Cochamó Valley

Often called the Yosemite of South America: a valley of temperate rainforest, rivers and huge granite domes in northern Patagonia. The heart of it is La Junta, a meadow where rivers meet, surrounded by walls that draw rock climbers from around the world. There are no roads; locals still live by horse, and you may share a mate tea or an asado with them.

It's reached by a 13 km hike (about 5 to 6 hours) up an old cattle trail that can be very muddy, or on horseback. Camping and refugios at La Junta must be booked online in advance, as numbers are limited. The season runs from about December to March.

From Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas, take a local bus to the village of Cochamó on the Reloncaví estuary, then on to the trailhead.