What To Expect

✔ Know if this destination is for you.

By reading the detailed information below, you will have a good idea if it is a good destination for you.

Lots of mud, puddles, rain, lost... Trail is not well marked. We got lost. We never made it to the Junta. We were not prepared. A nightmare.

Anonymous. Message written in the comment book at the Visitor Center.

✓ Previous trekking experience is essential.

This valley is laiden with hazardous obstacles. Each season there are serious injuries mostly due to the lack of experience hiking or climbing. There are no easy or beginner trails. If this is your first time, or have minimal experience, doing multiday trekking over rough terrain, this valley may not be for you.

✓ There are no emergency, medical or rescue services.

Each visitor is responsible for his or her safety. There is no rescue team nor emergency personnel available. The closest hospital is in Puerto Varas. Serious injuries can result in death given the difficulty and time required to evacuate.

✓ There is no communication nor cell phone coverage.

Let others know where you'll be before arriving where you're going, that you won't have communication and your return date. Once there you will not any cell signal.

✔ Expect rain and mud, and be well prepared for a mountainous environment.

3000 mm of rain fall in this rainforest every year. Be prepared. During highseason you will not be able to change your reservation, or get a refund unless the trail is officially closed.

When to go

Forecast & Climate

Information About The Trail & Valley

If you are staying overnight, you must have a confirmed reservation to access the trail. From December to mid-March, especially in January and February, the campsites in the La Junta sector are at maximum capacity. You will not be allowed to access the trail without a previously confirmed reservation.

If you go for the day to La Junta and Toboganes, you must start before 10 am. The round trip is 24 kilometers, very long and demanding. Avoid going with children. It's essential to be in good physical condition, have mountain experience, carry plenty of food, a headlamp, warm clothes, first aid kit, …

The trail closes at 3 p.m. You will not be able to start your hike if you arrive at the Visitor Center after 3pm. Even if you have a confirmed reservation at a campsite you will have to wait until the next day to go up.

The trail is not public. The entire trail that leads to Paso León, as well as the accesses to the popular trails in the La Junta sector, crosses private properties. In order to be able to visit, enjoy it, keep the accesses free and maintain a good relationship with the owners, it is necessary to act responsibly and respectfully. You must stay on the trail, camp only in the authorized campsites, close the gates as you pass and hike out everything you take in.

Max capacity of the valley. The capacity of the Cochamó Valley is the capacity of the authorized campsites. Together with the Visitor Center, the Organización Valle Cochamó, landowners, local tourism, community and other organizations are working to consolidate the valley as a collaborative protected area, conserve its biodiversity and local culture, and support responsible, sustainable and sustainable tourism over time.

Basic Steps To Take Before You Go

Below are some suggestions to help organize your trip.

1. Be prepared.

Be well informed. Take the adequate equipment.

Personal Equipment

https://walk-trek.tur.ar/personal-equipment/

Reserve a campsite or bed well in advance.

It is recommended to make a reservation as far in advance as possible. It is necessary to have a confirmed reservation to spend the night in the valley. In high season the campsites easily reach their maximum capacity. 

3. Reserve a horse or guide (optional).

If you wish to reserve a horse to go up or for your gear, it is necessary to have a confirmed reservation at the campsite before making this request. If you wish to hire a guiding service, check with your guide if you he or she will reserve for you. 

4. If you arrive by air or bus...

... to Puerto Montt / Puerto Varas, please do NOT try to arrive to La Junta on the same dayFlights are often delayed and transportation services from Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas are infrequent and fill up quickly in high season. This means that many people do not make it to the trailhead on time, with the consequent loss of their reservations. Therefore Camping La Junta recommends spending the night in Cochamó the night before your reservation.  This will avoid stress and help you to relax and enjoy the trail more. 

5. Buy your ticket after you have a confirmed reservation.

To avoid setbacks, have a confirmed reservation before buying your plane or bus ticket. The valley's capacity fills up faster than the transportion.