Content: Key Points | Arriving to Cochamó town | Transportation Contacts |
⚠️ Last entry time: Acces to the trail and registration at the Visitor Center is strictly controlled and closes at 3 p.m. (2 p.m. in March and April). Those who arrive after this time will not be allowed onto the valley's trail that day.
🚶♀️➡️/ 🚕 The route between the town of Cochamó and the Visitor Center (the trailhead) consists of about 10 kilometers of paved and gravel road that lead into the valley.
📆 Make sure you have a confirmed reservation before arriving at the Visitor Center to access the trail. Reserve your campsite or accomodation in the Refugio Cochamó well in advance.
If you're traveling by public transportation, it's recommended getting off right in the town of Cochamó. It's the last place where you'll find:
• Cell phone and data service. (Coverage at the trailhead is limited or nonexistent.)
• Supermarkets and grocery stores where you can buy provisions and trail rations.
• ATMs and basic services.
From the town, you can take your time arranging local transportation or a taxi to the trailhead. If you can't make it before the trail closes, spend the afternoon exploring the town and its various attractions, rest and set out first thing the next morning.
Another common option when taking the bus is to ask the driver to stop at the Cochamó River bridge (4 km past the town):
• The trail from the bridge to the Visitor Center is 6 km long (about 1.5 hours on foot with a backpack).
• During peak season, taxis or shuttle services sometimes pass through this intersection, but their availability is not guaranteed.
• Important: If you decide to hike this section, you should start your hike keeping in mind the trail's closing time. Or you can choose to camp at one of the campgrounds at the trailhead.
During the high season, there are frequent transfers between the town and the trailhead. The following local transportation operators run this route almost daily. They also offer private transfers to and from Puerto Varas, Puerto Montt, and El Tepual Airport.
ignaciobtos56@gmail.com
+56 9 8852 2558
TransportesDanes.cl
Transportes DANES operates a white 2020 Ford Transit with a capacity for 17 passengers, ideal for tourist transfers, private trips, connecting routes, and special services between the Cochamó Valley and Puerto Montt, the airport, and Puerto Varas. Pedro, the owner, knows the area, the roads, travel times, and has useful recommendations.
Offers a local passenger and tourism transportation service operating in the Cochamó commune, Lake Tagua Tagua, and surrounding areas in Chile.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van for transfers between the town and the trailhead, as well as private trips to bus terminals and the airport.
Don't try to hire pack horses at the last minute or when you arrive at the trailhead. This service must always be arranged in advance through the Packhorses or go by horseback.
