As a local guide who has walked countless trails across Chile, I can say with certainty that Cochamó Valley remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Tucked away in the Los Lagos Region, this lush, granite-walled valley has earned the nickname “The Yosemite of South America”—and for good reason.
Towering cliffs, dense temperate rainforests, waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, and remote trails make Cochamó a paradise for hikers, rock climbers, horseback riders, and anyone seeking real adventure far from the crowds.
In this in-depth guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your trip to Cochamó: where it is, how to get there, best hiking routes, safety tips, and why it should top your Chile travel bucket list.
📍 Where is Cochamó Valley?
Cochamó Valley is located in the Andean foothills of northern Patagonia, in Chile’s Los Lagos Region, just south of Puerto Varas and east of Puerto Montt. It sits between the Reloncaví Fjord and the Argentine border, accessible only by foot or horseback—preserving its pristine beauty.
Nearby Cities:
Puerto Varas: ~2.5 hours away
Puerto Montt: ~3 hours away
🗺️ How to Get to Cochamó Valley
✈️ By Air:
Fly into El Tepual Airport (PMC) in Puerto Montt.
🚘 By Car or Bus:
Drive or take a bus to the town of Cochamó.
From there, continue to the Terminus Trailhead at La Junta (~11 km trail from the parking lot).
🥾 The La Junta sector is the main base for exploration, only accessible on foot or horseback via a rugged trail.
📅 Best Time to Visit Cochamó Valley
☀️ Summer (December to March)
Best weather for trekking and climbing
Trails are dry, rivers are low, and days are long
Campsites may fill—book early
🍂 Shoulder Season (October–November / April)
Fewer visitors, cooler weather
Rain is more frequent
Good for solitude seekers
🌧️ Winter (May–September)
Heavy rain, slippery trails
Not ideal for hiking or camping
Rock climbing becomes dangerous
💰 Entrance Fees and Permits
Entry to the valley is free, but…
Reservations are required for camping at La Junta and other areas during high season.
Book campsites through cochamo.com or the Fundación Cochamó website.
🥾 Top Things to Do in Cochamó Valley
1. 🌲 Hike the Cochamó Trail to La Junta
This is the main access route into the valley.
Distance: ~11 km (one way)
Time: 4–6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate; can be very muddy
Highlights: Forest tunnels, rivers, waterfalls, old-growth trees
💡 Tip: Wear waterproof boots—it’s often muddy even in summer.
2. 🧗 Rock Climbing the Granite Walls
Cochamó is a world-class climbing destination, often compared to Yosemite.
Massive granite domes like Arco Iris, El Monstruo, and Trinidad tower over 1,000 meters high
Routes range from beginner boulders to multi-pitch climbs
Most routes are trad climbing—you must bring your own gear
🧗♂️ Guides are available, but many climbers come self-sufficient. There are no bolted sport routes.
3. 🐎 Horseback Riding
Locals offer guided horse treks along forest trails and rivers.
Great option if you want to experience the valley without strenuous hiking
Multi-day rides possible with overnight camping
Horses can also carry gear for trekkers
4. 🌊 Visit the Waterfalls
There are dozens of cascadas (waterfalls) hidden throughout the valley:
Toboganes Waterfall: Smooth rock slides where you can swim or slide down
La Junta Falls: Stunning 80-meter cascade near the campground
Trinidad Waterfall: A dramatic fall below the granite dome of Trinidad
🚫 No drones allowed—respect local guidelines and the tranquility of the area.
5. 🏕️ Camp in the Wilderness
La Junta is the most popular basecamp for visitors.
Camping is rustic but beautiful
Facilities include pit toilets, fire pits, and a few cooking shelters
No electricity or mobile signal—you’re truly off-grid
Other backcountry sites include:
Refugio Cochamó (rustic lodge with beds & meals)
Camping El Arco Iris (near trail to epic viewpoints)
Campo Base Trinidad (climbers’ basecamp)
🥾 Best Hiking Trails in Cochamó Valley
🌄 Arco Iris Trail
Length: ~4 km round trip
Time: 5–7 hours (steep!)
Difficulty: Hard
Reward: One of the best viewpoints in Patagonia
This is a steep and challenging hike up to a cliff-edge viewpoint overlooking the entire Cochamó Valley.
🪢 Ropes are installed on steep sections. Wear gloves and hike cautiously.
🌳 La Junta Loop Trail
Length: ~2 km
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
A good acclimatization walk near the campground
🥾 Paso El León
Multi-day trek toward the Argentine border
Remote, off-the-beaten-path
Requires experience and supplies
🦜 Wildlife & Nature in Cochamó Valley
This valley is a biodiversity hotspot, part of the Valdivian temperate rainforest biome. Expect to see:
Magellanic woodpeckers
Hummingbirds
Pudú (tiny native deer)
Condors soaring over granite peaks
Old-growth alerce and coihue trees
🐻 No large predators—perfect for peaceful hiking.
🧳 What to Pack for Cochamó Valley
Here’s a helpful packing list, especially if camping or hiking:
Waterproof hiking boots
Rain gear (jacket & pants)
Warm layers (nights get cold)
Tent, sleeping bag (if camping)
Water filter or purification tablets
Lightweight stove and cooking gear
Sunscreen and insect repellent
First-aid kit
Trash bags (pack out all waste)
Offline maps or GPS device
Climbing gear (if applicable)
🛌 Where to Stay Near Cochamó Valley
If you don’t plan to camp, you can stay in the town of Cochamó or nearby:
In Cochamó Town:
Andes Lodge Cochamó – Eco-friendly cabins with hot tubs
Cabañas Rincón del Sur – Cozy cabins with river views
Hostal Mañio – Budget-friendly guesthouse
In Puerto Varas:
Use this town as a launching pad if you prefer hotels and restaurants
🍽️ Food & Supplies
Bring all food and gear with you—there are no stores in the valley
In Cochamó town, you’ll find small shops and some restaurants
Local families sometimes offer meals to campers for a fee (ask ahead)
🔐 Safety Tips & Local Etiquette
Reserve campsites in advance
Don’t light fires outside designated areas
Always pack out your trash
Don’t leave food out—protect wildlife
Avoid drones—they’re disruptive and often banned
Respect the Mapuche culture and local communities
⛑️ There is no cell signal in the valley. Let someone know your itinerary before you enter.
🗓️ Suggested 4-Day Itinerary in Cochamó Valley
Day 1
Arrive in Cochamó town
Hike to La Junta (4–6 hours)
Set up camp and explore nearby river pools
Day 2
Hike the Arco Iris Trail
Enjoy panoramic views
Evening by the campfire
Day 3
Visit waterfalls and natural slides
Optional horseback riding
Short hike or relax in the valley
Day 4
Hike back to the trailhead
Return to Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt
🏞️ Final Thoughts from Your Guide
Cochamó Valley is a place that takes your breath away—not just with its climbs, but with its sheer beauty. Whether you’re an avid trekker, a passionate climber, or a quiet nature lover, you’ll find something extraordinary here. Its remoteness, untouched scenery, and genuine sense of peace make it one of Chile’s most magical valleys.
Come prepared, tread lightly, and you’ll leave Cochamó with a heart full of memories and a deep appreciation for Patagonia’s wild beauty.
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