How to Plan Your Cochamo Hike Day Trip in Puerto Varas

If you’re planning on visiting Puerto Varas, Chile, and are looking for an adventurous day trip, consider a hike to Cochamo Valley. Known as the “Yosemite of Chile,” Cochamo Valley offers breathtaking views and challenging trails that will satisfy any hiker’s desire for adventure.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plan your Cochamo Hike Day Trip in Puerto Varas:

Step 1: Book Your Tour

The first step is to book your tour. You can book your Cochamo Hike Day Trip through Viator, a reputable and reliable third-party company. The tour includes a Wilderness First Responder-certified guide, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and lunch.

Book the tour here: Cochamo Hike Day Trip

Step 2: Prepare for Your Hike

Before embarking on your hike, it’s important to be adequately prepared. The Cochamo Hike Day Trip is classified as easy to medium in terms of difficulty, but it still requires some physical fitness. You’ll need to be able to walk for a few hours and handle the muddy and slippery sections of the trail.

Be sure to bring warm clothing, a rain jacket, trekking poles, and sun protection, depending on the weather and season. And don’t forget that you will have to cross a hanging bridge, so if you’re afraid of heights, it’s something to keep in mind.

Step 3: Arrive at Pickup Point

The tour starts with pickup from the Casino in Puerto Varas at 8:30 AM. Be sure to arrive on time and with everything you need for your hike. The hike will take approximately 8-10 hours, including travel time, so plan accordingly.

Step 4: Enjoy Your Hike

Once you arrive at Cochamo Valley, you’ll be surrounded by stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the Cochamo River. Your guide will lead you on a hike through these breathtaking landscapes, following trails that were once used to smuggle cattle between Chile and Argentina.

Along the way, you’ll encounter some hills and challenging sections of the trail, but your guide will be with you every step of the way. The lunch provided on the tour is a great opportunity to refuel and recharge before continuing your hike.

Step 5: Return to Puerto Varas

Once you’ve completed your hike and taken in all the breathtaking views of Cochamo Valley, it’s time to return to Puerto Varas. Your guide will lead you back to the air-conditioned vehicle and transport you back to the Casino.

Conclusion

Planning a Cochamo Hike Day Trip in Puerto Varas is an exciting way to experience the beauty of the Chilean outdoors. By following these five steps, you’ll be adequately prepared for your adventure, and your experience will be unforgettable.

Remember to book your tour, prepare for your hike, arrive at the pickup point on time, enjoy your hike, and return safely to Puerto Varas. With these steps in mind, you’re in for an amazing day of adventure and awe-inspiring views.

Exploring Puerto Varas: Ultimate Guide to FAQs

If you are planning an adventure trip to South America, Puerto Varas in Chile should be on your bucket list. The city is located in the southern part of Chile and offers an abundance of wonders, including breathtaking landscapes, local cuisine, and unique cultural attractions. However, before you take the trip to Puerto Varas, you need to know some details, such as visa requirements, transportation, climate, and accommodation. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about Puerto Varas.

1. What is the best time to visit Puerto Varas?

The best time to visit Puerto Varas is between December and February. During these months, the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing. However, the peak season in Puerto Varas is during January, so expect a higher influx of tourists, and hotel prices are more expensive. If you want to avoid crowds, plan a visit during the shoulder seasons of September to November or March to May.

2. Do I need a visa to visit Puerto Varas?

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and many European countries do not need a visa to visit Chile. However, you are required to have a valid passport and can enter on a tourist visa, which is usually valid for 90 days. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, it’s advisable to apply for an extension at the nearest Chilean consulate.

3. How do I get to Puerto Varas?

The easiest way to reach Puerto Varas is by flying into El Tepual International Airport in Puerto Montt, which is only a 30-minute drive away. Alternatively, you can use the ferry services from Puerto Montt or Punta Arenas, both with regular flights from Santiago. Once you reach Puerto Varas, you can rent a car, take a taxi or use a local bus system to travel around the city and nearby attractions.

4. What are the best things to do in Puerto Varas?

Puerto Varas offers plenty of activities for different interests, from cultural heritage to outdoor adventures. Top things to do in Puerto Varas include:

– Explore the Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Waterfalls
– Visit the German colonial-style city center of Puerto Varas
– Take a boat tour to Chiloe Island
– Hike the Alerce Andino National Park
– Kayak or paddleboard on Lake Llanquihue
– Visit the art galleries and museums of Puerto Varas
– Try the local seafood dishes and craft beer

5. What is the climate like in Puerto Varas?

Puerto Varas has a cool, temperate climate with moderate rainfall throughout the year. The average temperature in summer ranges from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 35 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. Always pack warm and waterproof clothing, no matter when you visit because the weather can change quickly.

6. What are the accommodation options in Puerto Varas?

There are plenty of accommodation options to suit different budgets and needs in Puerto Varas, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Some recommendations include:

– Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas
– Hotel Cabaña del Lago
– Hotel Bellavista
– Casa Molino
– Hostel Margouya Patagonia

7. Is Puerto Varas safe for travelers?

Puerto Varas is generally considered safe for tourists. However, like any other tourist destination, it’s essential to take precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night, not displaying valuable items, and staying alert in crowded areas. Petty theft and scams can happen, so keep your belongings safe, and only use registered tour operators.

Conclusion:

Puerto Varas is a magical destination that offers plenty of unique attractions for adventure-seekers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts. By using this guide, you should have all the answers you need to plan a perfect vacation to Puerto Varas. Remember, it’s always essential to research more before taking any trip to get the most out of your travel experience.