Hi there. I will be in South America from January through March of 2011 and I really want to get some more climbing experience under my belt. I have summited Orizaba (no guide) and am familiar with snow travel, self arrest and crampon use from my travels in the California mountains. From what I can gather it seems that this time period is really only ideal for Ecuador. Is this true?
I am looking for PD or AD mountains to climb. Any input is greatly appreciated!

Depends a bit where you go in South America. From what I've read, Ecuador has two time frames for climbing, one being Nov through Feb.

Jan is also a good time for Aconcagua.

The Cordillera Blanca in Peru is not really an option since that's the middle of the rainy season.

For moderate climbing that time of year Ecuador is your main option. If the weather cooperates even March can be worthy climbing. Good luck and safe travels.

Just about anything in Chile or Argentina should be in during that time... Puna de Atacama, The High Andes, The Lakes District, or Patagonia... I believe the Merida area of Venezuela is also good at that time... as is Ecuador. Peru and Bolivia are in the heart of the monsoons.

You should go to Torres del Paine in Chile.
Its a wonderfull place, you have daily treks and can stay in the lodges around the park or the campings.

When i was there i stay in Camping Seron, you can visite the webpage for more info.

http://www.fslodges.com/en.html

Have a nice trip!!

If you ask me i would say go to the atacama!

The weather is always good, once you get aclimatized you can do one great mountain each 3 days. And i'm talking about 5000 peaks, almost 6000 summits (5700, 5800 and 5900m) and who knows, even some 6000m too.

You have so many options down here...everybody told you the best ones already! Now i think is pretty much your choice buddy!

Good luck.

Paulo - Brazil

My friend, visit:

www.andeshandbook.com and choose your mountain to climb.

I recomend you:

Atacama; Vn. Licancabur 5.914 m.a.s.l., F, 2 days from san Pedro de Atacama (with aclimatation)
Vn. Lascar 5600 m.a.s.l., F, 1 day from SPA

Central Andes, near Santiago de Chile;

http://www.andeshandbook.org/Resultados ... M&idpais=1

Personaly recomend you Cerro El Plomo (normal route or by the hanging glaciar if you want a technical route) easy to get from Santiago.

Araucania. Northen Patagonia; from Pucon town volcan Villarrica, Volcan Lanin (2 days) and one of the most famous in the area Volcan Osorno from Puerto Varas town (use of the rope at the last part, Ice), from Bariloche (very close to Pto Varas) in Argentina Cerro Tronador (nice summit in Patagonia).

Torres del Paine, southern Patagonia; Cerro Aleta de tiburon 500 mts, D, trad climb, Cerro Almirante Nieto just becarefull with the weather and wind you may loose lot of time waiting for 1 summit day, but the experience of climbing in this place its just MAGIC....

If you need more info just let me know...bye