The Cochamó Valley, in Chile's Los Lagos Region, is a Valdivian rainforest valley ringed by granite walls up to about 1,000 metres high that can only be entered on foot: the trail to La Junta, the heart of the valley, takes 4 to 6 hours. To stay overnight you need a confirmed reservation and must register at the visitor centre before setting off. In the 2026-2027 season, the La Junta campsite charges CLP 12,000 per person per night in high season (December 15 to March 14) and CLP 10,000 in low season, according to its official site, and it is open from September to April.
*Updated on November 2, 2026.* Reservation, schedule and price details come from cochamo.com, the site of the La Junta campsite and refuge, and from Chile Travel. There is no phone signal in the valley: download your reservations before you leave.
Key facts about the valley
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Municipality of Cochamó, Los Lagos Region | Chile Travel |
| Granite walls | Up to about 1,000 m high, of glacial origin | Chile Travel |
| Access to La Junta | Only on foot (or with pack horses), 4 to 6 hours | cochamo.com and Chile Travel |
| From Puerto Montt | About 2 h 30 min to Cochamó village, via the Carretera Austral and route V-691 | Chile Travel |
| Village to trailhead | About 10 km of gravel road | Chile Travel |
| Season | Mid-September to April | cochamo.com |
| Mobile signal | None in the valley | cochamo.com |
Mandatory reservations in the Cochamó Valley: La Junta campsite and refuge
The most important rule: all visitors must register at the visitor centre, a few metres from the trailhead, and show a confirmed campsite reservation, according to the trail to La Junta page. Without a reservation there is no lodging: the campsite has a strict maximum capacity. Bookings for the season open on September 1 in the reservation system, and between December 1 and March 31 they must be paid in full in advance.
| La Junta campsite 2026-2027 | Per person per night |
|---|---|
| High season (Dec 15 to Mar 14) | CLP 12,000 |
| Low season (Sep 15 to Dec 14 and Mar 15 to Apr 30) | CLP 10,000 |
| Children under 10 | Free |
| Long-stay discount (Dec to Mar) | 10% from 10 nights, 15% from 15 and 30% from 30 |
| Members of Organización Valle Cochamó, Puelo Patagonia and Socorro Andino, and Cochamó residents | CLP 2,000 off per night |
Source: La Junta campsite, prices, checked on November 2, 2026; prices include taxes. The campsite has 6 composting toilets, 2 roofed shelters with fire pits, washing sinks and 2 cold showers. It sells no food: the last place to buy supplies is Cochamó village. If you prefer a roof, you can book the Refugio Cochamó, managed separately.
| Booking policy | Condition |
|---|---|
| Cancellation more than 7 days ahead | 50% refund |
| Cancellation less than 7 days ahead | No refund |
| Change of date or person (Dec 15 to Mar 14) | CLP 6,000 per change; dates with 7 days' and names with 3 days' notice |
| Trail closed by an official weather alert | 100% refund for the night affected |
Source: cochamo.com, reservation system. Date changes to future seasons are not allowed.
How to get to the Cochamó Valley from Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas
The gateway is Puerto Montt, with daily flights from Santiago to El Tepual airport. From the Puerto Montt bus terminal there are usually four daily services to Cochamó village (except Sundays and holidays), with more in high season. The ride takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
| Company | Ticket office at Puerto Montt terminal | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Buses Estuario Reloncaví | No. 42 | +65 2 841 200 |
| Buses Río Puelo | No. 47 | +56 9 9123 0838 |
| Buses Transhar | No. 44 | +65 2 254 187 |
Source: cochamo.com, buses to Cochamó. The site does not publish timetables because they change often. In Puerto Varas the bus does not use the terminal: it runs along the main downtown avenue, and in January and February, if it leaves Puerto Montt full, it does not stop. From the village there are vans and taxis to the trailhead, or you can get off at the Cochamó river bridge and walk about 8 km of gravel road. By car, the car parks next to the trail (Los Pozones, El Laurel) charge around CLP 4,000 a day, according to the parking page.
To plan your base, see things to do in Puerto Montt and things to do in Puerto Varas; on the way is Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park and the Petrohué falls.
The trail to La Junta and the toboganes
The trail is rough: mud, roots, rocks and logs, with most of the climbing in the first half. Access closes at 15:00 (14:00 in March and April) and after that you cannot go up until the next day. Pack horses (pilcheros) must be booked in advance and always have right of way.
| Route | Distance or time | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Trailhead to La Junta | 4 to 6 hours each way | Registration and reservation required to stay overnight |
| Day hike to the toboganes | About 24 km round trip; 10 to 12 hours for most people | Start before 9:00 and leave La Junta before 15:00; maximum 90 people a day; under-13s not allowed |
Source: cochamo.com, toboganes of Cochamó. The toboganes are smooth rock slabs on the La Junta river, with icy turquoise pools. The site itself warns that they are extremely dangerous: sliding down them or walking on the wet rock has been the main cause of serious accidents in the valley, and there is no rescue service or mobile signal. Enjoy them from the bank.
When to go to the Cochamó Valley
| Time of year | What the valley is like |
|---|---|
| Mid-September to November | Season opens; more rain and mud, fewer people |
| December | Good month for climbing; rainier than January and February |
| January and February | Driest months with all trails open, but the busiest and with high-season prices |
| March | Fewer visitors and it starts to cool down |
| April | Shorter, colder and rainier days; season closes |
| May to mid-September | Campsite and refuge closed |
Source: cochamo.com, when to go. For climbing, the window is December to March. Bring waterproof clothing even in summer and follow leave-no-trace rules: fires are banned except in the campsite's roofed shelters. During wildfire season, also read what travellers should know.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation to enter the Cochamó Valley?
To stay overnight, yes: you need a confirmed reservation at the La Junta campsite or the refuge, and you must register at the visitor centre. Day hikers also register and must respect departure times.
How much does camping at La Junta cost?
In the 2026-2027 season, CLP 12,000 per person per night in high season and CLP 10,000 in low season. Children under 10 are free.
How long is the hike to La Junta?
Between 4 and 6 hours from the trailhead, on a very muddy path. Access closes at 15:00.
Can I visit the Cochamó toboganes as a day trip?
Yes, but it is about 24 km round trip, starting before 9:00, with a daily cap of 90 people and no under-13s. Sliding down the rock is not recommended.
