Cochamó valley is a valley near the village Cochamó in Chile. For its large, rugged rocky peaks, it has long been known as the "Yosemite Chiles" for climbing. In recent years it has also become increasingly popular with hikers and horse-riding tourists.
background
history
landscape
Flora and fauna
climate
getting there
From 13km distant 1 Cochamó
there are minibuses and private individuals who can bring you to the valley entrance. Costs around CLP 1,500.
Fees / permits
Entry is free. A short registration must be made at the entrance to the valley.
Ascent to the La Junta valley center
The dirt road ends in "Quila". After you have registered there, it goes over an approx. 15 km long hiking trail (4 hours) in easy up and down to the valley center La Junta. The various campsites and hostels are also somewhat spread out there. This place is also the base camp for all other climbing and hiking tours in the valley.
The path is often very muddy, waterproof shoes are strongly recommended.
Tourist Attractions
The waterfall Tobogan is a little behind the campsites Trawen / La Junta. You only have to cross the small river that flows into the Río Cochamo and you have already reached it in 5 minutes. The waterfall pours over smooth rocks into a small turquoise blue lake. It is also possible to use the waterfall (from the 2nd level from the bottom) as a slide. The lake and a small "pool" in the rock are also popular bathing options. The crystal clear water comes straight from the mountains and is very cool even in summer.
activities
Cerro Arco Iris
Probably by far the most impressive hike in the valley. Right from the start, it goes up steeply through the forest. Later you only have to work your way up a few meters of rock with the help of a rope. These places are a bit sloping and can be dangerous when wet. Mountaineering boots are highly recommended here. After about 2.5 hours you will reach the first vantage point (~ 1200m), with an impressive view of the mountain range opposite.
Then it goes through an impressive rock landscape, with the best view without any problems to the south summit (~ 1500m). The path is sufficiently marked with cairns. From the south summit you still have a perfect view of the rocky landscape of the valley and also see three volcanoes, parts of the fjord and a beautiful mountain lake.Duration: 7h (4h ascent) Difference in altitude: 1280m (south summit), 980m (viewpoint).
Amphiteatro
This hike leads to a basin, which is reminiscent of an amphitheater due to its all-round sloping rock. The tour begins on the other side of the river (use cable gondola) from La Junta at Camping Bella Vista. Alternatively, the ascent is also possible from Refugio Cochamo or the Mountain Lodge, if these are open. The somewhat arduous path leads through dense jungle. Only in the last few meters does the impressive view open up. The starting point is the campsite on the other side of the river.Duration: 5.5 hoursDifference in altitude: 700m
Cerro Laguna
This summit tour also starts from the La Junta valley center. You cross the river with the cable gondola and follow the signs to Cerro Trinidad. After crossing the stream in the side valley for the second time (altitude 1100m), the path to the summit crosses to the right, while the valley path continues to a lagoon. The summit is approx. 1660m high and lies between the "Amphitheater" and the "Cerro Trinidad" above the well-known "Gorilla Wall" on the north side of the mountain.
Paso el León
From the valley center La Junta can be reached in a three-day hike to the international pass Paso León to Argentina switch. Many backpackers then travel to from there Bariloche further.
shop
There is also a small snack bar at the entrance to the valley, as well as the opportunity to buy dried fruit.
In the La Junta valley center, for example, the Trawen campsite sells fresh and dried fruit and vegetables, as well as biscuits, cakes and much more in a small kiosk. The prices are comparatively high.
The hostels are fully managed and the offer (including pizza) varies.
kitchen
The hostels are managed. You can buy snacks in a kiosk at the Trawen campsite.
accommodation
Hotels and hostels
- 1 Campo Aventura Mountain Lodge. Tel.: 56 9928 94318. In the valley center at La Junta located, classiest place to stay.
- 2 Refugio Cochamó, Valle La Junta Décima, Cochamo, Los Lagos, Chile. In the valley center at La Junta located.
camping
There are a total of three campsites in the La Junta valley center. Two of them are right next to each other on the north bank of the river. Only Camping Bella Vista is on the other side of the river and, like the hostels, can be reached via cable gondolas.
The facilities, views and the price of the campsites are almost identical. There is no electricity, no hot water, etc. simple showers and pit toilets. Depending on the season, the prices range from CLP 4,000 to 5,000 p.p. .
- Camping La Junta. Largest and oldest campsite in the valley center.
- Camping traws. with a small kiosk, right next to Camping La Junta, a new, large stay hut with fireplace and cooking area.
- Camping Bella Vista. On the other side of the river, currently under renovation, it is expected to reopen for the main season 2016/17.
security
There is no mobile phone reception in the valley. It is therefore advisable to notify someone on site, especially if you are setting out on your own. Help can be called by radio from the campsites. Especially with climbers there are always serious accidents on the sometimes demanding walls.
Onward journey
South along the Carretera Austral:
To the north-west to Lake Llanquihue:
- Osorno volcano
- Puerto Varas
To the east over the Paso El León to San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina
