Discover Cochamó Horseriding and Hiking (1 day)

Why Cochamo ?

Cochamo valley, fascinating and nearly an untouched area.

Wikipedia says: ...Cochamó Valley is a U-shaped valley , an unexplored paradise for serious and amateur hikers - with trails ranging from easy to challenging, a myriad of rare bird and plant life, and a stunning landscape. It is located in the Andes, south of Vicente Perez Rosales National Park , in the X region of Chile. The valley has a striking similarity to Yosemite Valley. Like Yosemite, rock climbers from around the world come here to climb the valley's several 1000-meter granite walls.

The trail that starts from the river, and carries on up through Argentina traverses some of the most unspoiled areas of northern Patagonia, and rewards travelers with views of plunging waterfalls, soaring condors, towering Alerce trees.

The trail is more than 100 years old, and was used to transport Argentinean beef cattle from across the border to be shipped from Cochamo. In turn, dried and smoked fish and shellfish made the return journey into the mountains into Argentina.

The valley is home to dense, virgin temperate rainforest - one of only three such remaining forests in the world. It is not unusual to find trees close to 1,000 years old. Wild boar, pudu, and the occasional puman inhabit the upper slopes - but are rarely seen and rarely a threat to man.

Note:
* There is no road for vehicles through the entire valley.
* Cochamo village is a 120 kilometers distance from Puerto Montt airport and a 97 kilometers distance from Puerto Varas.

A Gaucho (chilean cowboy)

What do we offer ?

* A trip that combines adventure, challenge and multicultural experiences amongst a marvelous and authentic scenery in the Northern Patagonia area of Chile.

* Visitors who are keen to explore this natural magnificence on horseback or via hiking

* Get inside dense forested valleys and high mountain passes.

* We bring you directly into this pure, unspoilt wilderness through a scenic landscape situated behind the two famous volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco

* Plateau of lakes, waterfalls, rivers, ancient forests and granite walls.

* Visit part of the legendary 300 year old "gaucho trail" once used by local indigenous, Spaniards and missionaries

Gaucho trail



Clear water rivers

Itinerary

(Puerto Varas - Cohamo village - Horseriding Cochamo valley)

At 8 AM we will start driving from Puerto Varas to Ensenda enjoying some beautilful views of Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, always close to the southern shore of Llanquihue lake , the second biggest in Chile.



Osorno Volcanoe and Llanquihue Lake

Then we will continue to Ralún , where the clear waters of Petrohue River meets the salt water of the Pacific Ocean at the Reloncavi Fjord , known as the first fjord of Patagonia.We will continue driving south in a scenic coastal road that will take us to the town of Cochamó where we will meet our local guide (gaucho) ans start our horseriding and hiking exploration. Picnic in a nice spot and return to Puerto Varas late in the afternoon.

Reloncavi Fjord





Cochamo Village

Weather: Summer in the Southern Hemisphere starts in December and ends in Mid-March. Average daily temperature is 25 °C and at night 10 °C. October, November and Mid-March to April are mild and weather conditions are generally more stable than during the summer months. Rainny weather is always possible

Requirements

• Physical state and health compatible with the activity to be performed. 
• Previous indication of any illness or health problem 
• Positive attitude in front of unexpected situations. You'll find your trip even more enjoyable if you remember to bring flexibility and a sense of humor with you.
• Understand that this kind of trips requieres team work meanaing the participation of each person at each stage .  
• Understand that all activities performed in nature can indicate some risk. 
• The program could be modified at any stage due to weather conditions or sudden incidents that could affect the security of the group 
• Before trip starts you must send us signed the Release of Liability Form and the Reservation and Medical Forms that appears after you press the Reservation Button.
• To have read and have a clear understanding of the Terms and Conditions section.

Includes

• SMALL GROUPS, maximum of 6 (safety and respect for the environment and the local people) 
• Authentic interaction with the local people we meet in the area.  
  
  
• Transportation in private van from Puerto Varas to Cohamo and back to Puerto Varas.
• Food according to program (picnic lunch)
• Local experience horseriding guide (gaucho).

Note:

* We must state that the success of this type of trips is subject to unexpected weather and personal situations, so a positive attitude , an adventurous spirit and good disposition will be fundamental.