This guide is the result of a travel project in which we explored different locations in the Andes mountain range. In such a vast area, it is sometimes necessary to set limits, otherwise we could spend our entire lives exploring but never write the guide 😅. For that reason we decided to limit the list to the areas which are closer to our beloved mountain range.

The idea behind this list is not to provide an exhaustive detail of each area but rather an overview of the existing ones, their location, the main services they offer, some useful contacts and (when possible), information on where to buy or download the guides. We apologise to the beautiful areas that were left out. 🙏

As we also know that the climbing community is now more dynamic than ever and constantly expanding, it is possible that new sectors will emerge, that some will change, and that this information will become insufficient. If you know of any hidden gems that you would like to share, please write them in the comments and we will gladly add them!

We have separated the sectors into three different areas to explain them easily.

FIRST AREA: SOUTHERN PATAGONIA

It covers the areas located in the provinces of Tierra del Fuego and Santa Cruz in Argentina, and the regions of Magallanes and Aysén in Chile.

The common denominator for climbing in this area is the relentless wind, getting rid of layers of clothing as you ascend the route, and compensating for each climb with an unforgettable view of the surrounding mountains.

We hope this guide will be a useful contribution to the climbing community and will enable people from the Andes, or from much further away, to discover these beautiful areas and connect with the wonderful local people. And if you find language barriers that make communication with locals difficult, having a copy of blablaCLIMB in your backpack can help you bridge that gap.

Photo: gochile.cl

THE HEART OF THE CARRETERA AUSTRAL

Located in a very strategic spot, practically halfway between the southern and northern ends of the Carretera Austral. For those travelling along this beautiful route, it is an almost obligatory stop to rest, refill supplies and enjoy the amenities the city has to offer.

Climbing is well developed here, and there’s a wide variety of spots offering very different types of climbing: from beautiful limestone walls bolted with excellent sport climbing routes to long routes for traditional climbing.

SPOT	TYPE OF CLIMBING	GRADES
Escudo	Trad Multi-pitch	6

Cerro Mackay

Trad Multi-pitch

5-6

Villa Jara

Sport

6-7

Ensenada Valle Simpson/Mosquetas

Sport Multi-pitch

5-8

Muralla china

Sport

6-7

Ojo de Sauron/Villa el Morro

Sport

6-7

Lago Elizalde

Sport

6-7

Photo: Seba Varela

THE EPICENTRE OF CLIMBING IN CHILEAN PATAGONIA

Located in an ideal setting for mountain lovers, at the foot of Cerro Castillo, a mountain 2.675 metres high, which is protected within a national park. It provides access to one of the most beautiful mountain hiking areas in Chile and it’s surrounded by a landscape with unique features: lagoons, snowdrifts, forests…

Due to its proximity to the mountain, the place offers easy access to countless rock walls of excellent quality for climbing. This potential began to be exploited to the fullest in 2017 when the first edition of Roc’Fest was held, which allowed a large number of routes to be equipped. It currently has around 250 routes within a 20-kilometre radius.

SPOT	TYPE OF CLIMBING	GRADES
Rincón campero / Don Simón	Sport	6-7

El ático

Sport

6-7

Aeródromo

Sport

5-7

Chabela

Sport

5-8

El alero de las manos

Sport

6-8

Vista Tehuelche

Sport Trad Multi-pitch

5-8

El puma

Sport

6-7

Photo: turismo.rioibanez.cl

A UNIQUE MICROCLIMATE ON THE SHORE OF CHELENKO LAKE

It is a very small village that enjoys a privileged microclimate for these latitudes, influenced by its proximity to Lake Chelenko (General Carrera). As in so many other villages in the Aysén region, its inhabitants have a deeply rooted cultural identity, which is evident in their clothing, traditions, crafts, festivals, etc.

The climbing areas are very different from each other, offering the possibility to climb with various types of rock in the same area. If we are comfortable with the idea of climbing (almost) always in the presence of the tireless Patagonian wind, we can enjoy a beautiful experience in a quiet location away from the mass tourism circuits.   

SPOT	TYPE OF CLIMBING	GRADES
La guanaca	Sport	4-7

Altamirano/La balsa

Sport Multi-pitch

5-7

Casa piedra

Sport Multi-pitch

5-8

El maitenal

Sport

4-8

El águila

Sport Trad Multi-pitch

4-8

Photo: Hori Barbieri

THE NEW PEARL OF CLIMBING IN THE ARGENTINIAN PATAGONIA

It has everything it takes to become one of the best climbing destinations in the region: it is immersed in the depths of the Patagonian steppe, striking a good balance between being far enough away to avoid overcrowding, but not so far as to be unreachable. 😜 The rock is extraordinary, you have to touch it to believe it! It is also located within a protected area, Patagonia Park, which offers ideal conditions for the place to remain preserved.

It already has a good number of routes, with different styles and for all levels, and the potential to continue opening routes is infinite. For those who love that side of climbing that allows you to connect with the purity of a place until you feel part of it, this place is not to be missed.

SPOT	TYPE OF CLIMBING	GRADES
Cañadón Caracoles	Sport	5-7

Cañadón Almendra

Sport

6-8

Photo: elchalten.tur.ar

ARGENTINA’S TREKKING CAPITAL

It is one of the youngest towns in Argentina. It began as a settlement created by the government to ensure sovereignty in a remote territory, and today it is one of the most visited places in Patagonia. It attracts mainly visitors who enjoy contact with nature and mountains. All kinds of mountain-related activities can be practised here, from few-hours hikes to several-days treks, crossing glaciers and mountain passes.

In terms of the variety and quality of the routes, we can say that it is a paradise for climbers. The Cerro Chaltén and Cerro Torre massifs offer countless high mountain routes (alpine climbing), and many areas around the village have been bolted for sport climbing. A very important aspect to consider is the climate, as the “good weather” windows for climbing or expeditions are usually short.

SPOT	TYPE OF CLIMBING	GRADES
Diedro grande	Sport Trad	6-7

Vieja hostería

Sport Trad

6-7

Los baños

Sport Trad

5-7

Paredón de los cóndores

Sport Multi-pitch

6-7

Palestric park

Sport

6-7

El diamante

Bouldering

V7-V10

Laguna Club Andino

Bouldering

V1-V5

Veshcho wall

Sport

4-7

Bosque de Madsen

Bouldering

La nueva escuelita

Sport

4-6

La burbuja

Sport

5-7

La agujita

Sport Trad

5-6

Carpintero

Sport

6-7

Arbolitos / Bosquecito

Sport

6-7

El calamar

Sport

6-8

La platea

Sport

5-8

Cerro Torre

Ice climbing Trad Big wall

4-7

Cerro Chaltén

Ice climbing Trad Big wall

4-7

Photo: turismoelcalafate.com

LAND OF GLACIERS

It is very difficult to dissociate El Calafate from its main attraction, the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is one of the most visited places in Argentina. The proximity to this natural wonder has transformed the small town into a highly developed tourist centre, where services are abundant.

In addition to spending a few days exploring glaciers, bars and restaurants, there are some options for climbing: some areas for sport climbing, lots of bouldering, multi-pitch routes and even an area for traditional climbing (a little further away).  

SPOT	TYPE OF CLIMBING	GRADES
Cerro Calafate	Sport Bouldering	4-7

El cañadón

Sport Bouldering

4-7

Cerro Comisión

Sport Multi-pitch

4-8

Puerto Irma

Bouldering

V0-V10

Tehuelche creek

Trad

5-7