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Only 5 km. from Esquel you can do climbing and rappel in La Palestra, a natural 30 m. wall that congregates all the climbers of the city.
This glacial rock is in Esquel´s Regiment. Both equipment and security are guaranteed, with parabolts and spits in a very good condition and most of them new. In the past this place was frequented by soldiers because it was a mountain regiment, but then it was transformed into a cavalry regiment and used by civilians, for what one must register in the guard post. |
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As you reach the area, you will perceive the gradual change in the vegetation. The ecotone is the transition area between the valdivian jungle and the steppe.
There are wild plants such as neneos, coirons, black hawthorns, thistles, as well as bushes and grasses.
It is advisable to go with a guide and be fit to reach the summit. |
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Once you get there, the guide will provide you with all the necessary equipment for your ascension: climbing shoes, a harness, a helmet, locking and non-locking carabiners, 20 to 80 cm. climbing ropes, 1.2 m. climbing ropes, frieds or camalots, stoppers, 10.5 mm. climbing rope and thin rope, and also a first aid kit.
In this rock there are more than 10 routes: a pair of easy ones and the rest of difficulty around 6, like "La Pili" or "In memorian Guy Costa". The maximum difficulty is 7a+. |
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As you start climbing you will gradually feel confident and find the best route to go on while the guide will provide you with security. |
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This rock presents good boulders and routes to use stoppers or nuts.
From the summit you can observe Esquel and Nahuel Pan mountain ranges with their snowed peaks in the middle of silence and solitude. |
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After some rest you start your rappel descent using a figure 8 or an ascender pair to stop the rope during your descent.
You must be very careful while you descend, and always use both hands until you reach firm land. You will surely want to set off on a new route and will feel satisfied for what you have achieved.
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Marcelo Sola 
