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International summer climbing destinations

Original Post
Matt Sedor · · portland, or · Joined Jan 2008 · Points: 25

Hi all. I am looking for some input on international climbing destinations that would be good mid-july through the end of august for our honeymoon. Europe is not totally off the table, but my fiancé lived in France for a bit and has spent a ton of time throughout Europe.

Any thoughts?

Nik Mirhashemi · · Telluride, CO · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 355

Definitely Peru all the way. The Cordillera Blanca has some of the best alpine climbing up to 22,000ft for all levels of experience and Hatun Machay is one of the coolest places I've ever sport climbed. Picture miles of volcanic spires in boulders situated below a cozy refugio at 14,000ft. Super cheap too and you'll never get bored. Bit windy toward the end of August though

Matt Sedor · · portland, or · Joined Jan 2008 · Points: 25

Word. Thanks Nik.

The Ex-Engineer · · UK · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 20
Matt Sedor wrote: Any thoughts?
I've still got to plug the UK as the diversity of climbing here is almost unbeatable. If you had said late May and a trip of under a month then I would have said the UK should be at the top of any list. It is perhaps still worth considering, as part of a wider European trip, but in late July through August the weather is likely to be decent rather than good or excellent.

The Dalmatian Coast (Croatia) and Julian Alps (Slovenia) would be my top tips for suitably interesting European destinations with quality climbing. Not places I've climbed personally but I've listened to some inspiring slideshows/talks from Croatian and Solvenian climbers and they are places I'd love to visit as part of a fairly relaxed climbing trip.

I've been mountaineering in Peru once, loved the place and would certainly return. I'd agree is very worthy of consideration. If you do go, spending 3-4 days visiting Iquitos in the Amazon is massively recommended. I am normally the last person to be enthused by sight seeing and animal/bird watching but the couple of days I spent in a jungle lodge in the Amazon is probably the best non-climbing vacation experience I've had.

Anyway, have fun with the planning.
Matt Sedor · · portland, or · Joined Jan 2008 · Points: 25

Thanks for the insight.

Fat Dad · · Los Angeles, CA · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 60

What kind of stuff do you want to do? How hard do you climb? Sport, trad, etc.? That might help with the inquiries, unless you're totally open to anything.

Matt Sedor · · portland, or · Joined Jan 2008 · Points: 25

We are pretty open to anything. I climb low-end .13 sport and mid-12 trad. My fiance climbs low-end 5.12 sport and hasn't done much trad climbing, but she is down to follow just about anything. Probably looking to mostly crag, but would be down for a couple of longer days in the mountains as well.

JCM · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 115

Although it wouldn't be a big overseas trip, I cannot think of a more pleasant or beautiful place to spend a long stretch of time in summer than Canmore and Banff, Alberta.

Assuming, though, that you want to go somewhere further afield, think about Norway, especially Llofoten (in way northern Norway). Although still Europe, it will certainly offer something different than the typical mainland-Europe climbing destination. Good summer temperatures, 24 hours daylight, scenery, huge granite walls. Downside is that Norway is notoriously expensive. ukclimbing.com/articles/pag…

On the other side of the world, South Africa has some interesting things to offer at that time of year. Cape Town is a beautiful city, and it sounds like the climbing is good and plentiful too.

fluff head · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 65

squamish/bugs!!!

Fan Y · · Bishop · Joined Jun 2011 · Points: 830

holy shit...NORWAY! or MADAGASCAR for an even bigger adventure!

The Ex-Engineer · · UK · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 20
JCM wrote:Assuming, though, that you want to go somewhere further afield, think about Norway, especially Llofoten (in way northern Norway).
I was considering suggest this but the peak climbing season in Lofoten is only until around early/mid August. I also have a dim memory of people recommending late June as the best time but that could well be wrong. However, with Norweigan price you might not want to stay longer than a couple of weeks anyway.

See ukclimbing.com/articles/pag… for a quick overview.
Matt Sedor · · portland, or · Joined Jan 2008 · Points: 25

Once again, thanks for all the feedback........should be a rad trip!

Fat Dad · · Los Angeles, CA · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 60

Based up my experiences, I think Italy would be awesome. Several options to choose from. You could do a nice honeymoon thing stay on the Italian Rivera and climb at Finale. You'll need to rent a car though. There lots of good sport near Cortina D'Empezzo, but you could also hike, do some via ferrata, etc. My wife and I spent our honeymoon in Italy, and we got a good mix of touristy stuff in Rome, Florence, Venice, with still plenty of time to play in the Dolomites (though we went to Corvara, where there's less sport stuff available).

I once spent several weeks at Arco. Good sport climbing and some longer routes as well. Nice beach and windsurfing at nearby Riva del Garda. I rented a bike to get around. I befriended some locals, who invited me over for dinner one night when someone had a slide show of their trip to Sardinia, which looked absolutely rad. Killer beaches, great limestone and granite. That's definitely on my list to visit one day.

I'd also check out Croatia, Monte Negro, etc. Right on the Mediteranean. Good food, good limestone, good scenery, and cheap.

Ed Wright · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2006 · Points: 285

El Potrero Chico would be worth considering. It does get hot but not extreme and the way the walls are oriented there is always shade. Other than climbing, however, there isn't much to do here but you could always move on to one of Mexico's fine beach resorts.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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