Piedra Parada is a natural protected area that’s located about 130 kilometres east of Esquel, and it makes for a fun and easy day trip. We organized a tour through Meraki Sur in town and they came to pick us up from our accommodations the next morning. It was about a 2 and a half-hour drive to Piedra Parada during which time we bid farewell to forests and mountains, as we ventured further into the Patagonian steppe. Gualjaina is located 90 kilometres from Esquel and was the last service area before reaching our destination. We drove another 30 kilometres from this point before we spotted Piedra Parada rising like a giant monolith in the middle of the valley. Piedra Parada sticks out like a sore thumb in the Valley of the Chubut River. Its origins are volcanic since once upon a time, this very area would have been the caldera of an ancient mega volcano. It would have first erupted some 60 million years ago, before the Andes were even formed, so this rock right here has witnessed a whole lot. It stands over 200 meters tall and it’s an ‘it’ destination for rock climbing.
After a guided walk around Piedra Parada, we returned back to the van where they had set up a nice picnic lunch for us. There were empanadas, mini-pizzas, sandwiches, pigs in a bun, and more. It was all homemade and delicious! And really, who could complain with these views?!
We then drove across the Chubut River towards Cañon de la Buitrera, which literally translates to the Vulture’s Canyon. The walls of the canyon stand around 150 meters tall, and it was a beautiful place for a hike.
Our guide led us up to the ‘aleros’ which are small refuges in the rock, almost like caves. These would have been used by the pre-Tehuelches and Tehuelches who inhabited this area in a seasonal manner up to 5000 years ago. We also learned about how they would’ve stored their guanaco meat in the ground, under layers of salt to help preserve it. There were lots info boards with even more information, so it’s worth the hike up if you make here.
So, as we’ve already mentioned, this is a really popular rock climbing destination, and you really notice this once you enter the Vulture’s Canyon.
This place was really put on the tourist map back in 2012 when the Petzl brand, which is known for organizing rock climbing gatherings chose Piedra Parada as its destination of the year. Now, this canyon draws climbers from all over the world and we got to see them in action.
By the time we finished our hike, it was merienda time, AKA afternoon tea time! Back at the van, our driver was already waiting with tea, coffee and a selection of pastries, so we were very happy hikers. We then hopped back in the van and drove back to Esquel!
And that was our day trip to Piedra Parada! We hope you guys enjoyed following along and we’ll see you soon with more videos from Patagonia, Argentina.
🚌🏜️ Piedra Parada Day Trip from Esquel – Exploring Patagonia’s Standing Rock & Vulture’s Canyon
🚐 The Journey Across Patagonia
After being picked up at our accommodation by MerakiSur, we begin the scenic two-and-a-half-hour journey. As we travel east, the landscape gradually shifts from lush forests and mountains to the stark, windswept steppe typical of inland Patagonia.
First Stop: Gualjaina, a tiny town of about 7,000 people and the last proper bathroom break of the day.
The drive continues along dirt roads, passing remote ranches before Piedra Parada comes into view, rising like a massive monolith from the valley floor.
🗿 Piedra Parada – A Patagonian Icon
Standing over 200 meters tall, Piedra Parada is an ancient volcanic plug—remnants of a mega volcano that erupted 60 million years ago, long before the Andes even formed.
The landscape is windswept and chilly, and we bundle up to admire the sheer scale of this geological marvel.
It’s a magnet for rock climbers and outdoor lovers, and the perfect subject for an epic drone flight.
🌄 Cañón de la Buitrera (Vultures’ Canyon) Hike
After lunch, we cross the Chubut River to explore Cañón de la Buitrera, an impressive canyon with towering 150-meter walls.
The canyon is famed for its natural beauty, as well as its thriving rock climbing scene.
Along the way, we spot soaring vultures and, to our delight, a “chinchidón” (giant chinchilla/Patagonian mara), a rare treat for wildlife enthusiasts.
⛺ Ancient Peoples & Prehistoric Refuges
Our hike leads to “aleros”—rock shelters once used by the pre-Tehuelche and Tehuelche peoples over 5,000 years ago.
These ancient residents preserved guanaco meat in the shade, using salt for storage, and the info boards on site tell their story.
The canyon walls display chalky handprints and climbing marks—a testament to both history and the modern rock climbing community.
Visiting PIEDRA PARADA: The most underrated thing to do in PATAGONIA ARGENTINA?
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