to-earth gentleman who goes out of his way to make you feel safe and welcomed.

Stephanie and I recently spent 4 days climbing with Sim in central Mexico around the state of Queretaro climbing in Aculco. Not only was the climbing absolutely first-class, he went out of his way to ensure that safety was more important than anything else.

As a new climber, I definitely want to make sure I'm safe since this was only my second time climbing outdoors. Sim is able to cultivate a mindset where you respect the rope but feel secure enough that you can focus on the climbing.

Sim is a curated guide, and world class, and it is an experience that I'll never forget. I can't wait for the next blue collar brawl with the cracks in Aculco the next time we go!

Says Michael Schwarzl of Toronto, Canada Facebook.com

Went to Bernal to climb south of the border with a few friends, and my oh my was it such a diamond in the rough. Simeon (owner of SouthernXposure) constantly gave us knowledge of the area, the rock, and the town. I haven't met anyone who is more qualified to guide and establish new amazing routes on such an incredible quality of rock. He is the definition of a climber in my book, someone who is selfless, wants to teach his systems and show people an amazing time (Without leaving a trace (other than his new routes! Montezuma's revenge!))

Says Eric L. from Humboldt County, CA Yelp.com

So I just got home from what I consider to be the best climbing trip I've been on to date. The grand finale were three days spent crack climbing with Sim in Aculco, Mexico. Aculco hosts a gorgeous valley lined with beautiful routes spaced out ever three feet. Unfortunately there are no guide books and the place is exceptionally hard to navigate. That's where Sim comes into play. His first hand knowledge on the routes and valley are top notch. It really made the days enjoyable knowing we could focus just on climbing and not have to waste anytime trying to guess which route we were looking at. Aside from his knowledge he's simply a great guy. His persona and presence alone will up your game by a full grade. If your planning a trip to Central Mexico you have to get in touch with Sim. You won't regret it!

Says Malcolm Ferguson from London, Ontario Facebook.com

Climb La Pena De Bernal, it is visually daunting and astonishing to climb. There are numerous amount of routes that anyone can try out, from the most simple and enjoyable climbs to the most achievable and 'shit your pants' type of climbs. Simeon is your guru of SouthernXposure. He's the man you should talk to about climbing, the town, the food and more.

Says Tae from Bronx, New York Yelp.com

At Peña de Bernal, SouthernXposure truly provides. 
These guys truly value taking the time to ensure that each individual receives the experience of a lifetime; beyond the fabulous climbs. The rock is superb, the town is incredible, and the recommendations made for some of the best days of my life. Thank you to Simeon for everything. I left Bernal not only having climbed the most satisfying lines, but having formed a new family and a second home.

Says Emily W. from San Francisco, CA Yelp.com

"Definitely the best outdoor company for rock climbing in Mexico! Guided by one of the best guides, with a lot of experience to give! I was climbing with Simeon some days ago in Jilotepec, and in Aculco. He is a great guy, excellent guide, a great person, and a fancy cooker! If you have the opportunity to spend time with SouthernXposure do it!"

Says Gabriel Saad from Beirut, Lebanon facebook.com

excellent guide, a great person, and a fancy cooker! If you have the opportunity to spend time with SouthernXposure do it!"
Says Gabriel Saad from Beirut, Lebanon facebook.com

My girlfriend and I spent a week climbing with Simeon of SouthernXposure over Christmas vacation. It was truly the experience of a lifetime. I've climbed all over the world but what makes SouthernXposure special are the guides. Simeon has a knowledge and relationship with Central Mexico and has great contacts in the area. His passions for guiding and also for putting together the logistics, contacts, lodging, etc make him an invaluable connection in Mexico. The climbing is anything from 5-minute approach crags, crack climbing near a waterfall, and multi-pitch "big wall" climbing in Bernal. You won't go wrong with this off-the-beaten -path destination. El Potrero is out. The State of Queretaro (Bernal, aculco, and Jilotepec, etc) are in. Thanks Simeon for a badass time...and "peanut" his sidekick.

Says Bowie Helm from Houston, Texas Facebook.com