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Traditional climbing to Cerro Pantojo

Traditional climbing to Cerro Pantojo

A tower of lava rising among volcanoes and Andean forests offers an elegant classic climb in the mountains of southern Chile.

from
CLP$ 700.000
per person
Puyehue
3 days
Duration
1–6 pax
Group
1 guide per 2 clients on multi-pitch climbing (maximum NCh3018 §6.1.2)
Guide ratio
Start / End
Puerto Varas
Season
Jan – Dec
Difficulty
Max. altitude
2,027 m
Distance
± 7 km (trek to base camp)
Elevation gain
± 700 m trek to base camp + ± 200 m of climbing
The southwest gully route covers a little over 200 meters of climbing in about five pitches. A climb of low technical difficulty, but with a significant approach, poor rock quality and hard to protect. From Puerto Varas we head along the inter-lakes route towards the Cardenal Samoré border pass, where the activity must be registered and participants' identity documents left with the international police. Some 20 kilometers further towards Argentina the trek to base camp begins. On this stage we carry in our packs everything needed for the following days. The trek runs through lenga and ñirre forest, a river crossing, volcanic ash and the border markers. Roughly seven kilometers and four to five hours are needed to reach base camp, on the plains near the mountain. Climbing day starts relatively early. For the first part we need about an hour to reach the foot of the route; from there, an easy scramble of some fifty meters brings us to the gully and a first full view of the route, with the odd vertical move but relatively low-angled (70–80°) up to the arête, which via a traverse leads to the final climb among blocks and loose rock. In summer conditions the route is graded UIAA V, with a difficulty of 5.7 on the Yosemite scale. In winter it becomes fully "alpine": the approach is entirely snow-covered, so it is done on randonnée skis or snowshoes, and the route requires ice axes and crampons (difficulty WI3 to WI4). This program requires experience and knowledge of climbing and rappelling. A high rock-climbing grade is not required, nor previous experience in traditional climbing, but it is important to master rappelling and belaying technique, as well as having the fitness for three days in the mountains.
  • Weather conditions. The weather on southern Chile's volcanoes is strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean and the Andean relief. Frontal systems bring frequent precipitation for much of the year and, with altitude, wind, cloud cover and the likelihood of snow increase, favoring rapid changes in mountain conditions.
  • Mountain guide (ES/EN), member of ANGM Chile
  • Technical equipment: helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe, poles, guide's climbing gear
  • Camping equipment: tents, cooking gear
  • Meals at camp (dinners and breakfasts)
  • Transport from/to Puerto Varas
  • Supplementary accident insurance
Not included: Tips, additional services or any item not specified in the itinerary · Optional entrances, activities or visits not included in the program · Clothing and equipment that is the participant's responsibility · Personal life, travel-assistance, medical, evacuation or repatriation insurance · Pack animals, porters or other logistical support unless expressly stated · Personal expenses in town · Meals and drinks not listed or additional to the set menu · Alcoholic beverages · Costs arising from voluntary changes to the itinerary · Anything not expressly stated as included
Day 1: 07 am
Transportation from Puerto Varas to Cardenal Samoré border crossing.
Day 1: 11 am
Trekking to base camp (4-5 hours).
Day 1: 4 pm
Base camp.
Day 2:
Climbing of the route "gutter southwest" (5 lengths, +-200m, difficulty in summer; 5.7 YDS, V UIAA | difficulty in winter: M3 or M4, 80°).
Day 3: 9 am
Trekking back to the beginning of the trail.
Day 3:
Trekking back to the beginning of the trail.
Day 4: 4 pm
End of service.
Cancellation policy
Cancela hasta 30 días antes y recibe el reembolso según las condiciones del programa.
Payment methods
Reserva pagando solo la cuota de reserva mediante tarjeta bancaria o transferencia; el saldo se paga antes del inicio del programa.

Participation requirements

Para participar necesitas una condición física acorde a la exigencia del programa y disposición a seguir las indicaciones del guía en terreno. No se requiere experiencia técnica previa, salvo que el programa lo indique. Si tienes alguna condición de salud, cuéntanosla al reservar para orientarte; ante dudas, consulta con tu médico.

Safety and mountain conditions

Es una actividad de montaña, sujeta a las condiciones del entorno. El guía a cargo evalúa de forma permanente el clima, el terreno y al grupo, y decide ajustar la ruta, el ritmo o suspender la actividad cuando la seguridad lo requiere. Volver bien siempre está por sobre alcanzar el objetivo.

Changes due to weather conditions

La montaña define si la actividad se puede realizar. Un pronóstico confiable lo tenemos unos días antes, por lo que somos flexibles con las reservas anticipadas: si las condiciones no permiten salir con seguridad, buscamos una fecha alternativa o te devolvemos el abono. Si de común acuerdo iniciamos el programa y las condiciones impiden cumplir el objetivo, la actividad se considera realizada.

Equipment the participant brings

El programa incluye el equipo técnico necesario; tú aportas tu ropa de montaña, calzado adecuado y artículos personales (mochila, agua, colación, protección solar). El detalle exacto está en el checklist del programa, y si te falta algo tenemos equipo en arriendo: avísanos al reservar.

Suggested clothing

Vístete por capas para un clima de montaña cambiante: una primera capa térmica, una capa de abrigo y una capa exterior cortaviento e impermeable, más gorro, guantes y calcetines adecuados. El calzado debe ser apto para el terreno del programa. En el checklist encuentras el detalle completo.

Good to know
Frequently asked questions

The weather conditions are essential for a safe and enjoyable trip. However, an accurate and somewhat reliable weather forecast can only be had about five (5) days before the planned date for the trip, so we try to be as flexible as possible with reservations made in advance: To be able to book a date we only require the payment of the reservation fee, and once we have a reliable forecast we re-confirm the date and coordinate the payment of the difference. But if it is not possible to start the ascent because we foresee that there will be poor visibility in the glacial area (precipitation or clouds that reduce visibility to only a few meters) we will look for an alternative date or the refund of the booking fee. However, if by mutual agreement we decide to start the program (that is, to go out to pick you up or to meet at the lodge), either because the forecast looks good, acceptable, or unclear, and the conditions do not allow us to reach the summit or meet the proposed objectives, there is no refund of the payment!

Yes! The minimum to perform the program is one (1) person, so there is no problem in doing the program just for you. But keep in mind that it is a shared service, so if there is another person interested in the program and the date they could share the service. But don't worry we'll let you know if that happens!

Yes, we have available trekking poles, mountain boots, gloves, backpacks, sunglasses for rent. So if you need something do not forget to let us know in the booking process.

While most of our programs are small groups and it's almost always just the group you've booked together, our regular programs are shared services. So if you would like to book a private program in advance, it will be priced accordingly to the capacity of the clients that the guide or guides could have on that trip. Write to us to see it in detail!

The program includes the transportation from/to Puerto Varas, Ensenada, Petrohue, Puerto Octay or Cascadas. Picking or dropping from Osorno, Puerto Montt, Puerto Montt/Osorno airport, Llanquihue or Frutillar have an extra cost of $15.000 CLP per way. Other places are available upon request. If you want to get to the meeting point on your own, let us know and we will coordinate to meet you! There are some programs that include transportation from other cities, if indicated in the description, so it will be!

The program includes the technical equipment: crampons, helmet, harness, ice axe. So they basically only require their mountain boots, clothes, and accessories (glasses, backpack, gloves). Anyway you can see the checklist to verify that you have what you need and / or let us know if you need something! Some programs may also include other items (such as sleeping bags or trekking poles), so if it is indicated in the program it will be available in the program.

It is the ascent of a mountain or volcano by a group accompanied by a (or several) Mountain Guides! We do our best to customize our programs to your needs, but please note that regular programs are shared services. We will always let you know in advance when more people join the same trip! If you will like to book in advance a private guide, it will need to be priced accordingly at the capacity of clients that your guide could have on this trip.

Because most of our trips are small groups, it will be just you or a couple of other people, we rent the car from the guide (or our family) to develop the program: A normal car, clean, in good condition and of course with all the required permits. For bigger groups, we hire a driver with a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van or similar.

Each program closes its online bookings some days before the start date: from 2 days for the 1–2 day ascents and treks, and more days for longer programs (up to several weeks for the expeditions). This margin lets us coordinate in time the logistics external to HAE —transport, refuges, permits, muleteers and other third-party services— essential to run the program safely. If you're interested in a date closer to the cutoff, write to us and we'll assess feasibility.

Yes. Booking in advance is the best way to secure our availability for your program. Mountain conditions cannot be predicted weeks or months ahead. That's why, as the activity approaches, we continuously monitor the forecast and keep you informed in good time about how conditions are developing. If everything is favorable, we confirm the departure; if conditions are not suitable, we'll assess the available options with you — whether rescheduling the activity for another date, running an alternative program, or cancelling the booking in accordance with our policies.

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