Two big news climbs in Chile's unexplored Valle Escondido by Mike Sánchez, Cristobal Señoret Zobeck

Towards the end of March Cristobal Señoret Zobeck and Mike Sánchez established two big new granite climbs in Valle Escondido, an unexplored valley located close to the more famous Cochamó valley in Chile.

After bivying close to the base of Cerro La Sombra (not to be confused with Cerro La Sombra in Valle la Luz) the pair climbed their 900m Super Natural in a 12-hour push, past difficulties up to 5.11+. Only one short section was breached with the use of aid and the duo left just one peg insitu at this point. All the rest of the route was climbed clean using trad gear. Super Natural is now the first route on this mountain.

After resting for a few days, the duo then launched up Cerro Cascada, another previously unclimbed peak that lies directly opposite Cerro La Sombra. Their 700m Gaucho Universal provided difficulties up to 5.11-.

Speaking briefly with planetmountain.com after the climbs, Zobeck stated "Valle Escondido is a beautiful valley with a a huge potential for new routes. It's an amazing area and still really wild."

Although there are some established routes at the entrance, this is the first time climbers have ventured deep into the valley.

Info: www.senoretbrothers.com