Torres del Paine - East Faces

The mythical Torres del Paine are the main event when it comes to the Chilean side of Patagonia climbing. With mostly stellar rock and easy access (by Patagonia standards), the main obstacle to successful ascents is, as all too often in the region, the weather. Stories of a few hours of climbable weather for entire months long trips are all too common. Still, there are some truly inspiring ascents on this image, including some of the recent free climbs on the Torre Central, the South African route (line 16) and Riders on the Storm (lines 11/12). And there are even climbs doable in a day by mere mortals, especially the classic Monzino route on Torre Norte (line 19).

Thanks very much to Justin Lotak for the amazing base photo!

Free download link - medium resolution, personal use only (no printing allowed)

Route List

1: Hoth, 5.10+ A3 WI2, C. Amelunxen, S. Easton, 02/2000
2: Self Right to Suicide, 5.10+ A4 55°, C. Belczynski, B. Kowalski, W. Wiwatoski, 02/2004
3: Mala Pata*, A4, C. Peer, D. Davies, J. Gordon, 02/1992
4: Dans l'Œil du Cyclone, 6b A4, M. Piola, V. Sprungli, 02/1992 (Piolets d’Or 1993) 
5: Aste, 5.11, A. Aste, J. Aiazzi, C. Casati, N. Nusdeo, V. Taldo, 02/1963
6: Kearney-Knight, 5.10 A2, A. Kearney, R. Knight, 01/1982
7: Ballena de los Vientos, 5.10d A3+, J. Lazkano, J.C. Tamayo, 11/1991
8: Insumisioa, 5.11a A4, R. Melero, M. Sáenz, X. Urdanoz, P. Rayo, 1994
9: Magico Este, 5.10d A3, E. Salvaterra, M. Giarolli, E. Orlandi, 1986
10: Riders on the Storm, 7c A3, K. Albert, N. Bätz, P. Dittrich, W. Güllich, 01/1991
11: Riders on the Storm, Free var., 7c+, S. Vanhee, N. Favresse, S. Villanueva O’Driscoll, 02/2024
12: El Regalo de Mwoma, 5.10 A4/5.13b, N. Craine, P. Pritchard, S. Smith, S. Yates, 1992/S. Vanhee, N. Favresse, S. Villanueva O’Driscoll, 02/2017
13: Golazo, 5.10 A4+, S. Schneider, 03/1999
14: Macaroni-Porridge Junction, 5.11d A3+, F. Šilhan, M. Holecek, D. Štastný, 02/2000
15: Una Fina Línea de Locura, 5.10d A3, R. Calvo, D. Luro, T. Plaza, N. Benedetti, P. Lloyd, 01/1993
16: South African Route, 5.10 A3+/5.12c, P. Fatti, R. Fuggle, M. Scott, M. Prior, R. Smithers, A. McGeer, 01/1974/B. Ditto, S. Villanueva O’Driscoll, N. Favresse, 02/2009
17: Bonington-Whillans, 5.11 A2, C. Bonington, D. Whillans, 01/1963
18: Waiting for Godot, 5.12 M6, H. Auer, M. Mayr, 01/2010
19: Monzino, 5.10+, J. Bich, P. Pession, C. Pelissier, L. Carrel, T. Gobbi, G. Barmasse, 01/1958
20: Plate Tectonics, 5.12 C1-, M. Moser, A. Ness, 01/2013
21: Hasta Chonchi*, 5.11 A2+, F. Parada, F.G. Donoso, 2009
22: Kawésqars, 1993
23: Born Under a Wandering Star, 5.10a A4-, M. Prezelj, A. Štremfelj, 02/1995
24: Spirito Libero, 5.11a, F. Leoni, E. Orlandi, 02/1998