Best climbing destinations in South America
Best climbing destinations in South America
High Andean walls and deep mountain gorges in South America
South America pairs some of the most striking mountain scenery on earth with a climbing scene that still feels wonderfully undiscovered compared to other continents.
The range on offer is wide. Some climbers come purely for the Andes, tackling long alpine routes at serious altitude that demand real preparation. Others prefer shorter days on rock closer to sea level, often finishing with a cold drink and a view. Beginners will find friendly crags and guided options in a few well established hubs, while experienced climbers can chase remote peaks that see only a handful of ascents each year. Infrastructure can be limited outside the main areas, so a little extra planning helps.
The climbing destinations on our list for South America bring together iconic peaks with routes that are still largely off the radar. Few places make the journey feel as worthwhile as this one.
Lists by region
National Park in Argentina
Los Glaciares National Park
Where glaciers meet towering peaks
Cerro Torre reaches 10,262 feet in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. An Italian team including Casimiro Ferrari made the first undisputed ascent in 1974. Wind driven rime ice forms a mushroom on top that makes the final section hard. The park covers about 1.8 million acres and gained World Heritage status in 1981.
Region
Patagonia
Untamed Beauty at the End of the World
Lionel Terray and Guido Magnone made the first ascent of Fitz Roy in 1952 via the Southeast Ridge. Francisco Moreno named the peak in 1877. Its Tehuelche name Chaltén means smoking mountain because clouds often form around it. The Polish Route of 1984 remains unrepeated.
National Park in Chile
Torres del Paine National Park
Epic Landscapes and Untamed Wilderness
Chris Bonington and Don Whillans made the first ascent of Torre Central in 1963. Nico Favresse, Siebe Vanhee and Sean Villanueva O'Driscoll freed its roughly 3,900 foot face in 2017. Guido Monzino first climbed Torre Norte in 1958. Armando Aste first climbed Torre Sur in 1963. The towers are granite.
State/Prefecture in Brazil
Bahia
Vibrant coastlines and Afro‑Brazilian rhythms
Chapada Diamantina offers 50 to 100 boulder problems on sandstone and conglomerate near Lençóis. Bolted sport routes are available too. Conditions are listed as good in every month. An easy 15 minute uphill walk from the car park reaches the boulders. Pico do Barbado, the highest point in Bahia, tops 6,600 feet.
Town in Argentina
El Chalten
Hiking Capital of Argentina
This village at 1,300 feet is called Argentina's Trekking Capital and serves as a base for climbers. Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy rise nearby as popular spires. Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold completed the first full Fitz Roy Traverse in 2014. It covers about 3 miles with roughly 13,100 feet of elevation gain.
Country
Colombia
Where diverse landscapes meet culture
Suesca lies about 37 miles north of Bogotá at roughly 8,860 feet. Its sandstone cliffs of the Guadalupe Group rise from 65 to 425 feet. The rock formed roughly 65 to 100 million years ago. Grades run from 5.6 to 5.13. Hundreds of routes are reported, though guides disagree on the exact count.
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