New Andean Routes Opened in Cajón del Maipo
Photo: J. Cisternas
Chilean alpinists Nico Gutiérrez and Joaco Cisternas have completed two striking new routes in the Cajón del Maipo, an area just outside Santiago renowned for its rugged Andean walls. Their climbs opened over two demanding days of winter mountaineering – are already being hailed as potential classics of the region.
The duo’s adventure began with what Cisternas called “zero-kilometer mountaineering” – starting from the car and pushing through 14 hours of non-stop effort.
Chaski Corridor (800 m, WI4, M6, 40º)
The first new line was a long gully climb with an icy, technical start. At dawn, armed only with essentials – bolts, slings, cams, and a rope – the pair reached the base of an elegant waterfall. The first 200 meters led to a crux: a massive boulder wedged into the gully, where Gutiérrez freed a steep M6 roof leading into an awkward chimney capped by thin ice.
Beyond this crux, the climb transitioned into 400 meters of snow ramps that carried them to the top. They named the route Chaski Corridor, honoring the Inca messengers who once ran through the Andes carrying vital messages.
Rekül Mapu (400 m, M4 R, 60º) on Cerro Arenas
Their second success came the following day, though it started unpromisingly when the climbers overslept and missed their original objective. Not wanting to lose the day, Gutiérrez suggested a nearby line he had noticed earlier. This choice proved fortunate. The route, largely mixed with occasional ice, revealed itself to be both beautiful and committing. The second pitch: steep, protectionless, and mentally taxing -was the psychological crux. Above, vertical rock gave way to waist-deep snow canyons that required delicate movement to avoid collapse.
They named the new peak Punta Chey and the route itself Rekül Mapu (400 m, M4 R, 60º).
Sketch of ‘Chaski Corridor’ to Punta Balcón Hill, Photo: J. Cisternas
Reflecting on the climbs, Cisternas said:
“We believe both climbs will be future classics of Andean mountaineering. They are top-quality and are right there, in our backyard.”
For Gutiérrez, these ascents continue a career of bold firsts, including the north face of Cerro Huinay, the Odyssey to Cerro Tronco, and the Chykillan Spur on Paine Chico.
With Chaski Corridor and Rekül Mapu, the two climbers have added fresh lines of challenge and beauty to the Andes – routes that promise to inspire many more in seasons to come.
About the Author
Anano Atabegashvili is a journalist with over 5 years of experience in broadcasting and digital media. Passionate about writing and mountains, she brings a unique voice to high-altitude storytelling. As the author of the Summiters Club blog, Anano offers sharp, engaging coverage of climbs, challenges, and the evolving world of alpinism.
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