Argentina - Chile Hiking Trip

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The first day would involve only bus transportation from Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt, passing through Volcán Osorno, Cardenal Samoré International Pass (Route 215), Villa La Angostura, and ending in Bariloche (Argentina). 

A van will then transport the expedition group to the El León campsite, located on the banks of the Manso River on the southern edge of Nahuel Huapi National Park.

The next day, you will cross the Manso River by boat. The trail continues along the same side of the river to the Correntoso sector.

Leaving from the campsite, you will cross the Manso River by boat because the old footbridge to follow the path coming from Argentina was destroyed by snowfalls in recent winters.

To continue the trail, you must continue northeast, walking downstream through the Manso River valley from El León.

Throughout the trail, the trail climbs and descends steeply, following the river valley along its northern bank. During the hike, you can see the Manso River, its turquoise waters, nestled below. Approximately 10 km.

Towards Lake Vidal, we hike 11 km through the mountains and enjoy beautiful views of Lake Vidal Gormaz. Near the beach, we find Mr. Soto's house, where we will be waiting for a meal at his home. Here, we will have lunch and enjoy fishing or contemplation.

From the Torrentoso area, we follow the trail to the southern end of Lake Vidal Gormaz (camping is also possible to the north). The trail passes directly down and winds along the lake shore, offering beautiful views of this mountain lake. Then, following the western shore, along pebbly beaches, we reach the campsite owned by locals named Bahamonde.

Following the trail's directions on the stretch from Lake Vidal Gormaz to El Arco is difficult. The path becomes more complicated, as we are in the middle of the mountain range, beneath dense, verdant native forest. Therefore, it is recommended to be accompanied by a local guide. This section passes through one of the most impressive forested landscapes of the route. Along the way, you will cross streams and smaller rivers. The trail continues descending from Lake Vidal Gormaz and borders a beautiful Andean lagoon along its southern shore (Laguna Grande). It passes through a spectacular virgin forest composed of Tepa, Mañío, and Coihue trees.

Nature lovers will be delighted with this part of the hike, as the forests surrounding El Arco boast gigantic, ancient Alerce trees.

This stretch is the most intense, as we cross a small pass and enter the Cochamó River valley. We rest at Lake Grande for a snack, and then continue to the El Arco sector. As its name suggests, this section features an arch-shaped rock formation with an Alerce tree above it, crossed by a small waterfall. This area boasts a rock formation crowned by an Alerce tree that cascades downstream.

We will stay near the rustic refuge located below the El Arco River crossing, in a meadow on the right, as this area offers good conditions for camping and a restorative dinner with mate by the fire. 10 km.

After breakfast, we continue down the valley alongside ancient alerce trees, 3,000 years old and measuring 5 meters in diameter.

The section between El Arco and La Junta is extremely diverse and scenic. Slowly descending the Cochamó River Valley from El Arco, we cross the Valverde, Traidor, and La Junta rivers, finally reaching the area of ​​the same name. Here, we pass through a narrow passage in the Cochamó River Valley, and then open up to breathtaking views of towering granite hills with spectacular abrasion formations. 10 km.

Day in La Junta, trekking to the Amphitheater Valley (7 hours total), a site of granite rock and large walls where routes of up to 800 meters can be climbed.

Continuing our journey, we descend along the northern bank of the Cochamo River toward the town of the same name. A 4- to 5-hour trek leads us to the end of this trail and to the Pacific Ocean, where it flows into the river. This section is a dirt path that is easily recognizable from La Junta. In some parts, the road remains a few meters above the Cochamó River, while in others it rises about 100 meters. The trail ends at the end of the vehicle road. The last 7 km are gravel, reaching the bridge over the Cochamó River. We will then be transferred by vehicle to Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas, but not before passing through the town of Cochamo and visiting its 1900 church.