HomeClimbingChanchullo Slab

Chanchullo Slab: Sport Climbing on Reina del Sur’s Challenging Face

Chontalcoatlan, Mexico
sport climbing
slab
technical
single pitch
roof crux
Mexico
quickdraws
dry forest approach
Length: 85 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Chanchullo Slab
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"A sharp sport climb on Reina del Sur’s left face, offering a single-pitch test of precise footwork and technical moves. Negotiating a tight crux beneath a small roof, this 5.10+ route is a must for climbers seeking balance and challenge in Central Mexico’s rugged terrain."

Chanchullo Slab: Sport Climbing on Reina del Sur’s Challenging Face

Set within the rugged limestone formations of the Reina del Sur sector in the Chanchullo/El Chonta area, this sport climb tests your technical skill on a slab that demands attention to detail and a steady grip. Spanning 85 feet with a single pitch, the route traces a delicate line on the left side of the face, where smooth rock invites judicious foot placements and calculated reaches. The approach here is a straightforward hike through dry forest terrain, arriving at a wall bathed in morning sun but cooling by afternoon shadows.

The climb stakes its identity on a tight crux, where you’re forced to negotiate a small roof guarded by a narrow crack. Holds here are modest—hand grips pinch thinly while footholds challenge balance and precision rather than brute strength. This makes for a dynamic move that can catch you off guard, pushing your body to find the subtle tensions that keep you glued to the face. Quickdraws are essential for protection, clipped seamlessly into pre-placed bolts that guide the way safely past the tougher sections. The route rewards climbers attuned to controlled movement and mental focus, suited for those comfortable at the 5.10+ grade with some technical edge.

Because the face leans toward the sun in early hours and dangles into shade later, timing your climb can influence comfort and performance—early climbing sessions tend to avoid midday heat. The surrounding area offers a quiet atmosphere with views stretching over the Chontalcoatlan region, and a sense of remoteness that makes each ascent feel personal and undisturbed.

Climbers should come equipped with reliable sport climbing gear—quickdraws, harness, helmet—and wear shoes that excel on thin edges and smears. Water and sun protection are recommended, as the access trail crosses exposed stretches with little shade. The descent is uncomplicated, typically a careful walk off the access route that returned you to the base, making it easy to plan your time and energy for a single pitch challenge with maximum impact.

This route offers a balance between adventure and practicality: an accessible climb that delivers a focused technical move amid the openness of Central Mexico’s climbing landscape. It’s an ideal test for those ready to sharpen footwork and approach slab with respect, rewarded by the quiet thrill of sending a line that demands finesse and attention.

Climber Safety

While the bolts are reliable, the tiny crack at the roof crux offers no protection—bold but controlled movement is critical here. The rock surface is generally sound but can feel slick where footholds are sparse, so strong focus on balance and foot precision is advised. Approaching in hot weather increases risk of fatigue; carry extra water and plan for shaded breaks.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length85 feet

Local Tips

Start early to avoid the heat on the sun-exposed slab.

Wear climbing shoes optimized for edging and smearing on slab.

Bring plenty of water—minimal shade on approach and climb.

Scout the small roof crux on rappel or top-rope before leading.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10+
Quality
Consensus:The 5.10+ grading reflects a route that’s more about finesse than power. The crux—the move over the small roof—adds a bump to the difficulty, demanding strong finger lock and delicate foot placements. Climbers who excel on technical slab and precise movement will find this grade accurate though just challenging enough. Compared to local sport routes, it leans on subtlety rather than raw athleticism.

Gear Requirements

Sport route protected by quickdraws clipped into solid bolts; essential to carry a rack of at least 8 quickdraws for smooth clipping and safety.

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Tags

sport climbing
slab
technical
single pitch
roof crux
Mexico
quickdraws
dry forest approach