The standing rock
Alone on the steppe.
Gobierno del Chubut — CC BY 2.0 · Cristian imagine — CC BY-SA 4.0 · rodoluca — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Gobierno del Chubut — CC BY 2.0 · elgatoboca — CC BY-SA 3.0
Piedra Parada, the «Standing Stone», is a giant volcanic rock rising alone some 285 metres high and about a hundred wide, on the bank of the Chubut river in the Patagonian steppe, about forty kilometres from the village of Gualjaina northeast of Esquel. It has been a protected natural area of Chubut province since 2006. Around it are canyons of coloured volcanic rock, the best known being Cañadón La Buitrera, a narrow, high-walled gorge that has become one of South America's most famous rock-climbing sites, with hundreds of routes for every level. The rock itself was first climbed by two Argentine climbers in 1993. For non-climbers there are easy walks among the rock formations and along the river. Entry is free, access is by gravel roads, and there are almost no services on site, so bring water and food. Spring and autumn suit best; summer is hot in the valley.
Alone on the steppe.
The climbing canyon.
Quiet banks.
On the Chubut river, about 40 km past the village of Gualjaina, northeast of Esquel
By car on gravel roads, about 40 km past Gualjaina northeast of Esquel; entry is free.