What To Expect When Visiting Cochamó Valley
(by InfusedExposures.com)
I want to start out by saying, this isn’t your typical recommendation. Most of my reviews or recommendations are based around the fact that you will actually be visiting the places that I talk about. For example, If you are traveling or planning a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina, I would like to recommend a restaurant to you. There is a good chance that if you are planning a visit to Argentina, then it will include Buenos Aires.
This is kind of the opposite. Chances are, you probably have never heard of Cochamó Valley, Chile. So I am not going to say to you- oh, if you happen to be there drop by the refugio. It’s amazing. No, instead I am telling you, you have to GO to La Junta. Add it into your travel itinerary. It's likely, if you do visit Chile, you may already be going to Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt. If so, including Cochamó Valley makes perfect sense since these two cities serve as the gateway for this paradise.
Why would you want to do such a thing? Well, I will tell you why. But first I want to make sure you have a bit of an adventurous spirit. There is no formal transport to take you to La Junta. No bus that will drop you conveniently off at the terminal. Also, there is no 5 star hotel there. No gourmet restaurants to be had. Actually, no restaurants at all. And no wifi, phone service or ATM’s. There is nothing in the depths of Cochamó Valley, a.k.a. La Junta, except a campground and a refugio. Oh, and drop-dead gorgeous scenic beauty. But to get to that refugio, you have to either hike or go on horseback 10 km and finally get pushed across the river on a home-made, seated pulley system. All river crossings should be this fun.
Not convincing you yet? The reward, it’s huge. Heard of Yosemite National Park in California? Famed for its giant, granite domes and thundering, crystal-clear waterfalls? Well, La Junta is Chile’s equivalent, except minus the cars and crowds. The scenery is unparalleled here. If you are a nature-lover of any sort, you will immediately fall in love with La Junta. And if you are into rock climbing, chances are you have already heard of it. It’s a true climbers paradise.
To get here, you have two main choices. If you have ever hiked before (you do NOT need to be an avid hiker to do this trail) or are in pretty decent shape, you can easily hike in. The trail is muddy at times-especially after rain, and you can feel like you are walking in the trenches but it’s pretty flat. If you have NEVER hiked and consider yourself way out of shape, you can opt for a horse to take you in. Either way, it’s 10 km (6 miles) to reach this extraordinary place. And it’s worth every single step. I can’t tell you how many times I have completed a long hike with no reward at the end. Just a so-so view. It is not the case this time, I assure you! Instead, you will be busy picking your jaw up off the floor! We spent over a year in South America and over 4 months in Patagonia-and this is one of the most beautiful places we saw!
Make a reservation if you plan to stay at the refugio or for the ultimate nature experience, bring your tent and camp at La Junta’s campground. The refugio is more like a chalet, cozy, wood cabin. An expanisve roofed porch wraps around the whole place with plenty of seats for eating or gazing at the spectacular sunsets. There is a large, communal kitchen there and it’s well supplied if you want to do some of your own cooking. Alternatively, the refugio serves up delicious, vegetarian meals or homemade pizzas. The American-Argentine couple who owns the place will look after you.
I would describe the lodging as comfortably rustic. There are a few private rooms for couples, so if you want your privacy, be sure to reserve in advance. Otherwise, there is a large 18 dorm room. I know what you are thinking-18 rooms!? What is this some sort of hippy, young backpackers retreat? No, it’s not. The refugio was filled with a mix of people from ages ranging from the young 20 somethings to a group in their 60’s. Everyone from climbers, to retirees, to hikers and nature-lovers shared the large dorm peacefully together. The beds are thoughtfully placed and if you are a couple, it’s almost like having a private bed, due to the arrangement. There are hot showers ...
Read the rest and see the photos from the entire article at http://infusedexposures.com/2014/03/12/recommendation-refugio-cochamo-in-la-junta-chile/.
Source: infusedexposures.com
