Cochamo Hike Day trip.

Meeting Point

Valle del Cochamo

Cochamo Valley is located in southern Chile, east of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas cities, the road is tarmac for most of the drive going across Ensenada town, and reaching the mouth of the Puelo Valley into the Estuary of Reloncavi. West of the Argentinean border and Bariloche, in the heart of the Patagonian Andes. The trails where originally opened by gauchos and local people travelling between the two countries when borders where not clear among Chile and Argentina. Also history and legends say that Buch Cassidy and Sundance kid used come this way to smuggle cattle to sell in Chile. I wouldn’t recommend this hike for people with vertigo since a hanging bridge must be crossed which can be a bit tricky. The drive is one of the most scenic in the region with mountains, rivers, lakes Valdivian forest and sea.Start and ends: 8.30 am.Puerto Varas or Pto Montt. 7 pm. Location: Cochamo Valley. Lake District, South of Chile. Duration:9 hours. 1,20 hour drive from Pto Varas. Walk: 6 hours. Difficulty level: Easy/Medium. Terrain: Trails with muddy and slippery sections. In the shade of unforgettable forest with sunny sections. Mostly flat but some uphills too. Equipment to bring: Warm clothes according to weather and time of the year. Trekking poles , shoes, rain jacket, sun and skin protection (sunglasses, hat).Snack, water 1 lts. Guide: English, Italian and Spanish is spoken, with WFR first aid certificate and expert in native flora and fauna. Safety: Emergency equipment and first aid kit. Need to cross a hanging narrrow bridge. Not suitable for people with vertigo. Ask for alternatives in case the river is low enough. Included: Private transportation.Entrance fee to the parking, box lunch, private guide with Widlernes First Responder Certificate and knowledgeable in native flora and fauna.