Cochrane, Chilean town and commune
Cochrane is a small town in southern Chile near the Northern Icefields, located along the Baker River, the country's largest by water volume. The town sits in a flat valley with a simple grid layout, and essential services like supermarkets, restaurants, and laundries are within a short walk from the main plaza.
The region was inhabited more than 7,700 years ago, as shown by archaeological findings, and later became a center for exploration of the wild lands. Cochrane was officially founded in 1954, though its roots go back to 1929 when Lucas Bridge was asked to establish it as a local center.
Residents of Cochrane keep old traditions alive, such as the card game Truco and music styles like Chamamé, which appear during community gatherings. These cultural practices show how the local community maintains its identity and shares it with visitors.
The town is easy to walk around since its streets form a simple grid pattern, keeping everything close together. You should prepare for changeable Patagonian weather by dressing in layers and wearing sun protection, as conditions shift quickly and the sun can be intense.
The nearby Patagonia National Park, opened in 2015, is slowly changing the town's life and attracting new visitors with its trails, crystal-clear lakes like Laguna Esmeralda, and chances to see wildlife such as guanacos and condors. This park expansion has brought fresh attention to the region without losing its quiet character.
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