Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes is a compact range of weathered granite in the western Sierras Grandes, where erosion has left towers, domes, slabs and boulder fields at around 2,000 metres, along with caves and passages between the blocks. It is the climbing centre of central Argentina: routes of every grade run up the formations, and the Cerro Mogote and Dedo de Dios towers are known nationally among climbers. For walkers, marked routes cross the massif to viewpoints, into the Cueva de los Helechos and along ridges with views toward Champaquí and the Achala plateau. A mountain refuge provides basic beds and meals. The weather is the main hazard: cloud and storms build quickly, and the granite becomes lethal when wet.

What's there

• The granite towers - domes and spires used for climbing routes.
• The boulder fields - passages and caves between fallen blocks.
• The ridge walks - marked routes to viewpoints across the massif.
• The refuge - the basic mountain hut serving walkers and climbers.

When to go

March to November for the most stable weather; summer afternoons bring thunderstorms that make the rock dangerous. Winter is cold with occasional snow but usually clear. Start early whatever the season.

What to expect

Access involves a rough track and then walking; there is no road to the formations. Routes are informally marked and easy to lose in cloud, so a guide or local knowledge matters. Facilities amount to the refuge, and water must be treated or carried.

Nearby

Villa Carlos Paz lies east; the Altas Cumbres road and Condorito are south.