Village of hardly more than 2 500 inhabitants, Cochrane is well the last place where reaches the civilization on the Carretera Austral; in the south, it is still largely terra incognita. The explorer Hans Steffen was the first to reach the valley in 1899, when he went up the Baker River. In the 1930s, the Chilean government decided to send settlers to the region to populate it, in a process of securing the national territories. A true gaucho territory where local tradition is the order of the day, this town is known for the strong regional identity of its inhabitants. Originally, it was officially established in the Las Latas sector before moving to its current location in 1954. Originally named Pueblo Nuevo, the town was renamed Cochrane in honor of Napoleonic war hero Lord Thomas Cochrane. Long cut off from the world, located at the edge of the ice fields of northern Chile, it finally had access to the Carreterra Austral in 1988, when the road finally reached the small village. Beyond its natural treasures, Cochrane also has archaeological treasures: human traces have been found there dating back 7,000 years to the time when the original peoples roamed these great spaces. For travelers today, it is a relaxing town with great places to discover in the surrounding area. A special atmosphere emanates from these streets swept by silence. There are more horses than cars! It will be an essential stop for hikers heading south: the town offers the last accommodation and stores to equip themselves. Then you will not find anything else!

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Le petit village de Cochrane. Adwo - Fotolia
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