La Vigilancia in August

El Nido en la Vigilancia 

La Vigilancia is one of the most extensive hills (sierras) in the Sierras of Balcarce. Along the northwest flank of the sierra, at a distance of about 15 miles from my home, is a cliff band that hosts some of the best sport climbing in Argentina. There are about 250 routes in la Vigilancia, mostly clip-ups but there are also a few interesting gear routes. The climbs are generally between 10 and 20 meters long but they tend to be continuos at their grade and physically demanding. And the quality is excellent.

The area is on private property and in order to climb it is necessary to pre-register online and pay a fee. There is a camping area available at the base, a refugio and also a safe place to leave your car.

Camping at the base of La Vigilancia

In August we made an overnight trip to La Vigilancia.

Gaby and Ceci on the hike in to climb at La Vigilancia

Making skull faces

Hiking up the hill to the climbing area

Because it was kind of hot (in spite of being winter), we decided to climb in one of the few areas that is shaded by trees. 

Ceci top-roping a 5.9

The first day we climbed with Martín (and family) as well as Hugo and Adrien (who is another friend from Necochea). On the second day we returned with Martín, Analia and Rafael to climb in the same place.

Martín starts up a 5.9

Martín does a high-stepping thingie on another 5.9

The highlights of the area were three side-by-side, steep, continuous 5.10 face climbs. All three of these climbs require a little effort to get to the first bolt. 

Gaby gives me some hand-jiving mojo while I climb to the first bolt on a 5.10

The hardest of the three face climbs (maybe a 10c) has a tricky crux section near the top. 

Getting ready to do the crux on a 10c

Got it!

All in all I red pointed seven routes: two 5.9s and the rest 5.10s  (I had done all these routes several times before, but I hadn't been back to climb in this area for about eight years). 

Ceci top ropes a 5.10a

Back at the camp area, Ceci and Rafi worked the slack line 

Rafi gives Ceci a hand on the slack

Ceci walks the slack alone

That night we ate a big supper in the dinning tent