Chile and Argentina’s southwestern borderlands offer some of the finest rock climbing South America has to offer, be it challenging sport climbs or alpine adventures. Here you will find something suitable for every taste – you’re sure to find your adventure here!
Bariloche offers world-class sport, trad and alpine climbing opportunities – you could easily spend your entire trip here!
Zipa
Zipa offers easy access from Colombia’s capital while being packed with quality routes – making it the ideal spot for sport climbing enthusiasts looking for easy routes with lots of shade during the day and plenty of climbing fun! Zipa’s volcanic rock provides an enjoyable climbing surface, featuring walls, pinnacles, chimneys, cracks and pockets. There is something exciting and challenging in its volcanic rock surface which provides challenging yet rewarding climbing routes all year round! Zipa also makes for great shade during daytime which makes this climbing destination great any time of year or year-round climbing adventures!
Medellin visitors looking for an effortless day trip will often opt for this quick and convenient excursion from the city. Accessible via public bus from Guatape, simply request “El Penol” when boarding and get off at its entrance to the crag. Depending on how many routes you want to do here you could spend anywhere between 1-5 hours exploring its depths.
Abejorral has seen tremendous popularity surge due to Jerson Areiza and his partners’ efforts at rejuvenating its routes, trails and hostel at its base. Most weeks during the week are quiet; often you can have all of Abejorral to yourself; however on weekends particularly Sundays it becomes packed with local climbers eager to experience this climber paradise.
South America provides the ideal setting for mountain climbing enthusiasts looking to challenge themselves on an international expedition, offering everything from the majestic glacier-covered peaks of Patagonia and Torres del Paine to high altitude Andean climbs with no end of options ranging from well-equipped national parks with all necessary facilities, to remote climbs accessible only via 4×4.
Experience these breathtaking climbs like never before with the help of an expert guide! Choose from our selection of bookable, small-group trips ranging from authentic and immersive Epic Trips to compact Mini Trips; whatever your style or ability level there’s bound to be something just right for you!
Suesca
Suesca, in South America’s Peru, boasts some of the finest rock climbing. Amidst its rugged mountain landscape is an array of routes from 5.6 to 5.14 YDS (4 to 8b+ French). Sandstone walls here feature everything from slabs to roofs with splitter cracks and huecos; as well as being popular climbing spots it also attracts hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts.
Climbers from around the world visit Suesca for its spectacular sandstone terrain and year-round climbing season, suitable for both traditional and sport climbing styles. Suesca boasts an enormous route selection, plenty of accommodation options and reasonable rates; unlike some world-renowned climbing destinations where prices become excessively expensive.
Suesca is situated in Cundinamarca Department and just an hour northeast of Bogota. Historically, its rocky cliffs were considered sacred by Muisca indigenous community who would visit them to sing sacred songs or participate in ritual climbing of them as part of religious practice. Furthermore, Muiscas believed these rocks to be guardians protecting their land – praying to them regularly as protection.
Suesca remains one of the premier spots for rock climbing in Colombia and remains an area where locals go for its quality, quantity, and diversity of routes. Just an easy drive from Bogota, there are multiple companies providing guides as well as climbing packages in Suesca.
Crags offer a magical feeling with their moss-covered rocks and haunting atmosphere, creating a surreal setting for climbing enthusiasts of all levels to practice rock climbing safely and securely. Climbers of all levels will find challenging routes but each route is well protected, providing beginners with a perfect opportunity to start rock climbing while experienced climbers can tackle some big routes here.
Suesca’s most beloved climbs include El Grito del Sol and Pozo de las Lneas, with Pozo de las Lneas being one of its longest, most scenic routes with three pitches of fantastic climbing: heady chosy terrain in its first pitch; two roofs and dihedral handcrack in its second; then finally an arete with two big roofs that leads to two dihedral handcracks on its third.
Macheta
South America offers breathtaking mountain landscapes and crags that draw rock climbers to its shores, yet proper preparation for an expedition is key to enjoying it safely and stress-free. Without proper gear, illness or injury may arise – renting can save money while letting you enjoy an adventure carefree.
Bariloche is a beloved tourist destination and offers an abundance of accommodation options, ranging from budget hostels to luxurious hotels. For optimal accommodations in town center or its environs – with all its excellent restaurants and shops within close reach – or alternatively on nearby mountains offering spectacular views – stay close by in Bariloche!
Suesca is one of Colombia’s oldest and best-known climbing areas. Offering both sport and trad routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.14 on its sandstone formations, Suesca can be reached within just one hour from Bogota by bus and features an inviting hostal.
Macheta is another relatively less-crowded and rising climbing destination that’s becoming increasingly popular. A great introduction to sandstone climbing at lower elevation than Suesca, Macheta boasts dramatic overhanging walls with fun routes featuring solid jugs and crimps as well as overhangs to provide shelter from rainstorms.
When visiting South American climbing destinations, the best time of year is April through September – when the weather is ideal and crowds of winter tourists have dissipated. Here you can experience beautiful mountain scenery as well as cool climate.
Beginner climbers should consider hiring a guide when traveling to Macheta or any of its neighboring regions, in order to gain experience and knowledge necessary for safe climbing. Your guides will show you some of the most pristine and challenging routes, while teaching you about using special climbing tools and equipment.
Santiago
Santiago is an ideal destination for first-time climbers to test their skills, offering numerous routes on various types of rock for both technical challenges and stunning mountainous vistas.
Chile offers optimal climbing conditions from May through August. At this time, snowline levels are low enough for most climbers to access mountain peaks without encountering snowfall; however, weather may change abruptly and therefore it is wise to choose a destination with ideal climbing conditions as well as plenty of accommodations.
Bariloche is one such option; this city offers perfect climbing terrain and boasts an active community of climbers, as well as being a popular skiing destination. Furthermore, Bariloche’s region is relatively affordable making it an attractive living option over longer durations; all amenities necessary for climbing enthusiasts such as restaurants and bars can also be easily accessed here allowing climbers easy access to nearby mountains.
La Mojarra is one of South America’s premier climbing destinations. Situated near San Gil, La Mojarra offers over 300 routes on picturesque sandstone cliffs that attract boulderers and sport climbers alike – including some challenging 5.10 and 5.11 climbs with intricate “juggy” moves that require plenty of “juggy” moves! La Mojarra makes an excellent destination for travelers wanting to experience Colombia’s scenic views while taking part in some of the world’s most rewarding routes.
Cerro Fitz Roy is another popular climbing destination in Argentina and should be experienced by anyone visiting Patagonia. Situated in Los Glaciares National Park, its summit requires advanced technical mountaineering skills for an arduous ascent; additionally it ranks amongst one of the highest points in the Andes range.
Huaraz and La Paz in Bolivia provide other excellent options for climbing in the Andes, being only an hour or two’s drive from 6000m-peak peaks and offering plenty of climbing opportunities. Although these mountains do not compare in beauty with those found in Patagonia, they still make for worthwhile visits.
