Horseback-trekking
trip into the Andean wilderness, non-riders and riders
This personalized Nature trail hike in a small team traces the legendary
"Cochamó Road" once frequented by Butch Cassidy and
the Sundance Kid when they drove their cattle from Argentina to Chile.
Today it is still used by "gauchos" and "huasos"
(Argentinean and Chilean cowboys) and their herds and the pioneer
atmosphere has not changed. This adventure trip is for Nature lovers,
who want a pure nature experience.
The journey begins at the Río Cochamó near the Pacific
Coast and follows the Gaucho Trail up through the pristine wilderness
to the Andean valley of La Junta, often called the "Yosemite
of Chile". Amidst the granite mountain peaks are stands of 3,000
year-old Alerce trees and an amazing variety of wildlife - condors,
pumas and songbirds. The Andean rainforest has changed little over
the millennia.
Everyone who joins this trip must have an average level of fitness.
You have to be prepared to work in a team and have a positive attitude.
Guides are well prepared to offer you safety and a professional service.
|
|
| Day 1
PUERTO MONTT or PUERTO VARAS - COCHAMO VALLEY |
| Reception
at Puerto Montt's airport either Puerto Varas. Afternoon departure
via Ensenada towards Cochamó Riverside Lodge. Welcoming drink
on the back of the Cochamó River. Time for a nature walk. Dinner
in the natural surroundings and overnight in cabins. |
| Day 2
COCHAMO VALLEY |
| Breakfast.
Time to test horses. After packing we will ready for our five-hours
ride along the Cochamó River through a "Gaucho" trail
into the Andes, passing different types of native forests before to
reach in the lush valley of La Junta at 700m. High. Picnic in the
rainforest. Sights our outdoors lodge La Junta, a conformable rustic
mountain wooden lodge within a corral of snow-capped Andean peaks.
At the evening "asado" (Chilean barbecue), lamb or fish
barbecue prepared over an open fire. Overnight. |
| Day 3
COCHAMO VALLEY |
| Breakfast
on the balcony of our rustic lodge. Options today: Hike the six km.
nature-trail into the Andean rainforest (trail is well-market and
some 50 different plants and trees are identified). Hikers carry trail-books
and packed lunches. Among this wildlife you will be surprised by "condors"
the symbolic Chilean bird; or hike to a nearby lagoon in the ancient
forest, where some of the trees are 1000 years old; or just hang out,
enjoying the spectacular La Junta valley. A hearty meal cooked on
our wood-burning stove will be served. Overnight. |
| Day 4
COCHAMO VALLEY - PUERTO MONTT OR PUERTO VARAS |
| Breakfast.
On horseback we descend through the rainforest. Keep you cameras handy
and be on the lookout for puma tracks on the ground and condors overhead.
Mid-day picnic. We are back with enough time to take a shower and
having a cup of tea with homemade cake before leaving the Riverside
Lodge. Transfer out at 5 p.m. for Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas. |
| |
| LOCATION:
a 120 kilometers distance from Puerto Montt Airport and a 97 kilometers
distance from Puerto Varas. From the nearby Village of Cochamó
our camp is just 3 km down the road to Río Cochamó.
|
| |
| Tour Capacity:
1 to 9 persons (no minimum) |
| |
| Note: This
program can be requested without private transfers Puerto Montt-Cochamó-Puerto
Montt, see the cost below and please ask for the regular buses with
daily departures. |
| |
|
HBK017 A
|
|
Min. 2 persons
|
US$ 410
|
|
| |
| WITHOUT
TRANSFERS: HBK017 B |
| Starting
and ending in Cochamó, using your own car or regular transportation
from Puerto Montt available 3 times daily: |
| |
|
HBK017 B
|
|
Min. 2 persons
|
US$ 349
|
|
| |
| Additional
night in a comfortable Puerto Varas's hostal (breakfast & airport
transfer out next day): |
| |
| Note: Optional
day tours available from Puerto Varas or extension trips like Sea
kayaking through the Andean Fjords or Chiloe Archipelago. Please ask
for more information. |
| |
|
INCLUDED :
- All land transportation, depending on booking code
- All meals according to the itinerary (vegetarian meals on demand)
- 1 night in Riverside Lodge + 2 nights in Mountain Lodge (in
1 cabin for 5 people and 2 cabins for 2 people each one)
- Specialized bilingual guide (English, German, French or Spanish)
- Full personal equipment: horse and saddle, sleeping bag with
hygienic inlets, waterproof pack sack for gear and waterproof
camera bag, rain poncho, safety helmet, first aid kid.
|
|
NOT INCLUDED :
- Air local flights Santiago/Puerto Montt/Santiago
- Extra meals and alcoholic drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips and extra expenses as laundry
- Medical Expenses.
|
| WHAT
TO BRING: Important for your comfort are waterproofed trekking
overpants and parka. A rainproof hat e.g. a cowboy type hat is advisable
for universal protection from sun, rain and branches. On the trip,
normal pants, T-shirts and pullovers are comfortable. Consider a second
pullover as a spare. Underwear of wool and synthetic mixture e.g.
ski underwear is ideal for sleeping. Fleece trekking socks are very
comfortable. Fleece is superior to wool clothing as it is lighter
and dries faster. Long sleeved shirts that are strongly woven act
as protection during rides or treks along bush trails. Waterproofed
trekking boots and a pair of sneakers. |
| |
NOTE:
With our emphasis on sustained tourism we try to use local products
wherever possible.
All meat, fish, cheese, bread etc. comes from the local markets or
from mountain farms. If you have any special requests or preferences
(vegetarian?) please let us know in advance. |
| |
| CLIMATE:
The Southern Hemisphere summer starts in December and ends in
Mid-March. The 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.
Inclement weather is always possible. |
|
