Introduction

This viewpoint can be found right by La Junta campsite in Cochamó Valley. It offers some of the best views of the massive granite wall that is Cerro Trinidad, as well as views of the Gulf of Reloncaví. The route to the summit is also very attractive, as it crosses a beautiful section of Valdivian forest, dominated by the impressive wood of thousand year old Alerce trees. A true must if in Cochamó Valley.

Appropriate season

As the region has a very wet climate all year round, we recommend that you complete the ascent during summer when you are more likely to have windows of good weather and the heat quickly dries the rocks and mud along the route.

Access

Santiago – Cochamó

From Santiago, follow route 5 (Panamericana sur) for 996km until reaching Puerto Varas. This town is the last destination where you will be able to find a wide range of food and supplies. From Puerto Varas continue along route 255, which borders the southern shores of Lake Llanquihue, until you arrive at Ensenada (47km). From here, take the turning to the south leading to Ralún, Cochamó and Puelo. After 28km you will reach a bridge which crosses the delta of the River Petrohué in the sector of Ralún, this point being the end of the paved road. 15km after the bridge you will reach the village of Cochamó. Continue south for 3km until reaching another bridge, this one crossing the River Cochamó. Do not cross this bridge – follow the dirt track which leads into the valley, located on northern (left) side of the River Cochamó. 8km from the turning you will arrive at Los Pozones campiste where you pay CLP$800 to park per day. You can also hire horses here for the approach (CLP$25,000; approx. USD$50.00).

Public Transport to La Junta

From Santiago, you will need to get to Puerto Montt. There are various bus companies that offer this service daily. For more information go to Santiago Bus Terminal website. The journey takes about 12-13h. The other option is via plane. There are domestic airlines that fly daily between the two destinations (LAN, Sky Airline). The flight takes approx. 1½h.

There are two bus companies that go from the bus terminal in Puerto Montt to the village of Cochamó: Vía Lago Sur (phone no. 65-971788) and Río Puelo (phone no. 65-544226). The buses leave at 7:00, 12:00, 16:00; and 8:00, 14:30, 16:30 respectively. Both companies charge CLP$2000 (USD$4.00) for the bus ticket to Cochamó. The journey takes about 2½h. It is also possible to take these buses from Puerto Varas.

Once you reach Cochamó there are two options: continue on the bus until reaching the bridge over the River Cochamó (3km after the village) and begin the trek from there which makes the route about 8km longer; or you can get off the bus at the stop named “Pueblo Hundido” in Cochamó, where you can find locals who are willing to provide transport to the start of the route, charging between CLP$5000 and CLP$7000 (approx. USD$4.00 and USD$14.00)

• Señora Gladys (cell 9-1514835 o 9-1298958) in the shop “Gladys”.
• Cecilia Alvarado (cell 9-2370475, Email osamayorchile@gmail.com).
• Pepe Barrientos (cell 9-7895601).

Permits / Prices

There are no entrance fees or permits.

Accommodation / Facilities

• It costs CLP$2500 (approx. USD$4.00) per person per night to camp, but in peak season – from 15th January to the end of February – the price increases to CLP$3000 (approx. USD$6.00). From this campsite you will have an amazing view of Cerro Trinidad. 
• If you are in search of something a little more comfortable, just 15min on the other side of the river, which is crossed via zip-line in La Junta, you will reach a refuge. A comfortable wooden hut where you can look at the rock climbing routes in the area, buy bread, pizza, beer and stay in the provided accommodation. For more information please go to the webpage. 

Recommendations

• Avoid completing the route when it is raining or just after it has stopped raining. The wet granite is very slippery along with the mud on the route. 
• The rock passes, whilst not presenting major obstacles, could be demanding for those with vertigo or who are not used to climbing on rocky surfaces. A fall could have serious consequences.
• During years when there has not been a lot of rain, the only locations where you will be able to find water are the stream ½ h from the start of the ascent and in the area around the viewpoint, especially along the leg to the summit of Cerro Arcoiris.
• Do not forget to visit La Junta natural water slides.
• In December and January there are plagues of horseflies. Prepare yourself if you go during this period. 

Gear

• Camping equipment
• Trekking boots or high-ankle boots.
• Wind jacket
• Trekking poles (optional).
• Harness, 2x3m ropes, 2 locking karabiners (optional for persons who suffer from vertigo or who are not used to climbing on rock).

Schedule

1. Puerto Montt – La Junta
2. La Junta – Viewpoint – La Junta
3. La Junta – Puerto Montt