Cochamó is the base for Campo Aventura, an eco-lodge and horse-trekking company that offers one- to 10-day horseback trips to its backcountry camp at La Junta, 17 kilometers east and 300 meters above sea level. Though a road has been proceeding up the valley to La Junta, landowner opposition has stopped it at least temporarily, and much of the area is likely to remain roadless for some time.

The present road and trail follow the north bank of the river as far as La Junta, where it’s necessary to ford the river to Campo Aventura’s south-bank camp, which has comfortable lodging, camping (US$6.50 pp with shower access), and its own small network of hiking trails. If the river is high, the crossing can be dangerous for hikers and, on rare occasions, even riders, but Campo Aventura has installed its own cable car to simplify the process.

Their classic three-day, two-night horseback package costs US$225 per person; for more details, especially on the longer excursions, contact Campo Aventura’s Puerto Varas office (San Bernardo 318, tel./fax 065/232910, www.campoaventura.com). In addition, the company offers boat trips to nearby thermal baths and a sea lion colony, sea kayaking, and fishing and trekking excursions.