*** New Owners*** as of 2/23
El Maitenal was recently purchased by a former volunteer on the land and is committed to conserving the sustainable eco-construction principals of the previous owners. As well as welcoming climbers from all over to enjoy this beautiful place located in the most pristine region of Patagonia.
Neill and Bela purchased Maitenal in Feb 2023, and will continue to live in the spirit that Maitenal had evolved into.
It is important to contact Neill, Bela or our caretaker before climbing, as the land surrounding the wall is shared with our neighbors and to respect that in order to access the walls, you must cross into our neighbors property.
Maitenal has 3 sectors - Principal (22 routes), Queso (10 routes) and Maitenal Bajo (3 routes). Each has different type of rock, but it's mainly a conglomerate of a medium and good quality. Queso is pretty chossy, so take a helmet dear belayer!
There is a camping and facilities set up for climbers, shower, toilets and drinkable water from a spring. There are two refugios to sleep in, when it's rainy, as well as a parking place for weekend fighters. Maitenal is 3 (Bajo), 9 (Principal) or 15 minutes (El Queso) from the base to the crag.
Most of the routes end with a two-chain anchor, but Queso and Bajo can have a more fun type of top (bolt or a quick link).
There are really easy routes for beginners (mainly Queso), teaching classes of rappelling and belaying a second (Principal) and even some hard routes as well (Principal). Great place to continue your climbing journey through Patagonia or to start climbing as well (in Patagonia!!). The view from there to Cerro Castillo and Cerro Pyramid is spectacular and worth much more than just a day.
Fee for entrance is at a level of your good heart. The fee for camping is 2500 pesos per person for night. Children don't pay of course!
Few years ago Maitenal became one of the hot-spots for notoriously well known Patagonian climbing festival: Mammut Roc'fest.
All of the routes are described with a wooden pole having a name and grade on it. If there is any other information needed (like a bee hive in the middle or 3 bolts missing), it's added under the name of the route.
Maitenal is on Facebook, here:
https://www.facebook.com/elmaitenal