The Cochamó Valley is a glacially carved deep valley in the Andes Mountains in the Lake District of Chile. The valley trends east-west, and rivals Yosemite Valley of California in its ruggedness and granite domes and cliffs. The vegetation consists of temperate rainforest. There are no roads into the valley, only old eroded trails and a few wilderness huts and a private rustic lodge. Waterfalls abound.
Due to the extremely high levels of precipiation, conditions are perfect for plant species that depend on water for reproduction, such as ferns, mosses, and some lichens. Nearly all protected surfaces are covered by bryophytes (mosses and liverworts).
All photos copyrighted by David L. Magney 2004
