backpacking/climbing in South America

[krampus]

Anyone have any beta on places to backpack in South America? Climbing beta would be good too.

[dustonian]

Bariloche, Argentina for sure (Refugio Frey). El Chalten (ARG), Paine National Park & Cochamo (Chile) were pretty awesome too... message me if you want any of the details I might remember.

[japones]

There's a highway that runs from Santiago, Chile through the mountains (pass at Portillo) on through down to alta patagonia. Bariloche is the most incredible area I've ever had the privelege to visit, in terms of skiing, hiking, and food. Unfortunately, I was not climbing at the time, so I cannot speak to the quality of the climbing there.

[clif]

Bariloche, Argentina for sure (Refugio Frey).

that place sounds amazing, thanks for the word.

just for fun i typed in on google maps for directions and got this message:
We could not calculate directions between Durham, NC and San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro Province, Argentina.

how perfect is that??

[rohr]

I did two amazing backpacking trips down there a few years ago--one out of El Chalten and one in Torres del Paine. Shoot me a PM and I'll be glad to share more information.

[krampus]

As a follow up, we ended up in Guatamala and booked a guided tour with a group called Quetzaltreckers. I can not promote this company enough, their guided 3 day treck through guatamal was one of the best experiences I ever had. The company is entirely volunteer based and all proceeds go to fund a school for low income children in Quetzaltenengo, the group has been doing this trip for almost 20 years and their repor with the locals is astonishing. They have 1, 3 and 6 day trecks and all of them seemed to have been shaped to perfection over the years. If anyone is looking for a great vacation experience I would recomend this company without any reservations
http://www.quetzaltrekkers.com/

[MoHAlixPr]

I heard there's this place called Patagonia or something in south america. It's like where the clothing company headquarters is. I bet theres good climbing and stuff there.

[LK Day]

And lots of wind. Lots.