Over the years, the Cochamó Valley has established itself as one of the top tourist destinations in Chile’s Los Lagos reion for trekking, climbing and fishing. Every summer, around 15,000 tourists visit in search of its great granite walls, ancient alerce forests, glaciers, wetlands and crystal-clear waters, and several endemic and endangered species. However, there is always an important fact many tourists are unaware of: they must reserve ahead to camp in Cochamó Valley.

 

This natural paradise located in Chile's northern Patagonia coexists in harmony with a rural community with a deep-rooted gaucho culture that leads a lifestyle intertwined with nature. And it is thanks to their commitment that this place is maintained in an excellent state of conservation, almost without human intervention.

A fundamental point is to keep in mind that this place is not a park: since January 2024, the north side of the Cochamó Valley is a private nature sanctuary, the result of the effort and collaborative work between local arrieros, tour operators and organizations that seek to conserve it, and that for this purpose, throughout the year they prepare the roads and campsites so that they are ready at the beginning of each season. Today, there are also initiatives such as Conserva Puchegüín that are seeking to increase the number of conserved hectares in order to protect this place forever. And for this, everyone's collaboration is essential.

That is why since 2016 they have been implementing a successful reserve system that seeks to continue protecting this place and avoid overloading it. Here are some things you should know to plan your trip to the Cochamó Valley in a safe, informed, and responsible way.

8 things you need to know to plan your trip to Cochamó Valley

1. The difference between Cochamó and Cochamó Valley

In the Cochamó district there are many attractive places to visit. Among them are the town of Cochamó and the Cochamó Valley. In the town of Cochamó, you can find lodging, restaurants and other tourist services, while the Cochamó Valley is a destination specifically for hiking, climbing and fishing, managed and cared for by the local community.

The entrance to the Cochamó Valley is through the visitors' center, which is located a few kilometers from the town of Cochamó. We recommend that you check and plan well how to get to and from this place if this is the destination you are looking for.

 

To go up to the Cochamó Valley, book your stay before going to the La Junta sector: the heart of this place where the campsites and the beginning of the trekking are located. The number of people entering is limited to respect the carrying capacity and minimize our impact on nature. All you have to do is go to https://reservasvallecochamo.cl/ and reserve the campsite according to the sector you are going to camp.

It is essential that you do this in advance because once you arrive at the visitors' center the signal is scarce and the campsites may already be booked for that day. Also, remember to camp in established sites. The campsites are managed by the local communities and this is their year round livelihood.

If you go for the day it is not necessary to make a reservation, but you should check the time limits for entry depending on the reason for your visit.

To get to La Junta it may take between 4 to 6 hours and you can do it on foot or on horseback by hiring the services of local herders. Keep in mind that the trek to get to La Junta and the rest of the trails that start from there are of medium-high difficulty, so we recommend that you wear appropriate technical clothing and look ahead of time which trail you would like to do according to your abilities.

If you get to La Junta, don’t jump down the river waterfall! It is not a slide. This has became the main site of accidents in the valley; having to bring someone from here all the way down to the town is an added burden on the community and the few resources they have to manage this place.

 

Remember to be responsible and avoid accidents.

In Cochamó, there are no ATM bank machines and only in town you will have a signal to pay by credit card or bank transfer. That is why the best way to buy supplies there is to carry cash. Also choose to always buy at the local market, hire services from locals and prefer locally made products. Their work is not only very good quality, but also contributes to the local economy.

5. Prevent forest fires

Let's have a 100% green valley, 0% fire. Do not light fires in unauthorized places. We are surrounded by ancient native forests to protect. We do not want to see fires.

 

In Cochamó, the difficult access makes it difficult for garbage trucks to collect trash, and in the valley there are no trash cans for the same reason, so it is crucial that you take your trash back with you when leaving.

 

They know how to get their food, the best generosity you can have is to let them live in their habitat as they know it.

 

Together with the local community, camera traps were installed to monitor native wildlife. If you come across one on the trails, don't touch it and leave it where it is.

Visiting this natural and cultural treasure of Chile is undoubtedly a great opportunity, but you must be responsible and respectful of those who inhabit the place, both its community, as well as the flora, fauna and fungi. Having a respectful trip with the local communities and harmonious with the environment means respecting certain rules and measures, since behind these there is a collaborative and continuous work between local herders, tour operators and organizations that seek to preserve this unique and valuable place for Planet Earth. We invite you to be responsible when visiting the Cochamó Valley, and follow the recommendations. Taking care of the places you visit is key to maintaining their natural beauty.