Photo credit: Fundación Cerro Guido Conservación.
Partner Organisation: Fundación Cerro Guido Conservación
Location: Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile
In the wild, wind-swept landscapes of Torres del Paine, Patagonia, nestled at the foot of the Andes Mountain Range, we warmly welcome Fundación Cerro Guido Conservación (FCGC), our new Alliance Partner, who is weaving history with a wilder future. This is a place where nature thrives alongside deep cultural traditions—where protecting biodiversity also means protecting local identity.
Rooted in the unique heritage of Estancia Cerro Guido, Chile, the foundation is working to heal ecosystems, celebrate rural culture, and build a future where people and wildlife flourish together. Their approach is grounded in coexistence, resilience, and the belief that regeneration begins with understanding the land and the stories it holds.
Stewards of Patagonia’s Natural Heritage
FCGC is deeply committed to safeguarding the Patrimonio Natural—the natural heritage of this extraordinary region. They work in the biggest and most iconic private farm in Chile, Cerro Guido—a +120 year old estancia which in its peak managed +100.000 sheep.
Photo credit: Fundación Cerro Guido Conservación.
Their work focuses on restoring native habitats, supporting healthy ecosystems, and promoting coexistence with native wildlife like the elusive Puma. In the past 5 years—after they convinced Estancia Cerro Guido to stop hunting +100 Pumas a year—they’ve collected data from over 3000 hours of direct sightings of Puma (work that is still ongoing) witnessing their behaviour and interactions.
Some of the results are already providing unique insights that may help to heal relationships between locals and wildlife. One result of these observations shows that Puma prefer Guanacos to Sheep as food (85% of their diet). This data is crucial to their ‘coexistence meetings’ that bring together locals around the subject of livestock and Puma.
Photo credit: Fundación Cerro Guido Conservación.
FCGC recognizes that extensive livestock ranching, when practiced in harmony with nature, can play a vital role in rewilded landscapes. By combining scientific research with traditional land stewardship, the foundation is hoping to develop innovative models of sustainable ranching that keep both nature and local livelihoods thriving. Cerro Guido is Ranching with the Wild.
Photo credit: Fundación Cerro Guido Conservación
Culture as a Living Landscape
Rewilding in this landscape is rooted in culture; local people and traditions are shaping the path towards nature recovery. Fundación Cerro Guido Conservación also protects the Patrimonio Cultural, celebrating the unique history, architecture, and traditions of this iconic Patagonian ranching community. From preserving historic buildings and oral histories to supporting local crafts and rural education, the foundation ensures that the cultural fabric of Cerro Guido continues to inspire and exhibit.
This is a living landscape where gaucho culture, indigenous knowledge, and rural heritage are seen as essential parts of a thriving, interconnected ecosystem.
Photo credit: Fundación Cerro Guido Conservación
Bridging Past and Future
The story of Fundación Cerro Guido Conservación is one of legacy and innovation. Emerging from a historic estancia with deep roots in the region’s ranching past, the foundation is now helping to chart a new path forward—one where rewilding doesn’t mean exclusion, but collaboration. Their projects show that rewilding isn’t about erasing human presence, but enriching it through harmony with the land.
Part of their coexistence strategy – livestock dogs. Photo credit: Fundación Cerro Guido Conservación
In Patagonia, where winds carry stories across the steppe and every horizon seems infinite, Fundación Cerro Guido Conservación is offering a powerful reminder: that to care for nature is also to care for memory, culture, and community.
Photo credit: Fundación Cerro Guido Conservación.