In a season already packed with high-profile sends, a quiet but impressive feat has emerged from the Aysén region of Chilean Patagonia. Local climbers Raimundo De Andraca and Fernanda Carabias have successfully established a towering new multi-pitch route on La Zaranda.
The route, poetic in both name and nature, is called 'Sin obstáculos no hay camino' (No Path Without Obstacles). It clocks in at a demanding 600 meters with difficulties reaching up to 5.12- A1.
The Route Details
Unlike many Patagonian objectives that require days of trekking, La Zaranda is unique for its accessibility. Located roughly 30km north of Villa Mañihuales, the wall sits just a short hike from the famous Carretera Austral (Route 7). Despite this, the wall has seen very little development, with this being only the third recorded route on the formation.
- Route Name: Sin obstáculos no hay camino
- Climbers: Raimundo De Andraca, Fernanda Carabias
- Length: 600m (17 pitches)
- Difficulty: 5.12- / A1 (Two pitches of 5.13 if climbed free)
- Location: La Zaranda, Aysén Region, Chile
The pair began working on the line in the summer of 2024 and returned over multiple seasons to clean and equip it. De Andraca described the climbing as varied and high quality, featuring "very good cracks of all sizes, chimneys, offwidths, and technical slab sections to connect crack systems."
While the granite spires of the Chaltén Massif often steal the limelight, this ascent highlights the immense potential of the Aysén region for "roadside big walls." With a manageable approach and high-quality rock, this route is poised to become a modern classic for climbers looking for big wall adventure without the logistical nightmare of a remote expedition.
Congratulations to De Andraca and Carabias for opening what looks to be a stunning line for the community.
