Most travelers arrive from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas, but it is also possible to take other less visited and more scenic routes arriving by ferry from the south - Puelo, Hornopirén, Parque Pumalín. Below is information about the different options.
To get to the town of Cochamó, the Visitor Center and the trailhead, go to Puerto Varas using Route 5. Take either of the two exits to enter Puerto Varas and drive to the lake. This road turns into route 225 that skirts Lake Llanquihue and goes all the way to Ensenada. From there the road heads south and a few kilometers past Ensenada take the Ralún-Cochamó turnoff. After half an hour you reach Ralún where you cross the bridge built where the Petrohue River discharges its waters into the Reloncaví Estuary. From here it is 17 kilometers to the town of Cochamó. This last section is partly paved, but it is narrow and zigzagging with spectacular views.
After a few stops you may make in town, follow the main road along the estuary for 3 kilometers. When you reach the bridge over the Cochamó River turn left and drive, slowly, for 6 kilometers of narrow dirt road. A few meters before arriving at the Visitor Center you will find several options for parking where they charge by the day. From here walk a few meters to the Visitor Center to register and show your confirmed reservation at one of the campsites. Remember that access to the trail closes at 3 p.m. and after that time there is no other option but to wait until 7 a.m. the next day.
It is possible to arrive from the south via Carretera Austral via roads and two ferries that connect Pumalín Park and Hornopirén. You can also take a ferry from Puerto Aysen or Chaltén to Chiloé or Puerto Montt. Check out Navimag Ferries to see schedules and prices.
If you are driving from the north, it is not necessary to go to Puerto Montt. From route 5 take the exit to Puerto Varas. Look for route 225 along Lake Llanquihue to the southeast and eventually east. This is the last place with more equipped supply centers. If you are coming from Bariloche, you can also use the turnoff to Cascada-Ensenada just past Entre Lagos. It is a very nice road and you save 50 kilometers. What you don't have on this road is a big grocery store, but many smaller stores. Keep in mind that the border closes at 8pm in the middle of the summer season and earlier the rest of the year.
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