Introduction

Just 4km from the town of Cochrane, the national park Reserva Nacional Tamango o Lago Cochrane is a small gem in Chilean Patagonia. Famous due to the huemuls (South Andean deer) that inhabit the area, this reserve is an unmissable chance to go deep into the forests and Patagonian steppe, as well as a chance to see beautiful and varied fauna.

The Coigües route is 4.6km in distance and is a continuation to the east of the route Los Carpinteros, forming part of a large circuit which unites these two with the route Los Ciruelillos, Huemules and Águilas, the starting point being the Conaf entrance point to the park. The route leads through varying types of vegetation: areas with low bushes; areas of young trees and dense Coigüe tree forests. What’s more, the entire route follows the crystalline waters of the River Cochrane, and offers incredible views of Lake Cochrane. 325km² in size, it is a binational lake shared between Chile and Argentina, known in Argentina as Lake Pueyrredón.

The excursion takes 2 ½ hours, and is visited by many hikers who, not satisfied with the just the Carpinteros route, want to go even deep into this beautiful corner of Chilean Patagonia.

Appropriate season

The park is open all year round, but we recommend that you visit in Spring and Summer when the temperatures are higher, and access to Cochrane is easier

Access

Cochrane – Reserva Nacional Tamango

From the main square, Plaza de Armas, in Cochrane to the Reserva Nacional Tamango is approx. 3.5km. Head northeast towards the Artisan Market in the town. When you reach this point, follow signpost which leads to a dirt track which will take you northeast (left). Continue along this road for approx. 2.5km until you reach the reserve where you will need to register and pay the entrance fee. You can park alongside the Conaf guardpoint. There is no public transport to the reserve.

Permits / Prices

The entrance fees are: Chilean adult CLP$2000 ((USD$ 4), Chilean child CLP$500 (USD$ 1), foreign adult CLP$4000 (USD$ 8), foreign child CLP$1500 (USD$ 3).

Accommodation / Facilities

The reserve offers different areas for camping. For this route, you can camp at the beginning of the Carpinteros route, as well as at the beginning and end of the Coigües route. The first gives you the option of taking it easier and completing this route in two days.

Recommendations

• Keep a camera to hand. The fact that there are huemul and other species of animal in the area makes it important to always be ready to take photos.
• If you have more time and are in good physical condition, we recommend that you join this route with the other nearby routes: Carpinteros, Coigües, Los Ciruelillos, Huemules and Las Aguilas.
• As you will need to first complete the Carpinteros to get to the start of the Los Coigües route, make sure you take into account the extra times and distance that you will need to cover.

Gear

• Trekking boots or high-ankle boots.
• Comfortable clothing, windbreaker and hat, gloves, etc. to keep warm.
• Sun-glasses, sun protection.
• Trekking poles (optional).

Schedule

Normal Itinerary:

1. Cochrane – Carpinteros/ Coigües Route – Cochrane

Alternative Itinerary:

1. Cochrane – End of Los Coigües route
2. End of Los Coigües route – Cochrane