Cerro Piedra Redonda, also known as Morro Gonzalo, is a peak situated in Chile with an elevation of 2,408 metres. Located within the Coquimbo Region, the municipality of Los Vilos, and the district of Provincia de Choapa, it is the highest of 1,629 named peaks in the Cordillera de la Costa - Zona central.
Standing in South America, this mountain forms part of the expansive coastal ranges and offers a prominent topographical landmark within the local area. Climbers and visitors exploring the region will find it positioned amidst a rugged landscape defined by the coastal mountain system.
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Following the mountain range hierarchy, Cerro Piedra Redonda belongs to the South American Coastal Ranges, the Coast Range, and more specifically the Cordillera de la Costa - Zona central. Geographically, it is located in Chile, within the Coquimbo Region, municipality of Los Vilos, and the district of Provincia de Choapa. Among the 1,629 named peaks in its immediate range, it holds the title of the highest of 1,629 named peaks in the Cordillera de la Costa - Zona central. The surrounding landscape features a dry and rugged terrain characteristic of the central Chilean coastal mountains, contrasting with nearby valleys and ridges.
The immediate vicinity of Cerro Piedra Redonda features several notable peaks and passes. As the highest of 1,629 named peaks in the Cordillera de la Costa - Zona central, it towers above its closest neighbours:
Standing at 2,408 metres, Cerro Piedra Redonda surpasses all of these immediate neighbours in elevation, cementing its status as a dominant point in the local topography.
From the high point of Cerro Piedra Redonda, climbers and observers can survey a wide expanse of the surrounding terrain. Within a 25-kilometre radius, several other prominent mountains come into view. To the east, Cerro Pedernal reaches 2,303 metres at a distance of 20.2 kilometres, while Cerro La Tenca stands at 2,246 metres, 19.8 kilometres to the southeast. Closer by, Morro Julián rises to 2,035 metres at 11.0 kilometres southeast, and Morro Quemado reaches 1,994 metres at 10.7 kilometres southeast. Towards the southwest, Cerro Horqueta de Quelón attains an elevation of 1,991 metres at 17.5 kilometres, and Cerro Vizcachas is located 16.2 kilometres to the west with an elevation of 1,968 metres.
Cerro Piedra Redonda is part of the Cordillera de la Costa - Zona central, which itself sits within the broader Coast Range and the South American Coastal Ranges. Within its specific range of 1,629 named peaks, Cerro Piedra Redonda ranks as the highest of 1,629 named peaks in the Cordillera de la Costa - Zona central. The overall high point of this particular range is located at an unnamed area of Cordillera de la Costa - Zona central. The range spans across the geography of Chile, forming an integral part of the nation's coastal mountain backbone.
Climate data for the summit and surrounding areas are estimates derived from NASA POWER climate data covering the period from 2001 to 2007. At the summit of Cerro Piedra Redonda, temperatures remain relatively mild throughout the year, with the warmest months experiencing a mean temperature of about 9 °C and the coldest months dropping to about 5 °C. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 250 mm a year, with the wettest conditions occurring during the winter months, when monthly precipitation reaches up to about 60 mm, while the summer months are much drier, seeing only about 5 mm per month. Typical weather hazards in this coastal and mountainous environment can include sudden shifts in visibility, strong winds along exposed ridges, and chilly temperatures at night.
The best time to visit Cerro Piedra Redonda corresponds with the drier months of the year, which typically align with the spring, summer, and early autumn periods when monthly precipitation drops to about 5 mm. According to summit temperature estimates, conditions remain above freezing year-round, making ascents feasible across different seasons. However, climbers should still monitor local forecasts closely to avoid winter periods when precipitation peaks around 60 mm per month, bringing more challenging weather conditions to the higher elevations of the Coquimbo Region.
The landscape around Cerro Piedra Redonda features the arid and semi-arid terrain typical of the Coquimbo Region and the central Chilean coastal mountains. Vegetation is generally sparse, adapted to low annual rainfall totals of about 250 mm, consisting mainly of hardy shrubs, cacti, and drought-resistant bushes at lower elevations. Wildlife in this environment includes small mammals, reptiles, and various bird species adapted to rocky slopes and coastal proximity. As elevation increases towards the 2,408-metre summit, plant life becomes even scarcer, leaving exposed rock and soil dominated by the elements.
For visitors seeking professional assistance, mountaineering in Chile is supported by established institutions and guidelines. The national mountain guide association is the National Association of Mountain Guides of Chile (Asociación Nacional de Guías de Montaña (ANGM)), which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member organisation. Additionally, the national alpine club is the Chilean Mountaineering Federation (Federación de Andinismo de Chile, FEACH). Established guiding companies such as Chile Montaña based in Santiago operate within the country. A guided ascent typically includes logistics, safety gear, and professional leadership, with prices varying based on the number of days, group size, and required equipment. Foreign climbers should note the general permit rule in Chile, which requires a DIFROL authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when climbing peaks near national borders.
Ascending Cerro Piedra Redonda to an elevation of 2,408 metres requires proper preparation, adequate physical conditioning, and awareness of changing weather conditions in the Coquimbo Region. Climbers must carry sufficient water, proper clothing for wind and temperature drops, and navigation tools. In the event of an emergency in the mountains, the designated emergency number for mountain rescue in Chile is 136, operated by the Cuerpo de Socorro Andino, the national mountain emergency line. This organisation coordinates rescue operations directly with Carabineros (133) and local fire brigades, while medical emergencies can be directed to the ambulance service at 131.
Cerro Piedra Redonda holds a distinguished position within regional geography as the highest of 1,629 named peaks in the Cordillera de la Costa - Zona central. It reaches an exact elevation of 2,408 metres and is closely flanked by Alto Colorado just 0.2 kilometres to the northeast. Located entirely within Chile, specifically in the municipality of Los Vilos and the Coquimbo Region, the mountain serves as a prominent high point in the South American Coastal Ranges.
Where is Cerro Piedra Redonda located? It is located in Chile, within the Coquimbo Region, the municipality of Los Vilos, and the district of Provincia de Choapa.
What mountain range does Cerro Piedra Redonda belong to? It belongs to the South American Coastal Ranges, the Coast Range, and the Cordillera de la Costa - Zona central.
What are the nearest peaks to Cerro Piedra Redonda? The nearest peaks include Alto Colorado at 0.2 km away, Morro El Cobre at 4.4 km away, and Morro El Fraile at 5.6 km away.
How does Cerro Piedra Redonda compare to neighbouring peaks? Standing at 2,408 metres, it is the highest of 1,629 named peaks in the Cordillera de la Costa - Zona central, surpassing all of its immediate neighbours in elevation.
Is there water on the way to Cerro Piedra Redonda? There are no natural springs or huts with water listed along the routes, so climbers must carry an adequate supply of water—typically 1.5 to 3 litres for a day trip—depending on the weather and length of the hike.
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