Description
With its narrow silhouette, the Puntiagudo is a mountain closely linked to the history of mountaineering in Chile and the region itself. With a tragic first ascent and a “Patagonian climb” feeling, is the Chilean Matterhorn one of those ascents that become memorable stories.
The spectacular volcano is flanked by the dense Valdivian forest, which in its surroundings stands out for its Alerces and Mañíos trees, giant ferns, Tepas, Ulmos, and Quilas. The typical fauna of these forests includes pumas, Pudúes, foxes, Chingues, and Hummingbirds, among other elusive inhabitants. The volcano is visible from most of the lakes in the region, with the Rupanco being the most associated with Puntiagudo and its surroundings, this is where we will begin our approach.
El Puntiagudo is a technically interesting mountain. First, it has a long approach that begins at an average altitude of 200m and through which you must cross dense forests, where it is common to lose the trail. As for the conditions of the climb, it varies markedly throughout the year, being the winter season suitable for its ascent to being covered with snow from its base, delivering a sustained climb with interesting ice formations in its upper part: cauliflowers, waterfalls, and gutters.
It is graduated with a UIAA difficulty of “D III”: a route with an important approach and with sustained climbing on ice or snow – AI3 500m, 50º / 90º.