Historic Deal Protects Cochamó in Chilean Patagonia
“This radical collaboration of passionate individuals and organisations large and small has come together to do something extraordinary, a real gift to our Earth and our grandchildren"
Seán Villanueva O’Driscoll on Entre Cristales Y Cóndores (5.13b), Tommy Caldwell belaying. Photo by Austin Siadak
The largest private land holding in Chile’s Cochamó district is no longer for sale. Conserva Puchegüín, a locally driven conservation initiative made up of multiple organizations, has successfully raised more than $78 million to purchase and protect Fundo Puchegüín, a 328,351-acre property of undeveloped land in northern Patagonia.
According to a press release from Patagonia, Inc., the acquisition brings an end to years of uncertainty after the former owner placed the property on the market in 2022. With the registration of the new ownership now complete, the project enters a new phase focused on long-term protection and effective management of one of Patagonia’s most ecologically significant landscapes.
Climbing started back in the late 1990s when Crispin Waddy cut a trail into the base of one of the walls. He returned the next year with a team and climbed three new routes on Trinidad in 1998: Ides of March, Sundance and Welcome to the Jungle. There are now over 200 routes, from easy trad climbs to multi-pitch adventures and 5.13 sport climbs.
“This is a historic milestone not only because of the size of the protected area, but also because of how it was achieved: with participation, transparency, and deep respect for the communities that live in Cochamó,” said Andrés Diez, executive director of Puelo Patagonia. “That is the foundation on which the next phase will be built.”
Conserva Puchegüín is led by Puelo Patagonia in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Freyja Foundation, Patagonia, Inc. and Wyss Foundation. Since its founding, the coalition has overseen fundraising efforts and carried out technical and field work, including wildlife and forest monitoring, tourism-management initiatives and ongoing engagement with local communities.
The newly protected land supports extensive terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and is home to endangered and endemic species such as Darwin’s frog and the huemul deer, a national symbol of Chile. The property also represents a critical link in a 4-million-acre network of protected areas spanning Chile and Argentina and encompasses a significant portion of the Puelo River watershed.
“This radical collaboration of passionate individuals and organisations large and small has come together to do something extraordinary, a real gift to our Earth and our grandchildren,” said Jeffrey Parrish, TNC’s Global Managing Director for Nature Protection. “The Nature Conservancy is humbled to be a part of this extraordinary partnership for Chile and the people of Cochamó.”
Under the current management plan, at least 80% of the land will be placed under strict protection, while up to 20 per cent will be designated for sustainable uses such as agriculture and low-impact tourism. New Chilean legislation allows for the creation of multiple-use conservation areas that support traditional activities while safeguarding the most ecologically sensitive zones.
In August, the alliance formalized its work with the creation of the Conserva Puchegüín Foundation, a Chilean nonprofit organisation that now owns the land. The foundation will be governed by an independent board to ensure the protection of both the area’s natural ecosystems and its cultural heritage, with strong community participation.
Freyja Foundation President Anne Deane said, “The purchase of Puchegüín is a major conservation milestone, and we’re honored to be a part of its long-term stewardship.”
Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert emphasised the role of local leadership, stating, “This moment couldn’t have happened without the determination of local conservationists.”
Molly McUsic, President of the Wyss Foundation, added, “The Cochamó Valley is one of the most breathtaking places on Earth, and its protection is a victory for the Chilean people, wildlife, and the planet.”
After gaining global media attention and raising funds in record time from thousands of donors worldwide, Conserva Puchegüín has emerged as one of the most significant conservation efforts in recent years, one born in Chile, led locally and supported by an international climbing community committed to preserving Patagonia for generations to come. To learn more about Conserva Puchegüín, visit here.
