Chile Patagonia Cochamo Valley Hiking Tour

Towering Granite Walls & Exclusive Access in the Remote Andes


Embark on an expedition into a place that rivals Yosemite in raw beauty yet is hidden away in the wild northern reaches of the Patagonian Andes. This magical region—an incredible 328,650 acres of granite monoliths, old-growth Valdivian rainforest, and glacial river valleys—is newly protected and waiting to be explored. Travel deep into remote Valle Ventisquero, a frontier of unnamed peaks and untouched wilderness where millennia-old alerce trees spire toward the sky and turquoise glacial rivers carve dramatic basins. Hike into Valle Cochamo, tucked between 3,000-foot rock walls and lush woodlands—a place where age-old gaucho traditions endure. This trip was designed in collaboration with Conserva Pucheguin and offers exclusive experiences only for MT Sobek guests.

11 Days • 10 Nights

Embark on an expedition into a place that rivals Yosemite in raw beauty yet is hidden away in the wild northern reaches of the Patagonian Andes. This magical region—an incredible 328,650 acres of granite monoliths, old-growth Valdivian rainforest, and glacial river valleys—is newly protected and waiting to be explored. Travel deep into remote Valle Ventisquero, a frontier of unnamed peaks and untouched wilderness where millennia-old alerce trees spire toward the sky and turquoise glacial rivers carve dramatic basins. Hike into Valle Cochamo, tucked between 3,000-foot rock walls and lush woodlands—a place where age-old gaucho traditions endure. This trip was designed in collaboration with Conserva Pucheguin and offers exclusive experiences only for MT Sobek guests.

By participating in this adventure, you are actively supporting the Conserva Pucheguin initiative, a collective effort to safeguard over 130,000 hectares of old-growth forests and unique biodiversity from unsustainable development. Every step contributes to the long-term protection of the vast and extraordinary Patagonian ecosystem.

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Highlights


  • Discover the remarkable granite domes and ancient forests of the Cochamo Valley
  • Go deep into remote Ventisquero Valley, a hidden Andean sanctuary far from roads
  • Paddle Class II+ rapids on the crystal-clear Ventisquero and Puelo Rivers

Chile Patagonia Cochamo Valley Hiking

Start: Puerto Montt, Chile  End: Puerto Montt, Chile

Itinerary


  • Arrive in Puerto Montt & Welcome in Puerto Varas

    Day 1

    Fly into Puerto Montt, the capital of Patagonia’s Los Lagos, a region known for its volcanic landscapes and many lakes. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in nearby Puerto Varas, a colonial city on the shores of Lago Llanquihue where the snowcapped peaks of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes can be seen across the lake. This evening you will gather with your guide and fellow travelers to discuss the adventure ahead and enjoy a welcome dinner together.

    Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Puerto Varas

    Transportation: 30-minute private van transfer

    Meals: Dinner

  • Journey Deep into Valle Ventisquero

    Day 2

    Begin the day with an overland adventure into the wilds of northern Patagonia. Travel along an estuary, passing fishing boats and mussel farms tended by local communities, then turn inland to glistening Lago Tagua Tagua, a finger lake that fills a beautiful valley. Cross by boat and continue by 4WD to the trailhead, where your expedition begins. Hike a historic settlers’ trail along the glacier-fed Rio Ventisquero in a valley where gaucho culture still thrives. Follow the river as it winds through new-growth forest, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Hornopiren and Pumalin National Parks. Listen for woodpeckers, chucaos, and other birdlife before reaching your wilderness lodge—accessible only by foot—on this excellent introduction to the biodiversity and culture of the Ventisquero Valley.

    Accommodation: Rincon Bonito

    Activity: 4-5 hours/9.3 miles hiking with 230' elevation gain

    Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer; 15-minute private motorboat

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Climb to 360° Views in the Ventisquero Wilderness

    Day 3

    Setting out from the drier east side of Valle Ventisquero, hike a hidden jewel, following an old pack mule path that climbs steeply through ancient coigue and lenga forest, with each view better than the last. Peaks—still unnamed—rise dramatically from deep valleys carved by glaciers, their runoff rivers twisting and joining far below. Ascending above the tree line, follow a flat ridge with uninterrupted vistas of the stunning Puelo Basin and hanging glaciers in the distance. From here, look out over Universe Valley, taking in a pristine Patagonian panorama over Pumalin National Park. With luck, watch a condor circling above the Andes.

    Accommodation: Rincon Bonito

    Activity: 6 hours/6.2 miles hiking with 2,950' elevation gain and loss

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike Among Alerce Giants in the Valle del Toro

    Day 4

    Hike into the untouched temperate rainforest of Valle del Toro, a narrow, emerald-green valley where rivers thread through the forest, and ancient alerce trees rise majestically at the edge of Hornopiren National Park. The endangered alerce can reach 150 feet into the sky and live as long as 4,000 years, rivaling both the world’s oldest (bristlecone) and tallest (redwood) in one remarkable tree. With no bridges in this remote wilderness, cross small rivers on foot as you make your way deeper into the valley toward a rustic mountain shelter built by baqueanos (horse whisperer, tracker, and guardian of the land all rolled into one), where a spectacular view over the Valle del Toro awaits.

    Accommodation: Rincon Bonito

    Activity: 6 hours/13.7 miles hiking with 1,050' elevation gain and 1,050' elevation loss

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Raft the Rio Ventisquero & Rio Puelo

    Day 5

    Today you’ll be geared up and given your own packraft for a two-river rafting adventure! First, paddle down the crystal-clear waters of Ventisquero, wild and remote, toward its confluence with the Rio Puelo. Watch for kingfishers, cormorants, vultures and ashy-headed geese and navigate fun rapids. Paddle into the spectacular Puelo Basin, where the turquoise river flows along pale glacial bars and banks, winding between mountains and farmland. Drive back to Lago Tagua Tagua, and cross by boat to where the Rio Puelo flows out of the lake to the sea. Take a well-earned soak in a lakeside hot tub and check in to your boutique accommodations overlooking the river.

    Accommodation: Tawa Refugio del Puelo

    Activity: 5-6 hours/17.4 miles rafting with Class II-II+ rapids

    Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer; 15-minute private motorboat

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Travel to Cochamo Valley & Hike Into La Junta

    Day 6

    Transfer to Cochamo Valley, “the Yosemite of South America,” where granite walls tower above idyllic glacial valleys and temperate rainforest. Set out on foot, taking the only trail into spectacular La Junta, a remote valley framed by soaring peaks and dense forest, and your base for the next four nights. With your luggage carried by pack horses, follow a historic cattle route used to drive herds from Argentinian estancias (ranches) to the Pacific coast docks. The path reveals rushing rivers, waterfalls, lush forest, and possible sightings of the Magellanic woodpecker. Arrive at camp and take time to settle into one of Patagonia’s most breathtaking wilderness settings. A private refugio with hot showers and dining room is just over the river.

    Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp & Refugio – La Junta

    Activity: 4-5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,230' elevation gain

    Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike to Spectacular Cochamo Amphitheater

    Day 7

    A name whispered by climbers with reverence, Cochamo Valley has world-class climbing walls, but is more often talked about than seen due to its remoteness. The Amphitheater is one place you may spot climbers high on the rock face. Ascend a trail through temperate rainforest full of coigue, mañio, tepa, laurel, and arrayanes trees. Climb beneath the dense canopy, amid ferns and tangled mossy roots, crossing glacial streams and passing dazzling waterfalls, getting glimpses of the valley’s dramatic scale. As you reach higher elevations, pass mighty alerce trees, then the forest opens to a breathtaking glacial cirque with a panorama of 3,000-foot granite walls and domes towering above and the stunning valley spread out below with frosty peaks in the distance. After marveling at the Cochamo Amphitheater scenery, return by the same trail to camp.

    Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp & Refugio – La Junta

    Activity: 5-7 hours/6.2 miles hiking with 2,625' elevation gain and 2,625' elevation loss

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Summit Trinidad Sur Pass

    Day 8

    Head out on a challenging and rewarding hike up into higher alpine terrain and panoramic mountain vistas in the Trinidad Valley. As you climb, watch the ecosystem shift around you, from temperate rainforest to lenga trees, which mark the tree line. The views widen as you reach the base of the main peak, where ancient alerces rise from the canopy and sheer granite walls tower overhead. Continue deeper into the valley where Trinidad Sur, La Gorila, and the Río Trinidad come into view, and on to Laguna de Trinidad. Make the final climb to the saddle for a spellbinding panorama: lush Trinidad Valley stretching behind you to the west and Bestia Valley opening to the east with the granite faces of Monstruo—a climber favorite—rising beyond. Condors are sometimes spotted gliding overhead at this incredible vantage point.

    Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp & Refugio – La Junta

    Activity: 8-9 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 3,940' elevation gain & 3,940' elevation loss

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Explore the Base of Cochamo Valley

    Day 9

    Enjoy an easy day in the valley with a morning waterfall hike. Follow a path through the forest to Toboggan Falls, named after the natural—but very dangerous—slides the water has carved into the rock on its route to the turquoise pool below. Further in the valley there is a beautiful mañio forest with tree trunks covered in emerald moss and dusty grey lichens. The trail ends at a pretty waterfall where Capicua peak sails 3,000 feet above. Get a chance to explore valley culture this afternoon, meeting up with gauchos to learn how they work with horses in this remote landscape.

    Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp & Refugio – La Junta

    Activity: 3-5 hours/4-6 miles hiking with 500' elevation gain and loss

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike Out of Cochamo Valley

    Day 10

    Pack up and say farewell to the wild beauty of Cochamo Valley, retracing the historic trail that brought you into this remote Patagonian gem. Hike beneath the lush canopy of Valdivian rainforest, crossing the river corridor as granite walls slowly recede behind you. The return journey offers a final chance to listen for birdsong, admire the dense native forest, and reflect on the valleys, waterfalls, and high viewpoints explored over the past days. At the trailhead, continue by road to Puerto Varas, where a celebration dinner marks the final night of your adventure.

    Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Puerto Varas

    Activity: 3-4 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,230' elevation loss

    Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Depart from Puerto Montt

    Day 11

    After breakfast, transfer to the Puerto Montt airport for your onward flight home. Board your flight carrying memories of glacier-fed rivers, ancient forests, granite valleys, remote trails, and the camaraderie of a true wilderness expedition.

    Transportation: 30-minute private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast

Why Travel With Us?


  • Forging adventures into off-the-beaten-path Patagonia has been our heritage since the 1970s—we are a leader in crafting exceptional journeys in stunningly wild places.
  • This MT Sobek exclusive reveals a pristine Patagonian wilderness of old growth forest and sheer granite walls in the hidden jewels of the Cochamo and Ventisquero Valleys.
  • Some of the very best in Patagonia, our local guides elevate your adventure with their first-hand knowledge and seamless professionalism.

Know Before You Book


Accommodation: Four nights of this trip are spent camping in tents plus three in a rustic mountain lodge and cabins. These accommodations have shared bathroom facilities, with hot showers usually available. Solo travelers may be asked to share a twin room with a same-gender member of the group for the three nights at Rincon Bonito.

Dates & Prices


Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.

The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.

2027


  • Mar 07 - 17, 2027
    $9,695 price per person dbl occ
    Optional:
    +$1,800 Single Occupancy
    Available
  • Mar 21 - 31, 2027
    $9,695 price per person dbl occ
    Optional:
    +$1,800 Single Occupancy
    Available
  • Go Private
  • Go Custom
  • Inclusions

Go Private

Go Private with MT Sobek


Gather your favorite travel companions—family, friends, colleagues, or club—and enjoy an exclusive departure that’s easy to book and completely unforgettable.

Private Trip Request

Private Trip Requirements


A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your private departure.

Minimum age for guests on this trip is 18 years old.

Choose Your Own Travel Dates


January, February, March, April, October, November, December

Call for Private Trip Pricing

800-974-0300

Go Custom

Create Your Very Own Adventure


Dreaming of a trip designed just for you?

  • Our award-winning travel experts craft custom adventures—perfect for families, couples, and and groups.
  • Enjoy insider access, expert guides, and decades of on-the-ground experience. Since 1969.

Custom Trip Details


  • This is a sample itinerary. Let us work with you to perfect an adventure tailored specifically to you.
  • Deposit: A 25% non-refundable deposit is required once your itinerary is confirmed.

When to Start Planning


Plan ahead for the best experience.

  • Early planning secures preferred accommodations, top guides, and the widest range of activities.
  • Ideal planning window: 6+ months before travel
  • Short-notice trips (under 3 months): Availability may be limited

Travel Dates


January, February, March, April, October, November, December

Let's start designing your adventure!

Inclusions

Price Includes


  • Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Price Does Not Include


  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert


800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

Your Guides


The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Andre L.

Andre L.

André is an accomplished mountaineer who has dedicated over 25 years to climbing and exploring the Peruvian and Patagonian Andes ranges. He grew up in central Chile and fell in love with Patagonia at first sight and made it his home for 20 years before recently moving to Chile's Araucania region. In over ten mountain expeditions in Patagonia, he accomplished many first ascents, and has climbed the Paine towers in Chile and Alpamayo in Peru. A very enthusiastic guide, André’s love for nature and respect for the mountains is infectious to all who travel with him.

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Hike into the untouched temperate rainforest of Valle del Toro, a narrow, emerald-green valley where rivers thread through the forest, and ancient alerce trees rise majestically at the edge of Hornopiren National Park. The endangered alerce can reach 150 feet into the sky and live as long as 4,000 years, rivaling both the world’s oldest (bristlecone) and tallest (redwood) in one remarkable tree. With no bridges in this remote wilderness, cross small rivers on foot as you make your way deeper into the valley toward a rustic mountain shelter built by baqueanos (horse whisperer, tracker, and guardian of the land all rolled into one), where a spectacular view over the Valle del Toro awaits.

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Today you’ll be geared up and given your own packraft for a two-river rafting adventure! First, paddle down the crystal-clear waters of Ventisquero, wild and remote, toward its confluence with the Rio Puelo. Watch for kingfishers, cormorants, vultures and ashy-headed geese and navigate fun rapids. Paddle into the spectacular Puelo Basin, where the turquoise river flows along pale glacial bars and banks, winding between mountains and farmland. Drive back to Lago Tagua Tagua, and cross by boat to where the Rio Puelo flows out of the lake to the sea. Take a well-earned soak in a lakeside hot tub and check in to your boutique accommodations overlooking the river.

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Transfer to Cochamo Valley, “the Yosemite of South America,” where granite walls tower above idyllic glacial valleys and temperate rainforest. Set out on foot, taking the only trail into spectacular La Junta, a remote valley framed by soaring peaks and dense forest, and your base for the next four nights. With your luggage carried by pack horses, follow a historic cattle route used to drive herds from Argentinian estancias (ranches) to the Pacific coast docks. The path reveals rushing rivers, waterfalls, lush forest, and possible sightings of the Magellanic woodpecker. Arrive at camp and take time to settle into one of Patagonia’s most breathtaking wilderness settings. A private refugio with hot showers and dining room is just over the river.

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A name whispered by climbers with reverence, Cochamo Valley has world-class climbing walls, but is more often talked about than seen due to its remoteness. The Amphitheater is one place you may spot climbers high on the rock face. Ascend a trail through temperate rainforest full of coigue, mañio, tepa, laurel, and arrayanes trees. Climb beneath the dense canopy, amid ferns and tangled mossy roots, crossing glacial streams and passing dazzling waterfalls, getting glimpses of the valley’s dramatic scale. As you reach higher elevations, pass mighty alerce trees, then the forest opens to a breathtaking glacial cirque with a panorama of 3,000-foot granite walls and domes towering above and the stunning valley spread out below with frosty peaks in the distance. After marveling at the Cochamo Amphitheater scenery, return by the same trail to camp.

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Head out on a challenging and rewarding hike up into higher alpine terrain and panoramic mountain vistas in the Trinidad Valley. As you climb, watch the ecosystem shift around you, from temperate rainforest to lenga trees, which mark the tree line. The views widen as you reach the base of the main peak, where ancient alerces rise from the canopy and sheer granite walls tower overhead. Continue deeper into the valley where Trinidad Sur, La Gorila, and the Río Trinidad come into view, and on to Laguna de Trinidad. Make the final climb to the saddle for a spellbinding panorama: lush Trinidad Valley stretching behind you to the west and Bestia Valley opening to the east with the granite faces of Monstruo—a climber favorite—rising beyond. Condors are sometimes spotted gliding overhead at this incredible vantage point.

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Enjoy an easy day in the valley with a morning waterfall hike. Follow a path through the forest to Toboggan Falls, named after the natural—but very dangerous—slides the water has carved into the rock on its route to the turquoise pool below. Further in the valley there is a beautiful mañio forest with tree trunks covered in emerald moss and dusty grey lichens. The trail ends at a pretty waterfall where Capicua peak sails 3,000 feet above. Get a chance to explore valley culture this afternoon, meeting up with gauchos to learn how they work with horses in this remote landscape.

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Pack up and say farewell to the wild beauty of Cochamo Valley, retracing the historic trail that brought you into this remote Patagonian gem. Hike beneath the lush canopy of Valdivian rainforest, crossing the river corridor as granite walls slowly recede behind you. The return journey offers a final chance to listen for birdsong, admire the dense native forest, and reflect on the valleys, waterfalls, and high viewpoints explored over the past days. At the trailhead, continue by road to Puerto Varas, where a celebration dinner marks the final night of your adventure.

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After breakfast, transfer to the Puerto Montt airport for your onward flight home. Board your flight carrying memories of glacier-fed rivers, ancient forests, granite valleys, remote trails, and the camaraderie of a true wilderness expedition.

[Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 0 [Dinner] => 0 [Travel_Type] => 30-minute private van transfer [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => -41.433 [Longitude] => -73.099 ) ) [ActivityHighlight] => Moderate to strenuous hiking, including some very steep and rocky sections with exposed tree roots, plus one day Class II packrafting. Daily hikes of 6-9 miles with up to 4,000\' elevation gain and loss, and one longer hike of 13.7 miles with 1,050\' elevation gain and loss. Strong winds are common and weather can change drastically, potentially adding to the challenge. [Trip_Level] => 4 )

Activity Level


This trip is rated activity level 4. Moderate to strenuous hiking, including some very steep and rocky sections with exposed tree roots, plus one day Class II packrafting. Daily hikes of 6-9 miles with up to 4,000' elevation gain and loss, and one longer hike of 13.7 miles with 1,050' elevation gain and loss. Strong winds are common and weather can change drastically, potentially adding to the challenge.
Learn more about activity levels here.

Activity Snapshot

Day 2

4-5 hours/9.3 miles hiking with 230' elevation gain

Day 3

6 hours/6.2 miles hiking with 2,950' elevation gain and loss

Day 4

6 hours/13.7 miles hiking with 1,050' elevation gain and 1,050' elevation loss

Day 5

5-6 hours/17.4 miles rafting with Class II-II+ rapids

Day 6

4-5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,230' elevation gain

Day 7

5-7 hours/6.2 miles hiking with 2,625' elevation gain and 2,625' elevation loss

Day 8

8-9 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 3,940' elevation gain & 3,940' elevation loss

Day 9

3-5 hours/4-6 miles hiking with 500' elevation gain and loss

Day 10

3-4 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,230' elevation loss

*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.

Accommodations


Ranging from remote tent camping and a mountain lodge and cabins in stunning wilderness locations to comfortable hotels with modern amenities.
Radisson Hotel Puerto Varas
Radisson Hotel Puerto Varas
At the edge of Lake Llanquihue, with views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes across the water, Radisson Puerto Varas has a prime location for exploring the colonial city or relaxing with a spectacular view. Well-appointed rooms with modern amenities invite a good night’s sleep after a day of travel. Take a dip at the indoor pool and solarium or book some time at the spa and sauna.
Rincon Bonito
Rincon Bonito

Rincon Bonito is nestled into the remote Ventisquero Valley and reserved entirely for MT Sobek guests. The Mountain House lodge has four bedrooms, and three cabins have one bedroom each. Each building has shared bathrooms, woodstove, dining and common areas with solar power and mountain views. The accommodation is simple, but with thoughtful touches that reflect the place, such as natural wood furnishings, cozy sheepskins, and plenty of natural light.

Tawa Refugio del Puelo
Tawa Refugio del Puelo
Crafted to be in harmony with nature, Tawa Refugio del Puelo's architect designed the boutique property to become one with the forest and riverbanks, its angled shapes letting in light and views, nestled among the myrtle trees and rocks. Each of the eight high-ceilinged wood-lined rooms has an ensuite bath, private deck, and large windows facing the river and mountains. The A-frame restaurant offers inspired Chilean cuisine around an open fire.
MT Sobek Camp & Refugio – La Junta
MT Sobek Camp & Refugio – La Junta
Surrounded by granite peaks and temperate rainforest, MT Sobek's Cochamo Valley camp is set with roomy tents, sleeping pads, and a five-star setting. There are dry toilets and a handwashing station in camp. Just over the river—accessed by a fun pulley and basket system—is a refugio with indoor bathrooms, hot showers, books, a fireplace and seating, where you will enjoy your meals in cozy comfort. The refugio is reserved exclusively for MT Sobek guests.

Weather


Expect extreme weather conditions that can change from one moment to the next. Be prepared for everything, especially strong winds and sun.

 
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
Nov
Dec
Cochamo Valley 
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Cochamo Valley
63
48
64
49
60
47
54
42
51
41
59
45
Puerto Montt, Chile 
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Puerto Montt, Chile
68
48
69
48
66
46
61
43
63
44
67
47
Ventisquero Wilderness 
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Ventisquero Wilderness
61
44
61
44
57
41
52
34
53
37
59
43

FAQs


What makes MT Sobek's Chile Cochamo Valley trip unique?

Exclusively developed together with Conserva Pucheguin, the organization that saved the Pucheguin Preserve, and with insight from our top Patagonia guide team, this trip highlights the outstanding scenery of two remote valleys that are only accessed by foot, and not on most travelers' map—yet.

Pioneering Access: Explore off-the-beaten-path hiking trails in newly conserved wilderness areas, including the massive new Pucheguin Preserve and the Cochamo Valley, known as the "Yosemite of South America."

The Alerce Forests: Hike among towering ancient Alerce trees, some growing over 200 feet tall and living up to 3,600 years. The region holds 11% of the world's remaining Alerce forests.

Packrafting Expedition: Enjoy a day of Class II+ river rafting down the crystal-clear Ventisquero and Puelo Rivers.

Granite Domes and Glaciers: Trek to high viewpoints offering awe-inspiring panoramas of hanging glaciers, dense temperate rainforests, and the towering 3,000-foot vertical granite walls of the Cochamo Amphitheater.

Cultural Connection: Travel along historic settler and cattle trails, learning about the local Gaucho traditions that are deeply intertwined with these valleys.

Is this trek supported or do I have to carry all my gear?

This trek is supported by pack horses to transport luggage to the remote wilderness accommodations in the Ventisquero and Cochamo Valleys. You will have your luggage with you every night. The lighter you can pack, the better, as this helps us with the logistics involved in traveling around a remote location. Tents and sleeping pads are provided at the campsite, and linens and comforters are provided at the mountain lodge and cabins. Pack horses will transport your sleeping bag along with your luggage for the Cochamo Valley portion of the trip. All you will need to hike with is a daypack (including water bottles/hydration pack, jacket, rain gear, and other personal items).

For the packrafting journey, we will provide two dry bags for each guest to use—one with a 50-liter capacity and the other with a 24-liter capacity. These bags are designed to keep your belongings dry. The larger dry bag is for your clothing and items used in camp, with a maximum weight of 33 pounds (and maximum length of 17.5” for items inside such as trekking poles and tripods). These bags are secured to a boat and travel ahead of the group to camp. We commonly refer to this as “checked luggage.” As on a flight, checked luggage will be available to you when you land in camp. The second smaller dry bag is your “carry on.” This is the dry bag you’ll keep with you on the boat and have access to throughout the day. Use it for items you may want close at hand, such as rain gear, extra layers in case you get wet or cold, spare glasses, sunscreen, snacks, medication, or a book to read at lunch. Your guides will help you master the art of packing your dry bag, so everything stays organized and protected.

MT Sobek can store extra luggage that is not needed for the remote portions of the adventure. This includes wheeled luggage you may want to leave behind after repacking personal gear into a provided MT Sobek dry bag.

What are the wilderness accommodations like and are there hot showers?

You will be staying in the best available accommodation throughout the trip, including nights spent in the wilderness. There are three nights at Rincon Bonito, a rustic mountain lodge and cabins in beautiful Ventisquero Valley, which has private bedrooms for every one to two guests, with two twin beds; single guests may need to share with another same-gender single MT Sobek guest. Bathroom facilities are same-sex shared and normally have hot water both in the evenings and early mornings. The entire property is reserved exclusively for our group.

There are four nights of camping in double tents; sleeping pads are provided. During the camping nights, dry toilets and a hand-washing station are available at the camp. You will also have access to a cozy refugio reserved exclusively for our group and accessed by a fun basket and pulley cable car over a small river. The refugio has showers, toilets, books, fireplace, and seating for meals.

For the first and last nights of the trip in Puerto Varas, you’ll stay at a comfortable, well-located hotel with private en-suite bathrooms. On Day 5, you’ll stay at a lovely lakeside lodge with private en-suite bathrooms.

Are sleeping bags provided for the camping nights?

No, we ask that you bring your own sleeping bag and camping pillow, packed inside your luggage. To sleep comfortably at night, your sleeping bag should be rated to 20F to 25F (3-season). We don't anticipate temperatures will drop that low during the trip, but we recommend that your sleeping bag be rated 20 degrees lower than typical nighttime lows at your camp site, and this rating meets that guideline. Down-filled sleeping bags are recommended; synthetic bags don't hold up as well against the cold.

Will I have electricity throughout the trip?

The hotels on Days 1, 5, and 10 have electricity. At the mountain lodge and cabins, note that the electricity supply is solar-powered and may be shut off from midnight to 6:00 am. Electricity is not available in the tents during camping nights, but you'll have access to power at a nearby refugio where your meals are served.

How many guides will hike with us?
There will be a minimum of two experienced hiking guides for all group sizes (5–12 guests).
What makes the Pucheguin Preserve special?
This massive, staggeringly beautiful swath of northern Patagonia wilderness might have faded quietly away if it weren't for the communities fiercely committed to keeping it wild. Galvanized by timber inroads, they succeeded in protecting its rivers from several development projects. Then came the heaviest blow when the entire estate—Hacienda Pucheguin—was listed for auction through Christie's in 2022. A grassroots community organization joined forces with several large NGOs to raise funds and purchased the property in December 2025, safeguarding its wild, flourishing future. Thanks to Conserva Pucheguin and supporters such as Freyja Foundation, Patagonia, Wyss Foundation, Puelo Patagonia, and The Nature Conservancy, 328,650 acres of Patagonian wilderness are now protected.
What is packrafting?
Packrafting is a fun, accessible way to explore a river in your own small inflatable raft. Designed for one or two paddlers, packrafts are lightweight, stable, and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for backcountry river adventures. On this trip, you'll paddle your packraft down a scenic stretch of river on Day 5, while your overnight gear is transported separately by horses and waiting for you at the take-out. No need to carry your raft or haul heavy gear—just enjoy the freedom of paddling your own one-or-two-person-boat through wild country.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18 but check out our private trip options for families and groups with guests as young as 16.

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Guest Reviews


Thank you to MT Sobek for a once in a lifetime experience hiking through Patagonia! Everything from the itinerary, guides, lodging and food exceeded my expectations. All of this allowed me to fully immerse myself in this wonderful trip and take in all the extreme natural beauty it had to offer.

Derek K.
MT Sobek Guest

We have been fortunate enough to travel extensively and have used a variety of outfitters. No doubt the MTl Sobek team proved to be the most well organized and competent. From our first inquiries about the trip in general to the time we returned home from our Patagonia adventure, we felt very well cared for and were impressed with the knowledge and the expertise of our travel consultant and the guides were excellent.

Malcolm M.
MT Sobek Guest