The climbing season begins, and during November 7, 8, and 9, the climbing community in Patagonia will gather at Cañadón Caracoles for the Second Encounter.
This is an initiative that combines sport, the natural environment, and the community, coinciding this time with the official opening of the season.
The proposal brings together a diversity of actors united by the same conviction: to enjoy and preserve the territory in a conscious way.
Rocío Navarro, who serves as coordinator of Parks and Communities, has explained that this second encounter “is part of a growing process that brings together different organizations with the same intention: to promote a way of enjoying and caring for the territory.”
The initiative is the result of the joint effort between Parque Patagonia, the Municipality of Perito Moreno, the Andean Club Pari Aike, the organization Acceso Panam, and a large number of people who value the building of community ties around the cañadones.
According to Navarro, the event is “an invitation to share experiences, to get to know the place from another perspective, and to continue strengthening a network of connections among those who live in and visit this landscape.”
Portal Cañadón Caracoles[/caption>
The first encounter generated such a positive energy that the idea of organizing it again arose naturally. “The enthusiasm of the townspeople was noticeable, the participation of climbers from different places, and above all, the care with which each moment was experienced,” recalled Rocío.
Since that first edition, local organizations and groups have stayed in touch, driven by the desire to give continuity to this space that integrates the technical, the human, and the environmental.
The itinerary of this second edition will include climbing days in the climbing season within Cañadón Caracoles, as well as the presentation of new routes and various activities. “We want to continue deepening awareness and knowledge of the territory, especially in relation to the wetlands,” detailed Navarro.
The landscape setting is unbeatable, as the area is characterized by the presence of reed beds, lagoons, and watercourses that are a fundamental part of the ecosystem. Within this context, one of the scheduled activities will be a visit to the El Unco biological station, a place where a wetland restoration process is currently underway.
The encounter seeks to promote “regenerative climbing.” Rocío describes it as “a way to practice the sport with respect and reciprocity, going beyond zero impact: we seek to generate a positive impact.”
This paradigm promotes the active involvement of the community, the maintenance of different climbing areas, the restoration of natural spaces, and education about the environment. “In short, it is climbing with awareness, understanding that each action can contribute to regenerating life,” she summarized.
Furthermore, the event aligns with the beginning of the climbing season in the Park, a period that usually attracts visitors and generates significant activity. “We work in a coordinated manner between the Park, the Municipality, institutions, and local groups so that this activity translates into careful and sustainable experiences,” pointed out Navarro.
For her, climbing is a clear representative of that spirit, by uniting sport, nature, and community. “The idea is to continue building a tourism model that grows from respect, generating well-being without losing sight of the most important thing: the recovery and conservation of this place we share.”
Those interested in obtaining more details or registering for the event activities —for which prior registration is required— can consult the official networks of Parque Patagonia (@parquepatagoniaarg on Instagram and Facebook). On these platforms, all information regarding the proposals, new climbing routes, and the full schedule of the climbing season is being shared.
On November 7, 8, and 9, Cañadón will once again become a meeting point between rock, community, and the characteristic nature of Patagonia.
