Skip to Content

El Puquen


Climbing Sections:

About El Puquen:

The name of this area itself derives from a natural rock blowhole some 25 meters above sea level, this blowhole is a tourist attraction so there are many established paths in the area, the climbing attraction is not the blowhole itself but the many rock spires in the area, on both sides of the highway from los molles to pichidangui (about 8 kms) are hundreds of rock spires ranging in size from 5 to 20 meters, you can trad or boulder these spires, sport toprope is, of course, possible. the rock is volcanic in origin and quality isn't uniform. careful with cacti and other thorny plants when climbing them.

Area Resources: There is no water available in this area, pack as much as you need. water can be bought or refilled in the town of los molles but there is none out where the climbing is. Food and provisions can be bought in los molles, however this is a small town and you won't find much more than the basics. Camping may not be allowed in the area, but if you strike camp just before or after dark no one will notice.

Nearest town or city: Los Molles
Directions: Los Molles is 180 km north of Santiago and 8 kms south of pichidangui with it's "half hill", it's a small coastal town right off the main north south highway (highway 5), take the overpass and exit the main highway to the left to reach the town, drive to the northermost and farthest tip to find the entrance to the area, a small fee is charged, the blowhole itself is about 30 minutes walking to the north, climbing is available on every spire you see. you can park along the highway in many areas between los molles and pichidangui but your car may not be safe. it is possible to arrive via bus, the fee will vary depending on where you take the bus. Camp at your own discretion, there are no poisonous animals and no large fauna beyond rabbits and foxes. you may be asked to leave, if so switch to the east side of the highway as the puquen area itself is a reserve of sorts
Latitude, Longitude:
Access Issues:
Camping: Free
When to Climb:
Quantity of Climbs: Week