Where to go in South America in Dec-Feb

Seeking recommendations for good climbing destinations in the Dec-Feb timeframe in South America as a temporary escape from the short days and colder weather here in North America. I climb 5.11/12- sport and 5.11 trad. I plan on working remote for some of the time so decent internet access is a requirement, and I plan to rent housing instead of camping, and will rent a car. Bariloche has Frey, and the Cochamo Valley is nearby too, so those are on my radar, as is EPC. I know SA has way more than just those three areas but am hoping the MP community can share their experiences to help guide me in the right direction. 

I think the first thing to think about is how EPC lands in North America and not South America.. Unless things have moved since I'd be down there last winter.

Let me know!

Ecuador has the most developed sport climbing in SA and "ternally spring weather" at the altitudes of most of the basalt climbing.  Internet is good in many places es and they use the U.S. dollar, so no exchange necessary.

 Puerto Rico in the Caribbean also has quality sport climbing, mostly on tropical limestone.  Most U.S. based phone plans are same in PR, no extra coverage needed and wifi is solid.  No visa or passport required in this U.S. Territory.

Matt Coghillwrote:

I think the first thing to think about is how EPC lands in North America and not South America.. Unless things have moved since I'd be down there last winter.

Let me know!

Don't understand what you wrote here. Mexico is, and always has been, geographically in North America, even if culturally it might have more in common with much of South America. Which, if either, continent the Central American countries should be considered part of (geographically) is a bit more unclear, but Mexico is clearly part of the North American landmass.

As for South America countries with developed climbing, both Brazil and Columbia have extensive climbing options and active climbing communities.

Alan Rubinwrote:

Don't understand what you wrote here. Mexico is, and always has been, geographically in North America, even if culturally it might have more in common with much of South America. Which, if either, continent the Central American countries should be considered part of (geographically) is a bit more unclear, but Mexico is clearly part of the North American landmass.

As for South America countries with developed climbing, both Brazil and Columbia have extensive climbing options and active climbing communities.

Alan, this was in response to the original person exclaiming that EPC is in South America. I very much so understand it is in North America!

Thanks Eli! I'll check out Ecuador, haven't done any research on the climbing there yet. As for PR, I technically can't work from there but hope to make it there on vacation at some point. 

And Matt, yes I know that EPC is technically NA. I was looping it in with places that would be good for climbing in Dec/Jan. 

Patagonia!

"I plan on working remote for some of the time so decent internet access is a requirement"

I think this work/internet part really limits your options...

Cochamo & Frey are great but both require essentially a day of approach time and (unless something has changed) there's no internet once in camp.

I think our wintertime is rel. wet in Brazil.  Otherwise, Rio would've been a great choice.

Suesca in Colombia would probably fit your bill (you live in town and the climbing is right next door).

In addition to sport climbing, Ecuador has pretty decent multi-pitch options.  The place that would suit your requirements would be Cojitambo.  Can either live in the village or commute in from Cuenca (45min drive).

Hey did you decide where to go? I'm in Bogota right now looking for partners for Suesca. I'd also love to go to La Mojarra (Supposed to be the best climbing in Colombia).

There's Los Arenales outside of Mendoza, Argentina which has excellent multipitch trad climbing on granite.  Piedra Parada (sport) is several hours south (by vehicle) of Bariloche, Argentina so if you're headed to Frey you could consider Piedra Parada.  There's Hatun Machay outside of Huaraz, Peru.  Although an amazing place, I think right now is the rainy season.  If you find yourself in central Chile there's Valle de Los Condores.   Frey and Cochamo are awesome spots, albeit quite distinct from one another.  Internet access is going to be difficult no matter where you are I think

Either of Colombia's most visited crags (La Mojarra and Suesca) will keep you busy for a long time, with excellent weather the whole year. Both crags are relatively well documented here on MP. This Instagram account will show you a lot of videos from La Mojarra: instagram.com/just_climb_co…

Frey.

I would recommend looking into chacco huayllascca in Pitumarca Peru. Possibly the best limestone sport climbing in South America. The MP page doesn't have much but there is a lot of great climbing there. Pitumarca probably doesn't have fast enough internet for a video editing type of job but if you just need email and regular web use it is definitely good enough. mountainproject.com/area/11…

I would recommend looking into chacco huayllascca in Pitumarca Peru. Possibly the best limestone sport climbing in South America. The MP page doesn't have much but there is a lot of great climbing there. Pitumarca probably doesn't have fast enough internet for a video editing type of job but if you just need email and regular web use it is definitely good enough. mountainproject.com/area/11…

Just a headsup.  Pitu has good climbing but you won't be doing much of it between Jan-March....it rains a ton.  there is also nowhere to stay in town - at least comfortably, with wifi, and hot water - so you'd be staying two hours away in the sacred valley or cusco.  Pitu is not really a place 99 percent of people would be content basing themselves out of.  the sacred valley has ok climbing but not destination worthy.  It's nice to have if you happen to live there like me.  Feel free to contact me if you pass through the area. In general, it sounds like you'd be much better off in Chile or Argentina than Colombian/Ecuador/Peru.  Edit: actually, Argentina and Chile seem like a no brainer if climbing is your main interest and serviceable internet is required.