3rd Largest Monolith in the world!
Where is the 3rd largest monolith?
The 3rd largest monolith in the world is in Mexico!
Bernal, Querataro, Mexico, to be specific.
Here you will learn everything you need to know about this monolith, including information to help you climb it safely, and how to prepare.
Here is a map that shows you Bernal. I have marked the Monolith- La Peña De Bernal for you too.
You can use this map to check out the area, as well as hotels. You can check out different hotels and book your hotel here too.
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Bernal
Bernal is a small town that in Queretaro, Mexico.
It is actually a ‘Pueblo Mexico’. If you’re not sure what a ‘Pueblo Magico’ is, it means ‘Magical Town’ in English.
If you would like to learn more about Magical Towns, check out the Guide to Pueblos Magicos in Mexico.
You may notice that Bernal is often called 3 names
- Bernal
- San Sebastain Bernal
- La Peña De Bernal
If you’re headed to Bernal, there are other things to learn about and do, rather than just the monolith.
It is a popular weekend tourist destination! There are many things to do at this Pueblo Magico. You can see my top recommendations in my Guide to Visiting Bernal, Mexico.
What's the monolith in Mexico called?
This monolith is called ‘La Peña De Bernal’.
It’s called this because it is in the town of Bernal, or San Sebastian Bernal.
‘La Peña’ means rock or boulder in Spanish.
What is a monolith? What is La Peña De Bernal?
A monolith looks like a big mountain, but it is actually a huge rock.
More specifically, it’s an upright huge stone that stands up like a pillar or a monument.
La Peña De Bernal is the monolith in Bernal. It is actually a UNESCO World Hertiage Site!
It is sacred land for the Otomi-Chichimecas people.
It is also a top tourist destination!
About the 3rd Largest Monolith
I interviewed Antonio Camacho Alvares who is a park guard at La Peña De Bernal. Antonio works at the kiosk for the entrance for the monolith. He has been working at La Peña De Bernal for 4 years now.
His job is much more than entry tickets, he is part of a safety team that works at La Peña De Bernal.
He enjoys helping people and preventing accidents while he works at La Peña De Bernal.
Can Anyone Climb the Monolith?
Most people are allowed to climb the monolith.
It is done at your own risk, there is support from staff, but you are still making your own choice with a challenging activity.
The people that are not permitted to climb the monolith are people that:
- have cardiac issues
- blood pressure issues
- low blood pressure
- any sickness or disability which could make it unsafe for them to climb the monolith
- elderly people
What is the Cost or Requirement to Climb the Monolith?
There is a cost of 30 Mexican Pesos to climb the monolith.
Children under 12 do not need to pay. Also, people that are over 60 years of age do not need to pay the 30 Pesos to climb the monolith.
They have had people bring new born babies to climb part of the monolith. Antonio explains that this, of course, is at their own risk to do so. He didn’t recommend taking a baby up the monolith.
These photos below are the entry point to enter the monolith pathway. There are turnstiles for the entry area. This is where you pay the 30 Pesos to enter.
When the staff are not working the turnstiles are open for people that want to climb to see the sunrise.
When you come back down from the monolith, you will pay the fee if the kiosk was not opened when you entered the pathway.
If you go early before the staff are there, you should know that there will be no one that can help you if you need help as you’re climbing.
How big is the 3rd largest monolith?
The monolith height is 2510 meters above sea level!
From the town of Bernal, the monolith is 350 meters above the town.
There is a limit to how high you can climb without using all required rock climbing equipment.
You can walk about 1.5 kilometers on your own without rock climbing equipment.
After that height and distance, you need all the required rock climbing equipment to climb up the rock.
People are allowed to climb up to the top as long as they have this equipment.
I actually met a couple who had just finished rock climbing to the top of the monolith. They told me that they climbed up the point with the cross at the top of the monolith.
Of course, they had all of their safety gear with them.
They commented that it was challenging, but not their hardest climb.
Antonio shared that the monolith used to be a volcano, but the lava etc. turned hard and closed the volcano. It is not impossible for it to erupt.
How can you prepare to climb the monolith?
Before you climb the monolith, it is recommended to have eaten a full breakfast and to be well-hydrated.
Antonio recommends bringing water or electrolytes with you if you’re going to climb the monolith.
He recommends sipping water as opposed to drinking a lot at once because it can effect you as you climb if you drink too quickly.
Also, there are also no bathrooms as you climb the monolith.
Read the signs, warnings or recommendations before you climb.
If you see a sign that is not written in English and you don’t understand ask someone. There are staff that speak English at the monolith entrance.
Lastly, use the restroom before you climb.
What Should you Wear to Climb the Monolith?
Antonio recommends that you wear non-slip hiking boots. He says that this is the most important piece of clothing that you should wear.
He says that running shoes will not suffice because there are some spots on the monolith that will be difficult to pass with running shoes.
For example, there are some areas that are very smooth rocks and could be slippery with running shoes.
I would recommend loose-fitting, light clothing like shorts, so that you can climb up the stones more easily.
I also recommend sunglasses, a hat, and wearing sunblock before you climb.
Additionally, I recommend a small bag that can hold a water, but not get in the way of climbing.
A hydration backpack would be best. It has a bag inside that is filled with water, then there’s a straw that comes in front so that you can drink as you’re wearing the backpack.
These hydration backpacks are small, lightweight and stay close to your body. They won’t get in the way like a purse would as you climb.
The blue sign below has recommendations for climbing the monolith.
It says wear non-slip boots, comfortable clothing, a bottle of water and make sure that you ate well before you start climbing.
How long does it take to climb La Peña De Bernal?
On average it takes most people 40 minutes to 1 hour to climb up the monolith.
For most people on average, it takes 1 hour and a half to 1 hour 40 minutes to go up and down the monolith.
What if I get scared or panic while climbing La Peña De Bernal?
Part of Antonio’s job and other employee’s jobs are to prevent accidents and help people.
At times, the staff have to help people to come back down the monolith.
They have staff that have walkie-talkies at different levels of the monolith. They are in communication with each other about the people climbing, specifically any safety or medical concerns.
There are staff at the top, middle and bottom the monolith to help people who may need assistance.
Sometimes the staff will hold a person’s hands to help them to come down, carry them down, or bring them down in a stretcher, it depends upon the issue that the person is having.
There are times when people panic or become overwhelmed with a fear of heights or anxiety.
Also, sometimes people may get high or low blood pressure which may cause them to feel dizzy or weak. Antonio explained that this is often because of the difference in the altitude that they are normally used to.
In Mexico, the emergency number is 911 if you need emergency help.
Are there any rules when you climb La Peña De Bernal?
Everyone who is able to can climb, with the exception of people who have medical or physical issues that will make it unsafe to climb the monolith.
It is expected that you will respect and follow all of the signs as you climb the monolith.
Everyone must stay on the pathways, and not walk in other areas.
You can only climb past the walking limit with all required rock climbing equipment. It is expected that you will use all of your rock climbing equipment properly and safely.
When can people climb La Pena De Bernal?
It is opened everyday for people to climb from 8:00am to 5:00pm for people that are only hiking to the limit of the walking point of La Pena De Bernal.
For people that bring rock climbing equipment, the hours for climbing are 5:00am to 3:30pm.
People can climb to see the sunrise or sunset, but you do so at your own risk because it may be dark.
You must bring a head lamp or some form of light with you.
If it is raining they close the access to la Pena De Bernal as they want to prevent accidents from happening.
Can I buy water or supplies at La Peña De Bernal?
As you start walking on the dirt road to the entrance of the monolith, there are many different vendors selling things.
They are not opened very early in the morning though.
You can buy things like souvenirs, gatorade, water, juice, food, jewelry, crystals, hats, sunglasses, and much more.
They also sell things like alcoholic drinks, which I wouldn’t recommend as you’re going to climb the monolith.
Also, you can buy food like quesadillas, gorditas and other traditional foods.
During the week, these kiosks open up later than during the weekend.
Each vendor has their own hours, some are closed on slower days, like Mondays and Tuesdays.
During the week the ones that are opened are mostly opened from 8:00am to 7:00pm.
How can I prepare to climb the monolith?
Make sure that you have ate a meal before you climb.
Ensure that you are well hydrated.
A gatorade or electrolyte is recommended as well as water.
Make sure you have a boot on, like a good quality non-slip hiking boot.
The reason for this is that there are some spots with very smooth rocks that can be slippery with running shoes.
If you are climbing in the morning to watch the sunset, then a head lamp should be worn, so you can see and safely climb the monolith.
How long does it take to get to the monolith from downtown Bernal?
There is 1 road that is clearly marked with signs from the downtown area.
This is an uphill road that doesn’t have a steep incline.
You will find restaurants, bars, shops, vendors, and more as you walk up this street.
Follow the signs to La Peña to get to the entrance.
The walk takes about 30 minutes, depending on how quickly or slowly you walk.
What should I do while I am climbing the monolith?
Make sure that you sip water as you climb.
On the other hand, make sure that you don’t drink too much water too quickly as it can affect you as you’re climbing up the monolith.
It’s extremely important that you follow all the advice on the signs. The signs offer advice and warnings to you.
Also, you must stay on the path for your safety.
Only on Saturdays and Sundays, there are 2 hydration stations after the 1st part and at the end of the 2nd level. Bring money to buy these water bottles. This is not available during the weekdays.
Difficulty Level for Climbing the Monolith
While you’re going up the monolith there are some steps that are high making it more challenging to climb. This can make it more tiring to climb up the monolith.
Antonio said that on average it’s more difficult for tourists to come down from the monolith that go up because it is heavy on their feet to lower for a long time.
Animals on the Monolith
Some of the animals that are on the monolith and the surrounding mountains are:
- squirrels
- lizards
- rattlesnakes
- Corelio snakes
It’s not very common to see these snakes, but it could be possible.
Most often the snakes hide when they hear people.
The nocturnal animals that you may see are:
- foxes
- coyotes
- Tlacoyotes, which is, I think, a badger
- rats
These animals are in the mountains, and may possibly be on the monolith.
It’s very unlikely that you will see the poisonous snakes, but if you do Antonio’s recommendations are:
- to slowly back away
- don’t try to touch them
- give the animals space and they will slowly go away
- then keep going once they leave
- He says that the animals won’t hurt you if you give them space, and don’t approach them.
Guided Tours
There are tour companies in Bernal that offer tours to Climb the 3rd largest monolith in the world!
The difference between going on your own and tour is that the tour guide will guide you obviously. This is important for safety tips as you climb.
If you take a guided tour, you will pay them before, then they will take care of your entry at the gate. Some tour companies provide water and snacks too.
Of course, they will share information about the monolith and its history and cultural significance too.
There are a lot of tour companies in Bernal, so I recommend going into the square and walking around. Talk to the different tour vendors and make a decision that works best for you.
When is the best time of year to go to the Monolith?
Antonio says that many people go to the monolith on the first day of spring because the monolith used to be a volcano, therefore it has a lot of minerals.
The minerals give people energy. It has healing energy and helps them to feel good as well.
This energy is only in spring.
On this day, they have pre-hispanic events, dances, healing prayers, and more on this day. People come to get the energy.
Whenever the first day of spring is that year.
Tours in & around Bernal
Bernal is known for several things.
- La Pena De Bernal
- Wine
- Cheese
- Bread
- Beautiful Architecture & art
- Pueblo Magico Status
So there are many other things that you can do in Bernal.
Check out my Guide to Visiting Bernal, Mexico for some ideas.
You can also browse and book using this widget too!
Hotels in Bernal
There are some extremely beautiful and interesting hotels in Bernal!
Some have beautiful architecture, some have great view, and others have a uniqueness about them.
You can shop around and find out which one is best for you here. You can even book your hotel here too!
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