Chile·January - February
CHILE - FROM ANDES TO OCEAN
An 8 day trip climbing in the magical Cajon del Maipo, Chile. Incredible views, unparalleled rock, thousands of routes of all styles.
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Overview
A 4,200km long country hugging the second tallest mountain range in the world, Chile is a true climbers' paradise. From big walls to bouldering, climbing in the desert to summitting mountains, you name it - Chile has it! You will be based in Cajon del Maipo, a climbing and mountaineering Mecca just an hour from Santiago, for the duration of this 8 day trip. Guided by our local partners, you will climb in some of the area's best crags, experience insane new rock types (described as ‘similar to climbing on Mars’) and truly soul-stirring views. We’ve scheduled a series of informative workshops to keep you entertained in the evenings, ranging from outdoor photography to wilderness first aid. And to top it off, you’ll be accompanied at all times by a professional photographer - so expect top-notch photos. Please be aware that you must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or get a negative PCR test to travel to Chile - see the 'more info' section.
Local Partners
Meet our local partners in Chile.
Oscar and Andrea
Oscar and Andrea will be your guides for the trip. They both know Cajon del Maipo like the palm of their hands and have opened many routes in the area. Oscar and Andrea devote their time to getting people in the mountains, from simple sport climbing courses to hardcore mountaineering expeditions.
Cris
Cris is an avid climber and professional outdoor photographer living in Chile. He is the facilitator and photographer for this trip, so will be around to capture those happy memories - whether that's sending your project or enjoying basecamp life :)
The Experience
8 days rock climbing in the beautiful Cajon del Maipo, near Santiago in Chile.
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DAY 1
Welcome to Chile!
After your long trip, our partners will pick you up at the airport and will take you to Cajon del Maipo. Once you reach get to the beautiful Cascada de las Animas in San Alfonso, we'll stop for a meal next to the river where you can choose to try the Chilean meat or a vegetarian dinner.
DAY 2
Los Manyos
We'll start the trip with a day rock climbing in Los Manyos, an area known for it's unique rock formations full of holes and caves. There's plenty of routes for you to choose from, starting around 5a. To round off a great first day we will return to base camp for a relaxing myofascial release!
DAY 3
Palestras
Now the you know what the rock feels like, it’s time to climb in Palestras, a Classic old school spot where the first 8th grade of Chile was bolted. When your forearms are tired, we'll return to Cascada where Cris will lead an outdoor photography class. You'll learn some simple tricks and techniques to get the best out of your climbing pictures. Don't forget a camera!
DAY 4
Lo Valdes
Start the day early with a mobility and flexibility session. Today we're venturing deeper into Cajon del Maipo, heading for El Valle de las Arenas. The climbing here is more technical, with longer routes of a different rock type. But for sure the most beautiful thing here is the view!
DAY 5
Active rest day
After 3 straight climbing days you will definitely need some rest! There's plenty of activities to choose from, such as rafting on the Maipo river, hiking, or simply spending a relaxing day at Cascadas. In the evening, we'll reconvene for a special dinner.
DAY 6
Las Melosas (bouldering)
Boulderers: today is your day! We will be heading to Valle de las Melosas, where you'll find bouldering, lead, multi pitches and trad climbing all in one place. The focus of today is sending some of the area's beautiful boulders, before returning to Cascada for a First Aid response course by a local climber and medic.
DAY 7
Las Melosas (revenge!)
For our last climbing day we'll return to las Melosas. It's time to pick your poison: you can return for any unfinished boulders, or alternatively try some of the beautiful routes in the area. After climbing, we'll head for some drinks to celebrate the end of an awesome trip.
DAY 8
Departure
Enjoy a final peaceful breakfast at Cascada, before returning to the airport. Don't be too sad though, we're sure you'll be back to explore more of Chile's incredible climbing spots...
The programme is very flexible to take into account weather conditions, activities level and endurance of the group.
Gallery
Cajon el Maipo, Chile
An extensive valley in Central Chile surrounded by some of the region's most imposing moutains.
A 4,200km-long country hugging the Andes, Chile has this incredible geography where you can find solid glaciers in the South and the driest desert in the world in the North. Cajon del Maipo is an extensive valley located in Central Chile, surrounded by some of the region's most imposing mountains. You'll find over 50 different crags here, offering anything from bouldering to alpine-style multi-pitches in a dramatically beautiful setting. But the thing that makes this area really unique is the rock. Melted-cheese style volcanic toba, basalt mixed with molten limestone - whatever crag you choose you're guaranteed an adventure...
Basecamp
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Cascada Lodge
Cascada lodge is the perfect basecamp for your trip. Comfortable rooms with a private bathroom, a peaceful natural setting, on-site restaurant, beautiful garden and seasonal pool make this a pleasant place to relax after a hard day at the crag. Wifi, bed linen and towels are all included in the price.
Cascada Lodge
Cascada lodge is the perfect basecamp for your trip. Comfortable rooms with a private bathroom, a peaceful natural setting, on-site restaurant, beautiful garden and seasonal pool make this a pleasant place to relax after a hard day at the crag. Wifi, bed linen and towels are all included in the price.
Cascada Lodge
Cascada lodge is the perfect basecamp for your trip. Comfortable rooms with a private bathroom, a peaceful natural setting, on-site restaurant, beautiful garden and seasonal pool make this a pleasant place to relax after a hard day at the crag. Wifi, bed linen and towels are all included in the price.
Cascada Lodge
Cascada lodge is the perfect basecamp for your trip. Comfortable rooms with a private bathroom, a peaceful natural setting, on-site restaurant, beautiful garden and seasonal pool make this a pleasant place to relax after a hard day at the crag. Wifi, bed linen and towels are all included in the price.
Cascada Lodge
Cascada lodge is the perfect basecamp for your trip. Comfortable rooms with a private bathroom, a peaceful natural setting, on-site restaurant, beautiful garden and seasonal pool make this a pleasant place to relax after a hard day at the crag. Wifi, bed linen and towels are all included in the price.
Cascada Lodge
Cascada lodge is the perfect basecamp for your trip. Comfortable rooms with a private bathroom, a peaceful natural setting, on-site restaurant, beautiful garden and seasonal pool make this a pleasant place to relax after a hard day at the crag. Wifi, bed linen and towels are all included in the price.
What's Included
What's Included
7 nights' accommodation
5 full days climbing
Certified mountain guide
24/7 trip facilitator and photographer
Outdoor photography workshop
First aid workshop
Transport
Accident insurance
Breakfasts
Dinners
What's Not Included
Flights
Lunches
Personal climbing equipment (shoes, harness, helmet - can be rented)
Enter pass to "la Mina" crag (around 20€ per person)
Anything not mentioned in the 'what is included' section
More Info
Climbing Skills
No minimum level is required for this trip, as you will be accompanied at all times by a certified guide. All you need is an adventurous spirit, love of climbing and desire to explore some truly unique crags!
COVID-19 pass- important!
Please be aware that you will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or get a negative PCR test, made up to 48 hours before embarking for Chile, to travel to Chile, and will have to apply for a 'Mobility Pass' prior to departure. This process can take up to 14 days so plan ahead. Contact us for more information.
Liability
Mapo Tapo selects crags and local partners with the utmost care. For any inaccuracies, however, we cannot accept any liability. Rock climbing is a risky sport that takes place in nature. Ultimately, you are fully responsible for the choices you make. Mapo Tapo recommends that anyone who does not have sufficient knowledge and skills not go outdoors alone.
Travel
Please DO NOT book your flights BEFORE the trip is confirmed. Most of our trips need a minimum number of participants to run, so to avoid disappointment wait for a confirmation email before booking any non-refundable transport.
Blog Posts
Check out our interview with Cris to learn more about climbing in Chile and his incredible story.
Wed 10 Nov 2021 · Community
Rock climbing in Chile, photography and responsible travel.
Through the lens of a climbing photographer.
FAQs
What level do I need to be climbing at to join this trip?
No minimum climbing experience is required as a certified guide will be present on this trip. However, you'll get the most out of this trip if you have some prior climbing experience and can top-rope 5+ comfortably. The Chile trip includes 5 climbing days in total and an active rest day, so a good level of fitness is desirable.
What size will the group be on this trip?
The minimum number of travellers for this trip to run is 3, and the maximum 8.
Is this trip all sport climbing or are other styles included?
The itinerary includes both sport climbing and bouldering, but can be adapted to suit the level and preferences of the group.
How will I get to the crags/ accommodation?
Airport transfers and transport to/from the crags are included in the price of this trip. Just let us know your flight details ahead of time :)