Trad Climbing on Cerro Pantojo in Chile

Spend 3 days on a unique trad climbing ascent of the stunning Cerro Pantojo in Chile's Los Lagos region with the help of José and the Huella Andina ANGM Mountain Guides team.

Group

Andes

3 Days

All year

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Enjoy climbing on the petrified lava towers of Cerro Pantojo.
Discover a unique location in the Los Lagos region of Chile.
Spend three days in the middle of nature, with stunning mountain views around you.

Description

Cerro Pantojo stands tall on the border of Chile and Argentina, on the route connecting Osorno and Bariloche. This unique petrified lava tower is a top spot for moderate climbing in summer and more demanding climbing in winter, with a beautiful approach through forests of native trees such as lengas and ñirres. It boasts volcanic ash and enough snow for randoneé skis or snowshoes in winter. The Pantojo offers five pitches of V-grade climbing (or W3/W4 in winter) and climbing it is a unique way to enjoy the surrounding landscapes. On this 3-day tour, we will explore the Pantojo, and climb on its famous trad. routes.

The itinerary we will follow starts and ends in Puerto Varas. From there, we will drive down the Interlagos route to the Cardenal Samoré pass. There, we will sign up for the activity and present our documents to the international police. From there, we still have 20km more to go before we begin our trek to the Base Camp.

The trek will take us through forests of native trees, and we must carry our backpacks with everything we need for the following days. We will cross a river, and some volcanic ash, and after around 7 km, or four hours, we will reach the base camp in the plains.

On the day of the climb, we will start early. We will need about an hour to reach the start of the route, from there an easy climb of about 50 meters will take us to the gutter and a complete first view. From there, we will reach the ridge that will take us to the last climb between blocks and loose rock. The route in summer conditions is graded V as per UIAA classifications, with a 5.7 climbing grade in Yosemite climbing. In winter, the route becomes completely alpine. The approach will require ski touring or snowshoes, and it will be necessary to use ice axes and crampons (difficulty WI3 to Wi4).

In order to join this tour, you need to have experience and knowledge of climbing and rappelling. You don't need to have a high rock climbing grade or experience in trad climbing, but you do need to know rappelling and belaying techniques. Additionally, you will need to be physically fit and ready for adventure!

If you would like to climb the stunning Cerro Pantojo in Chile, then contact us today and we can start planning your adventure!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Permit and entrance fees
Tents
Rope
Harness
Helmet
Crampons
Ice axe

Price details

INCLUDES:
Mountain guide service in group tour; bilingual ANGM mountain guides (Spanish, English); entrance fees to National Parks and/or private land; excursions, transportation, and food as described in the itinerary; activity insurance; first aid kit for wild areas; all group equipment per client listed here (helmet, harness with accessories, common camping equipment); in areas without cell phone coverage, a 2way satellite communicator (with real-time online tracking, SOS function), in areas with cell phone coverage, a 1-way satellite communicator and/or VHF radios.
If the program takes place in winter conditions, it also includes crampons, ice axes, poles, and snowshoes.
The program includes meals (dinners and breakfasts according to itinerary) and accommodation in a mountain tent for 2 persons at the camp. We will all carry the group equipment, food and personal equipment in our backpacks.
NOT INCLUDED:
Tips, additional services or upgrades, personal gear, life and/or travel insurance, porters or horses (if available), extra expenses, alcoholic beverages, meals not specified in the itinerary or not included in the menu, extra nights in cities or due to changes in the itinerary, anything else not mentioned in the program.

Itinerary

Day 1: Puerto Varas- Base Camp

7 am - Transport from Puerto Varas to the Cardenal Samoré border crossing.

10 am- Trekking to La Junta (4 to 6 hours).

Base camp.

Day 2: Southwest Gutter Climbs

Climbing the route on the "southwest gutter" (5 pitches, +-200m, summer difficulty; 5.7 YDS, V UIAA | winter difficulty: M3 or M4, 80°)

Day 3: Return to Puerto Varas

We will set off at 9 am and trek to the trailhead, we will return to Puerto Varas from there at 4 pm.

Equipment you will need to bring

Appropriate clothes for trekking, climbing, and weather conditions at the time of the program (3-layer system, gloves, and hat), trekking boots, headlamp, sunglasses, backpack (+50lt or large enough to carry your personal items), and those that we will provide you), climbing shoes, sleeping bag comfort temperature -7°C, water bottle (minimum 2 liters), camera, sunscreen (skin, lips), change of clothes. Mountain boots are required if the program is carried out in winter conditions.

About the guide

Huella Andina

4.9

(17)

Guiding agency

José Miguel and the HAE Guides are based in the south of Chile. They are members of ANGM - the National Association of Mountain Guides - and local guides who are happy to share with you their experience and expertise in climbing, skiing and/or trekking, as well as their knowledge of the area and its people.

Huella Andina is a registered guiding company that has been developing mountain tours since 2009. We operate several trips in national parks and wilderness areas, specializing in expeditions to the main volcanoes of southern Chile: Osorno, Calbuco, Yates, Puntiagudo, as well as the high mountains of the Maipo Valley and the Atacama region.

Languages

English

Certificates

ANGM

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What people are saying about Huella Andina

Grace

Amazing experience, gracias!

Christina

I had a wonderful time on my journey to the top of the Osorno Volcano and cannot recommend Huella Andina enough. José and his team were very good at communicating with me from the moment I booked my trip. While I had been initially a little hesitant, unsure if I had enough experience for this trip, José was very clear about what to expect and assured me that my prior experience was definitely sufficient, putting my mind at ease. The trip itself was very well organized. My guide, Falco, picked me up from my hostel in Puerto Varas. I was able to stay in the Teski Refuge the night before the ascent, enjoying a delicious dinner and breakfast prior to the start. The climb became a little technical, as conditions were icy toward the top, but Falco was an excellent lead, telling me exactly what to do once we started to use the ropes. The view from the top was very special as you climb above the sea of clouds and see other volcanoes in the distance. If you are planning a trip to Osorno, I highly recommend Huella Andina Expeditions to take you all the way to the top! Can't wait to come back to Chile and do another trek with them!

Sven

Jose Miguel is a very professional guide and I enjoyed the experience on Calbuco very much. Thanks for everything!

Claudia

Jose Miguel delegated the guiding to Eduardo who is an internationally qualified mountain guide. Between the two they delivered an individualised trip for me. Starting with a climb of El Plomo from a ski field close to Santiago is a great way to acclimatise. Finding the road to Laguna Santa Rosa closed due to land slides was no big deal.We stayed a night in Caldera and took a different route the next day. Eduardo changed the itinerary slightly to better accommodate my abilities. I felt very safe with him. The Atacama area is an amazing place to visit. Highly recommended! One tip: come well prepared for the cold.

Creighton

Best experience we could have asked for. I'm so happy we hired a guide for this. Their knowledge, expertise, and personality made the trip amazing. The climb is well worth the effort and I highly recommend.