Our hike into Cochamó Valley was way different than our first time visiting the valley in 2012. No rain! Light packs!
We planned for roughly two weeks in the valley (that's a lot of food. and wine.) so we arranged for our gear to be transported in via horse. We worked with a gaucho named Fabian and his company Southern Adventures. As two horses carried in our 70 kilos of food and gear, we enjoyed the trail carved by horses and pioneers between Argentina and Chile.
We planned for roughly two weeks in the valley (that's a lot of food. and wine.) so we arranged for our gear to be transported in via horse. We worked with a gaucho named Fabian and his company Southern Adventures. As two horses carried in our 70 kilos of food and gear, we enjoyed the trail carved by horses and pioneers between Argentina and Chile.
Also different from our first visit to the valley was the amount of people. Since we came during the high season (January & February) there were 100's of people - trekkers, climbers - of all nationalities. We met some really great people who we hung out with, climbed with, shared food and stories with. The sharing culture is so strong in Cochamó! We took part in a few delicious asados - or BBQ - with our new friends.
Our weather window was so great for climbing, so we got after it! We met a Puerto Varas local, Juan Pablo, who became our climbing partner and professor of Spanish. He is a great photographer and sent us a few photos from the summit of Cerro Trinidad.
One cool aspect of camping in Cochamó Valley at La Junta is that you only pay for your tent site while you are in camp. We spent several nights bivying near the routes we intended to climb, like at the base of Cerro Trinidad, and another few nights at the "Boulder Bivy" in Anfiteatro.
The climbing was spectacular! Aside from what we climbed together, Kirk was able to climb a few classic routes with Juan Pablo - and unfortunately lost his phone over the edge :(
That wasn't the only accident: a climber was injured while rapelling a route in the dark. From what we know, the climber is stable, but the injury did require a helicopter evacuation.
That wasn't the only accident: a climber was injured while rapelling a route in the dark. From what we know, the climber is stable, but the injury did require a helicopter evacuation.
The last climb that we were hopeful to do was very auspicious: Todo Cambio - everything changes. The weather was starting to bring in clouds and mist and many folks had already left the valley. We ended up not completing the route; something to go back for when we have another great weather window.
In the spirit of the sharing culture, the last night we spent with our new friends making a huge meal together (less food for us to carry out!) and enjoyed one last night in the valley before a rainy and wet hike out.
Hasta pronto, Cochamó!
Hasta pronto, Cochamó!
