Season.

November to mid April. The Refugio Cochamó and Camping La Junta also open and close around these dates. Outside the season tends to be humid, cold and too rainy, and not recommended to go.

Best for hiking.

All season. The valley's beauties are great to see and hike all season. Spring's (November through December) waters are high making waterfalls gushing and gorgeous, though the high peaks can't still be accessed. By March days begin to shorten, the February crowds disipate and cooler hiking temperatures appear. In April, the forests mushrooms flourish, and the snowy peaks have mostly melted thus enabling hiking access.

Best for climbing.

Mid December through March. Depending on the amount of winter's snow fall, melting snow streaks down walls and their cracks until about mid December. North facing walls, like Trinidad, dry the quickest. December tends to be rainier than January or February but can also be the best time since days are longest of the year and tabano flies have not yet come out. January and especially February is generally the dryest yet also the busiest. March can also be great, but the days are begin to shorten. And April days are quite shorter.

Best for saving $.

Avoid February if you're planning and basing your trip on a budget. This month is the busiest thus the high-season prices. Accomodations and public transportation can be full throughout the South. Climbers or hikers staying for long periods (weeks or months) in Cochamó Valley can get a discount for staying in Camping La Junta.

Best months to avoid.

May through October. Although there are the occasional sunny days, much of the days sun is lost behind the northern mountains. The days are very short. The Refugio Cochamó and Camping La Junta, furthermore, are closed. Many river crossing are removed making moving around the valley difficult or impassable. Plus it's rainier, muddy, more humid and cold.