Today, Mono, Nina, Moni, Juan, Arturo, Pablo, Pauline, Irma, Daniel, and Silvina—along with the dog Lihuen, the guanacos, horses, and chickens—are part of this place’s big family. This incredible team is made up of nature lovers, climbers, hikers, guides, muleteers, carpenters, cooks, gardeners, and environmentalists who have helped and contributed tirelessly in many ways.
In 2004, Silvina — who was five months pregnant — and her partner, Daniel, arrived in La Junta del Valle Cochamó to open Camping La Junta and Refugio Cochamó. At that time, barely a dozen visitors a year knew about the area and ventured out there. Between building basic infrastructure and making pizzas in a century-old cabin that was falling apart, they also set out to build hiking trails, open new climbing routes, find new walls, carve out access to peaks, and work the land to grow their own vegetables.
Along with friends who began arriving—and his newborn son, Zen—to lend a hand and join the project and the community. They helped establish the valley’s first NGOs, supporting bridge projects, trail work, composting toliets, environmental education, and search-and-rescue efforts, mostly on a volunteer basis.
To inform and guide travelers, they created Cochamo.com, a website dedicated to facilitating the logistics so visitors could plan their own responsible, eco-friendly trip that could be undertaken independently, without the strict necessity of hiring a guide. They began using this site as a platform to promote the activities of other local service providers. The requirement has always been the same: that they operate responsibly, respect the environment, and support the establishment of a collaborative protected area in the Cochamó Valley, whether in the areas of guiding, lodging, or gastronomy. It is important to note that neither the founders nor their team receive any payment or commission for the content on this site or for the recommendations shared here.
They've held numerous discussions with locals, guachos, members of regional NGOs, tour operators, guides and frequent visitors regarding the future of the Cochamó Valley. Although there are differences in minor details, the overall vision is shared: Cochamó should be for everyone, but without forgetting the impact we have on the environment.
Finding the right balance to enjoy these natural wonders while minimizing our impact is a priority—and it must be a priority for those of us who work here, for the local residents, and for those who visit the Cochamó Valley.
This group are proud supporters of the following non profits, who have contributed much to Cochamó Valley, helping its neighbors, locals who work there, confronting environmental issues and improving the visitor's experience:
Want to help the valley? Please make a contribution to one of these organizations.
Inside the efforts to protect Chile’s Cochamó Valley from developers and overtourism.
The life of Cristian Gallardo, known as “El Mono” in the rainforested valley of Cochamó in Chile. It takes place in two seasons, summer and winter, where his life changes from the arrival of tourists to solitude and the cold of winter.
