For five days we will travel through the stunning Cochamó Valley, walking 4 to 6 hours per day carrying only a 5k/11lb daypack while the rest of the equipment is taken by load horses guided by arrieros. We will cross rivers, climb to the Arco iris viewpoint, swim in the crystalline waters of the Cochamó river, hike in 3.000 year old Alerce forests and maybe see the mighty condor flying high over our heads. Our days will be busy crossing rivers with traverses, rappelling, visiting waterfalls hidden between the mountains and the forest, enjoy great meals and talk by a bonfire while the sun sets behind the Granite Mountains of the Cochamó Valley.
Include:
All meals from day 1 to day 5 including walk snack, wine, appetizers and a board cheese
All land and water transportation
3 nights lodging in Cochamó refuge and 1 night of camping in El Arco shelter.
Dry bags for your personal equipment, harness, ropes and all necessary equipment for the trip
Professional First aid kit, GPS, UHF Radios, handy, maps, aerial pictures
Bilingual Guide (Spanish-English) accredited by Wilderness First Response, guide of the National Mountain School with wide experience in trekking and long trips.
Local guide and loaded horses (one every 3 passengers)
Primary assistance insurance
No Include:
Air Trips, hotels in the city, accident or rescue insurance, personal equipment, tips or any other service not mentioned in this program.
Day by Day
Day 1 Puerto Varas / Las Juntas
5hrs/9km/5.6mi/350mts difference in height
We drive down the scenic coastal road that will take us to the town of Cochamó located by the Reloncavi Estuary, the first Fjord of Patagonia. Here we will meet with the local guide (arriero) to load the horses that are going to carry all our gear. Hike up the valley covered with rainforest and amazing views of granite walls. Once in Las Juntas we will rest and expend de night in refugio Cochamó. With the ones who still have energy we will go around the Juntas Valley. BL-D
Day 2 Las Juntas / Arco iris hill
7hrs/3km/2.5mi/900mts difference in height
Today is a big day, when the sun rises we will be surrounded by granite mountains. We will climb up and into the forest having a close look of mañíos, coigües, alerces and lenga trees. After 5 hours walking and climbing 2 fix ropes (easy and safe to do) we will be in the highlands of Cochamó Valley, place of Condors and climbers. After a nice lunch we will walk back to the refuge to celebrate the day. B-BL-D
Day 3 Las Juntas / El Arco
6hrs/8,5km/5.3mi/350mts ascent
As we go higher up the valley we will get different views of it. We will cross some rivers, see old alerce rodales and pass by a very peculiar rock formation called El Arco (Arch). Here we will set camp and have a well deserved free afternoon for exploring and resting. B-BL-D
Day 4 El Arco / Las Juntas
6hrs/8,5km/5.3mi/350mts descent
Today we take a new route back to Las Juntas to visit some beautiful waterfalls; we will cross rivers and penetrate into ancient forests were the path is sometimes hidden. Only a few know this old route used by the local people to reach Las Juntas. During our hike we can see the valley in a different way and finally reach the refuge, its people and we will organize a special dinner to celebrate our final day in Cochamó. B-BL-D
Day 5 Las Juntas / Puerto Varas
4hrs/9km/5.6mi/350mts descent
After a big breakfast we will start heading back to Puerto Varas. We’ll walk for 9k/5.5mi with the slope on our favour and reach the road where our van will be waiting for us and take us to Puerto Varas. As an alternative we offer the possibility of hiring horses to ride back. Price $20.000 per person B-BL
B-BL-D: Breakfast-Box Lunch-Dinner END OF OUR SERVICES
