If an individual, landowner, campground or anyone else tries to charge you for access to a river, waterfall, lake, climbing site or other place of interest, do not pay. The only places where you may be required to pay are campgrounds and shelters.
There have been registered complaints in Google, Facebook and TripAdvisor concerning illegal charging in the valley.
Access to the La Junta, Pared Seca, La Paloma, Trinidad lagoon, Amphitheater, Arco Iris summit and established trails is free of charge as established by Chilean law. This right is protected by Article 13 of Decree Law No. 1,939 of 1977. See Acceso Playas Ríos y Lagos de la Biblioteca del Congreso en https://www.bcn.cl/leyfacil/recurso/acceso-a-playas,-rios-y-lagos.
The nonprofit organization Organización Valle Cochamó is working hard to consolidate the Cochamó Valley as a collaborative protected area and is funded by voluntary donations. The Visitor Center at the trailhead is managed by this organization.
This will help to maintain free access to rivers, waterfalls, lakes, glaciers and trails in the valley.
Free access does not entitle you to camp on beaches, riverbanks or private properties not authorized as campgrounds. Campfires are not allowed outside of the campgrounds. Please respect the rules of the valley, stay on the authorized trails and together let's take care of the environment minimizing our impact.
Thank you for helping us to protect the Cochamó Valley.
Organización Valle Cochamó
Asociación Gremial de Turismo y Cultura Cochamó Patagonia Chile A. G.
Ante Lemu (Comunidad Indígena de Cochamó)
Agrupación Arrieros Valle Cochamó
Puelo Patagonia
Friends of Cochamó
Municipalidad de Cochamó
Acceso PanAm
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