Reserva Cerro Paine’s New Climbing Adventures

Two climbing areas in Torres del Paine National Park — Cueva del Puma and Tucúquere — have recently been upgraded with five new routes added.

The routes, which are specially designed to take into consideration high wind speeds and extreme temperatures, were reequipped and some made easier. As a result, adventure seekers of all ages, including children as young as six-years-old, are now able to enjoy rock climbing.

Cueva del Puma (Puma Cave) is a large rock formation ideal for climbing located close to Hotel Las Torres. The wall features three levels of difficulty: basic (beginners), medium and expert.

Tucúqure, named for a species of Magellanic owl, offers routes with various degrees of difficulty, making it ideal for the rock-climbing lessons offered by Reserve Cerro Paine. Lessons offered last 3.5 hours and are recommended for groups of one to four people.

“This year, we took on the challenge of improving well-known climbing routes and installing new anchors to implement five new, safe climbing routes, completing a total of eight routes and expanding the possibilities of tourism in Torres del Paine,” says María José Marchant, head of Reserva Cerro Paine Excursion Center.

Rock climbing excursions to other routes in the national park — like Cochambre, La de Pepe, Ni Dry Ni Wet and Escuelita — are guided by an expert from Hotel Las Torres. Each route has an average height of about 18.5 feet.

The guides provide participants with technical equipment and first aid kits. Those who sign up for these excursions should be in good physical condition and bring along a small backpack, sunscreen, sunglasses, warm and light clothing, and trekking shoes.