Cochrane & Patagonia National Park
A small town at the southern end of the Carretera Austral and the gateway to Patagonia National Park. Guanacos roam the Chacabuco Valley, and hikes in the Tamango area offer a chance to spot the Southern Andean huemul deer.
Cochrane is in the southern part of Chile's Aysén Region. At about 150 m above sea level, it is the largest town at the southern end of the Carretera Austral (Route 7), lying between the western end of Cochrane Lake and the Baker River. The town itself is quiet and simple, but it is the gateway to Patagonia National Park. About 18 km north, the Chacabuco Valley is a grassland valley restored by the Tompkins family, where herds of guanacos, condors and pumas roam. Its high-mountain lake trail is a classic hike. East of town, the Tamango forest area is a good place to observe the endangered Southern Andean huemul deer. To the south, you can visit the Calluqueo Glacier at the foot of Mount San Lorenzo, or follow a gravel road about 125 km to the boardwalk village of Caleta Tortel.
The best season is November to March, when days are long and most facilities are open. April brings autumn colours. Winters are cold and snowy, and many services close. Patagonian winds are strong and changeable, so bring a windproof and waterproof jacket. Getting there: a bus from Coyhaique takes about 7–9 hours, or you can drive the Carretera Austral. Local public transport is very limited, so for the park, driving or hiring a car is recommended. The town is the last major supply point before Villa O'Higgins, and a stay of 2–4 days is recommended.
Top sights
- Patagonia National Park – Chacabuco Valley – A grassland valley restored from a former ranch, home to herds of guanacos, pumas and Andean condors. It is the core area of the park.
- Tamango Sector, Patagonia National Park – A forested lake area right next to the town of Cochrane, and one of the best places in the wild to see the endangered southern Andean huemu…
- Caleta Tortel – A fjord village at the mouth of the Baker River with no streets. Cypress boardwalks link hillside houses, and boat trips reach glaciers.
- Lagunas Altas Trail – The classic loop trail in the Chacabuco Valley, crossing a ridge past several high-mountain lakes with views over the whole valley.
- Lake Cochrane & Cochrane River – A glacial lake shared by Chile and Argentina, with turquoise waters and an outflowing river. Boat tours and kayaking are popular.
- Cochrane Plaza & Town – The largest supply town on the southern stretch of the Carretera Austral, with wooden-house streets around the central plaza. It is the bas…
- Calluqueo Glacier – A glacier at the foot of Cerro San Lorenzo, its ice tongue dropping into a glacial lake. Reaching it requires a guided tour from Cochrane.
Where to eat
- Ñirrantal Patagonia Restaurant – A long-established restaurant in Cochrane serving home-style Chilean food made with local ingredients like calafate, wi…
- Cervecería Tehuelche – A brewpub on Cochrane's main street serving its own craft beers, including IPA, lager and maqui berry ale, with hearty…