The Pioneer Trail of Cochama

Day by day itinerary: 4 d/ 3 n
 

INCLUDES: 3 nights lodging (1 at Riverside lodge and 2 at Mountain Lodge), meals (3 dinners, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks), experienced guides in English, German, Spanish or French, waterproof pack sack, safety helmet, sleeping bag (with hygienic inner liner), waterproof camera bag 

NOT INCLUDED: Transport to Campoaventura (although assistance with bus or private taxi are available), beverages & tips

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONING: Medium.  Although this trip is for non-experienced riders as well, it will obviously be a bit more challenging for those new to the saddle.  You have to be able to handle 5-6 hours in the saddle. 
 

Traveling in the afternoon from Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas or Petrohué via Ensenada through amazing lakefront and forest scenery to the Riverside Lodge outside Cochamó.  (The CampoAventura office in Puerto Varas can assist you with buses.)  There will be time in the afternoon for a nature walk.  Dinner by candlelight and overnight in the double cabins.
 

DAY 2        Up The Cochamó Valley

     Breakfast at 09:00 of fresh breads and jams made on the premises.  Then you'll get to know your horse and have a little riding school.  We'll depart and begin our ride up the valley along the Cochamó River.  Picnic nestled in the Validivan rainforest as a break on the 5 hour ride into the Andes.  Arrival at Mountain Lodge in La Junta below massive granite mountain walls.  Typical Chilean barbecue, called an "asado" prepared on an open fire.  Dinner and overnight at the Mountain Lodge. 
 

 Breakfast on the balcony of the rustic lodge surrounded by peace and natural beauty.  You'll have the option to hike the 6 kilometer (3.5 mile) Nature Trail into the Andean Rainforest.  The trail is well-marked and some 50 different plants and trees are identified.  You'll have a trail book and a picnic lunch.  Hike to a nearby lagoon (lake) in the ancient forest where some trees are over 1,000 years old or simply relax and enjoy the spectacular La Junta Valley.  Typical Chilean dishes cooked on a wood-burning stove for lunch and dinner.  Overnight at the Mountain Lodge.
 

Day 4-     Down The Valley

    Breakfast on the balcony and then we saddle up to begin our descent through the rainforest. Midday picnic in a spot of special quiet and beauty.  We'll arrive at the Riverside Lodge after 5 hours of riding with time to take a shower, have some tea/coffee with homemade cake before leaving to Puerto Varas/ Puerto Montt.