Cochamo Gaucho Trail

Introduction
Lake District Chile

On the Cochamo Gaucho Trail narrow, often steep trails will take you through the world's oldest Patagonian Alerce jungle, over mountain passes, across meandering rivers, and into dark canyons. This unique horse trek even includes a day when the horses have to be transported by barge across the Tagu-Tagu Lake.

Ride Wild from the Pacific Ocean across the Andes onto a plateau of lakes, waterfalls, rivers and ancient forests. Follow the legendary 300 year old pioneer trail once used by Indians, Spaniards, Missionaries and the notorious outlaw duo Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid - who famously referred to it as the "Cochamó Road". Today it is used by gauchos and their families who drive their cattle between pastures on the Patagonian frontier.

This 10 day small group adventure on horseback will take you into a forgotten world of pure nature far from the tourist track. Leading through dense forested valleys and high mountain passes, the Gaucho Trail passes through a scenic blend of isolated pioneer farms, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and the ancient Alerce rainforest - El Arco - dated at 4000 years.

Riding on through the natural grandeur of the Andes we will then trace the mountain waters of the Rio Manso, Lago Tagua-Tagua and Rio Puelo.

Accomodation

4 nights in hotels (Riverside Lodge and Mountain Lodge). 5 nights camping. All meals.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Even though it is a slower paced ride due to the mountainous terrain, riders should be in good physical condition

Itinerary

Day 1: Today we embark in the afternoon from Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas or Petrohué‚ via Ensenada through amazing scenery to the riverside lodge. Together with the other participants of the group we arrange the packing of personal belongings. Once this is complete there is time for a nature walk. Dinner is served in a natural surrounding, where we review the expedition. Tonight's overnight is spent in tents.

Day 2: After a hearty breakfast, take the transfer to Lago Tagua-Tagua, for a ferry ride to the far bank, and the start of the trail. Saddle up and ride to Rio Steffen. Overnight in tents at the homestead.

Day 3: Today the undulating trail takes us up to the Torrentoso, across river bridges and into even more majestic views. Overnight in tents at the homestead.

Day 4: Climbing even higher you will approach the deep blue Lago Vidal, and ride along the shore to reach your campsite and host family. Overnight in tents or fogon.

Day 5: Today we rest the horses. Hike the slopes around the lake or try a spot of fishing while the host family prepares a traditional dinner. Share the meal with them, and camp at the homestead.

Day 6: After a lakeside breakfast, set off on the challenging ride to the El Arco Alerce reserve. Enjoy your last night under the stars in a tent or fogon.

Day 7: Ride out of the reserve and arrive at the mountain lodge in the afternoon, where we will settle in for a couple of nights.  Overnight in lodge accommodation.

Day 8: Hike, swim, walk, relax in this magnificent valley, and stock up on wonderful memories. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 9: Head back down the valley to Cochamo. Enjoy tea-time goodies at our riverside ldoge, and a well deserved complimentary sauna. Overnight in lodge accommodation.

Day 10: Packing after breakfast. Transfer out to Puerto Varas/Puerto Montt.

Subject to change.

Rates and Dates for Cochamo Gaucho Trail

Dates Note: any time between Dec 1 and March 31

Other Info
Meeting: Puerto Varas
Airport: Puerto Montt
Transfer: Puerto Montt Private transfer included

Climate:

October to November and March to April are mild and weather conditions are generally more stable than during the summer months.

The Southern Hemisphere summer starts in December and ends in March. The average daily temperature is 25ºC (77ºF) and at night 10ºC (50ºF).