Outings and excursions · Cochrane

Patagonia National Park: the Chacabuco Valley and its guanacos

Photos: ZedPlusIxe / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Near Cochrane, a valley where steppe meets forest, the result of one of the largest conservation donations in Chile.

Photo: ZedPlusIxe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Patagonia National Park was created in 2018. It joins the Chacabuco Valley, donated to the State by the Tompkins foundation (now Rewilding Chile), with the former Jeinimeni and Lago Cochrane (Tamango) reserves.

The Chacabuco Valley

The heart of the park: a valley crossing the Andes that forms a transition between Patagonian steppe and lenga forest. Dozens of guanacos are a common sight, along with condors and, with luck, huemul deer or pumas.

Trails

Among the best-known hikes is the Lagunas Altas circuit, with views of the valley and mountains.

Tips

The weather changes quickly and the wind is strong: dress in layers.
Respect the wildlife: do not approach or feed it.
Check services and campsites before you go.

Plan your trip

See alsoHotels and lodging in Cochrane

Outings in Cochrane

Patagonian New Year The Mapuche New Year tradition differs from the principles considered by white men. The native Chilean-Argentinian communities celebrate it on June 2… Read more

Touring around Cochrane The streets and the surroundings of this small city immersed between the mountain range and the ice fields announce its Patagonian lifestyle. Read more

Tamango, Huemul Shelter A protected area lying close to the city invites visitors to watch South Andean deer in their natural habitat. Read more

Anglers' Paradise At Puerto Bertrand, a marvelous nook that tempts lovers of fly-fishing, we sailed across the lake up to the Baker River mouth. Read more