The final word

Would I change anything in terms of our travels?  I think Ralph and I got the food list spot on however, equipment-wise I would make some changes. I definitely require a new rucksack and it proved a major hindrance. Ziplock waterproof bags are a must! While others felt I was disadvantaged having only one walking pole instead of two, in retrospect, I would probably make the same decision again, the convenience of having the camera bag where I wanted it and a free hand a temptation too great to resist - having said that, I borrowed the poles so I’d need to purchase my own anyway. The Crumpler Jimmy Bo served its purpose and survived the torrential rain without causing any damage to the camera within; however an additional waterproof cover would nonetheless have been beneficial, as I kept it away from the elements as a precautionary measure. I had a second, smaller camera but without a waterproof bag, so for a period of two days or more, I wasn’t able to take any photographs whatsoever. I was happy with the clothing though in future would only consider using Ice-Breaker merino base layer clothing in preference to any synthetic equivalents. Finances were an issue; however, a new waterproof jacket is also on my shopping list. One thing – I’d like to find a way to keep the waterproof overpants from constantly slipping down, until they invariably ended up around my ankles. Gaiters are essential, though in our case served little purpose once we had made the decision to wade through rivers boots and all!  I have Harald to thank for convincing me to invest in a pair of crocs! As I said before, I don't think we could have asked for two better guides in the form of Kelson and Elena. Though Treksa operates as a small concern (at this stage anyway), they are therefore not bound by the trappings of commercialism associated with larger travel companies, where the dollars earned is the prime goal, sometimes to the detriment of customer satisfaction. A smaller group undoubtedly contributes to a better personal experience. If I may suggest an improvement, I would have liked a more of the conversation in Spanish in the course of their dialogue with the locals en route, to have been shared amongst the group.

The enormous lasting impression that Cochamó valley made on me may be summed up in a final few words I'd like to reserve for this epic journey of ours, taken from Cochamó.org:

"No trip into the Cochamó Valley is ever forgotten, no two journeys ever the same. Few places on Earth remain at once so pristine, so unharmed by human activity, and yet so accessible. Its granite domes are a constant canvas of ever-changing light, its yawning meadows a whimsical tapestry of wild flowers, its towering old-growth forests a concert hall of birdsong and falling water. No cars, no power lines, no deadlines".