Parque Patagonia — Camping Valle Chacabuco

Valle Chacabuco is the centrepiece of Tompkins Conservation’s Parque Patagonia, and this established campground is the best-positioned overnight stop on the whole Carretera between Cochrane and the Argentine border crossing at Paso Roballos. You’ve got proper sites with fire rings, toilets, and access to the park’s trail network. The valley is wide, wind-hammered Patagonian steppe — set up your shelter stakes like you mean it. Guanacos, condors, and huemul deer are all legitimate sightings here, not marketing fluff.

Located just off the Carretera Austral south of Cochrane, the access is straightforward on gravel with no technical terrain required. The park charges an entrance fee (verify current rates at the gate). Peak season December–February fills sites fast — arrive early or plan to be flexible. The park visitor centre nearby is worth a stop for maps and trail info.

Condors, guanacos, and Patagonian big sky.