Piedra Parada

Piedra Parada is the eroded core of an ancient volcano, a monolith of around two hundred and forty metres rising straight from flat steppe beside the Chubut river, visible from a great distance across empty country. Beside it the Cañadón de la Buitrera cuts into the rock, a narrow canyon whose walls, of hard volcanic tuff pocked with holes and pockets, have made it one of the best-known sport-climbing venues in Argentina, with hundreds of bolted routes and an international festival held here. Non-climbers walk the canyon floor, which narrows and twists between high walls, and condors and eagles nest above. The area is dry, hot in summer and almost unpopulated, with basic camping near the entrance.

What you actually see

• The monolith - the volcanic plug standing alone above the steppe.
• The Buitrera canyon - the narrow slot with pocketed climbing walls.
• The climbing routes - hundreds of bolted lines on volcanic tuff.
• The raptors - condors and eagles working the canyon updrafts.

When to go

October to April for the climbing season, with spring and autumn most comfortable; midsummer is punishingly hot in the canyon. The main climbing festival falls in the warm months. Winter is cold and access can be difficult.

Honest expectations

There is nothing here but the rock and a campsite: no shop, no water supply beyond the river, no phone signal. Access is by gravel road with long distances to the nearest town. The canyon walk is exposed and shadeless outside the narrows.

Nearby

Gualjaina is the nearest village; Esquel lies southwest.