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El Maitenal

International > S America > Chile > 15. Aysén (Regi… > Rio Ibanez

Description

*** 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

Getting There

Off of ruta 7. You get through two gates and after the second one, turn left as soon as you see a hole in the fence and a sign

PARKING: To the right, there is the camping area, which sometimes is opened for cars, sometimes it's not.

If you go to El Chivo sector, you'll have to continue to the neighbour through another gate. Instead of turning right just go 30 metres further. But leave the car at Maitenal's parking and walk to Juan instead.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Topo of Maitenal at the parking, made by me showing Queso, Principal and Maitenal's facilities.
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Maitenal Bajo is where the pirate flag waves in the wind.
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krakonozovo.cz
[Hide Photo] Topo of Maitenal at the parking, made by me showing Queso, Principal and Maitenal's facilities. Maitenal Bajo is where the pirate flag waves in the wind. krakonozovo.cz
Teri at Queso
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[Hide Photo] Teri at Queso krakonozovo.cz
EL MAITENAL 
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Principal wall 
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[Hide Photo] EL MAITENAL Principal wall krakonozovo.cz
Nicole onsighting 5.9 de los duros
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Principal Wall
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[Hide Photo] Nicole onsighting 5.9 de los duros Principal Wall krkaonozovo.cz
Derek and Entre sombras
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Principal Wall
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[Hide Photo] Derek and Entre sombras Principal Wall krakonozovo.cz
Cleaning routes and tightening bolts at Maitenal Bajo. View to the west at the parking with a few weekend fighters.
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[Hide Photo] Cleaning routes and tightening bolts at Maitenal Bajo. View to the west at the parking with a few weekend fighters. krakonozovo.cz
Sunset and a german camper at the parking.
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[Hide Photo] Sunset and a german camper at the parking. krakonozovo.cz
The parking is to the left from the drive way.
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[Hide Photo] The parking is to the left from the drive way. krakonozovo.cz
All three climbing sectors viewed from the driveway to Maitenal.
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Maitenal Bajo right above the watermark.
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Principal to the left of Bajo.
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Queso is lit up by the sun to the left of Principal in the distance.
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krakonozovo.cz
[Hide Photo] All three climbing sectors viewed from the driveway to Maitenal. Maitenal Bajo right above the watermark. Principal to the left of Bajo. Queso is lit up by the sun to the left of Principal in th…
Sunrise with Cerro Pyramid and the Office building.
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[Hide Photo] Sunrise with Cerro Pyramid and the Office building. krakonozovo.cz
West part of Maitenal, with the Earthship (left corner, metal roof behind poplar trees) and view at the Cerro Castillo massive.
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[Hide Photo] West part of Maitenal, with the Earthship (left corner, metal roof behind poplar trees) and view at the Cerro Castillo massive. krakonozovo.cz
View at the Office building (the metal sheet prism shaped building, with toilets and shower for climbers) from near Maitenal Bajo.
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[Hide Photo] View at the Office building (the metal sheet prism shaped building, with toilets and shower for climbers) from near Maitenal Bajo. krakonozovo.cz