This To climb selection focuses on printed resources for South America within Books and All guides and maps. Here you will find climbing guidebooks and maps covering alpine routes, rock objectives, high volcano ascents and big Andean itineraries from Ecuador and Colombia down to Patagonia.

Guidebooks typically combine clear topos with route descriptions, difficulty ratings (UIAA, French, YDS, alpine grade, WI and mixed where relevant), elevation profiles, approach and descent details, gear notes and estimated timings. Many titles add access information, season and weather windows, and notes on permits or protected areas, helping plan realistic and safer days in the mountains.

Maps complement the text with reliable cartography. Look for a scale that matches the objective: 1:25,000–1:75,000 for technical massifs and complex glaciers; 1:100,000 or smaller scales for regional planning and long approaches. Useful features include contour intervals suited to steep terrain, coordinate grids for GPS use, shaded relief for quick orientation, and durable, waterproof paper for poor weather.

Format and durability matter in the field. Compact or pocket-sized guidebooks save weight on long approaches, while spiral or flex bindings stay open for hands-free reference. Weather-resistant paper and robust covers stand up better to repeated use in damp or windy conditions.

Coverage varies by title, but typical areas include the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash, the Cordillera Real, Aconcagua and the Central Andes, and Patagonian massifs around Fitz Roy and the Torres. Some books focus on rock climbing crags and alpine rock, others on mixed and ice, or classic mountaineering summits. Always check the table of contents and area index to confirm the routes and sectors included.

Language and edition details are important. South America climbing titles may be published in English, Spanish or other languages; legends on maps can be bilingual. Check the publication year and edition for updates to access, hut status, glaciers and route options, and consider carrying current GPX data where a title provides a download link or coordinates.

For planning, pair a To climb guidebook with a suitable map and recent local information. Conditions shift quickly in the Andes; consult park authorities, refuges and weather forecasts. Prepare for altitude, significant approach distances and variable winds, and navigate with both map and electronic backups.

OutdoorXL is a store and webshop with a large assortment and extensive choice in guidebooks and maps. We bring together titles from a range of publishers so you can select the level of detail, format and area coverage that fits the route list, whether a single objective or a longer South America itinerary.