Monte San Lorenzo

Mountain Glaciated Andean massif along Argentina–Chile border

Monte San Lorenzo straddles the Chile-Argentina border in the Patagonian Andes, known for glaciers and steep faces. Mountaineers attempt technical climbs; the area is remote with alpine routes and glacier travel.

Main image

Monte San Lorenzo (also known as Cerro San Lorenzo) is a high, glaciated mountain massif on the border between Argentina and Chile in southern Patagonia, with an elevation of approximately 3,706 metres. It is a prominent peak in the southern Andes and a notable objective for alpine climbers.

The mountain is sought by mountaineers for its steep, glacier-covered faces and remote alpine environment; ascents require glacier travel and technical experience. The surrounding area offers rugged Patagonian landscapes, glaciers and long approach routes.

The massif has long been known to local populations and to climbers exploring the southern Andes; detailed historical accounts of first ascents are part of mountaineering literature but vary by route and national records.

Monte San Lorenzo straddles the Argentina-Chile border in Patagonia, lying within the high Andes of the region and forming part of the range of peaks that separates the two countries.

  • Climbing character: The massif is extensively glaciated and presents technical routes that attract experienced mountaineers rather than casual walkers.
Monte San Lorenzo
-47.6000, -72.3167

How to Get to Monte San Lorenzo #

Monte San Lorenzo sits on the border between Argentina and Chile in southern Patagonia. Access routes vary depending on the side of approach; expeditions typically operate from regional towns with guides and 4x4 logistics. Check border and permit requirements before planning travel.

Tips for Visiting Monte San Lorenzo #

  • Climbers should plan for glacier travel; glaciers around Monte San Lorenzo are crevassed and require technical gear.
  • Check border regulations if approaching from the Chilean side-this mountain straddles Argentina and Chile.
  • Hire a local alpine guide for ascents; routes are complex and weather changes rapidly.

Best Time to Visit Monte San Lorenzo #

The austral summer (December-February) is the window for mountaineering on Monte San Lorenzo; expect cold, wind and rapid weather changes even then.

Austral Summer
December-February · -5-10°C (higher elevations)
Most stable weather for mountaineering and glacier travel; long daylight helps distant approaches.
Late Spring
November · 0-8°C (lower elevations)
Snow conditions can be variable-best for experienced teams familiar with Patagonian weather.

Weather & Climate near Monte San Lorenzo #

Climate

Monte San Lorenzo's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -14°C to 4°C. Moderate rainfall (730 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
Warmest Month
-14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and windy conditions.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
14.9 m/s
Wind
Windy

February

February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and windy conditions.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
13.2 m/s
Wind
Windy

March

March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. The wettest month with 94 mm of rain and windy conditions.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
13.9 m/s
Wind
Windy

April

April is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and windy conditions.

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-10° -1°

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
14.1 m/s
Wind
Windy

May

May is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and windy conditions.

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-12° -4°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
14.3 m/s
Wind
Windy

June

June is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and windy conditions.

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-14° -7°

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
14.1 m/s
Wind
Windy

July

July is the coldest month with highs of -7°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and windy conditions.

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-14° -7°

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
13.6 m/s
Wind
Windy

August

August is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and windy conditions.

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-14° -6°

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
13.1 m/s
Wind
Windy

September

September is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and windy conditions.

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-12° -4°

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
13.3 m/s
Wind
Windy

October

October is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and windy conditions.

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-10° -1°

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
14.1 m/s
Wind
Windy

November

November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and windy conditions.

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
14.4 m/s
Wind
Windy

December

December is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and windy conditions.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
14.9 m/s
Wind
Windy

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