Get to know us

WHO ARE WE?

Puelo Patagonia is a non-profit organization that works to conserve the natural, cultural, and landscape heritage of the Cochamó municipality. With an independent approach, we strive to promote responsible and comprehensive development for local communities.

Vision

A Cochamó where nature, culture, and communities thrive in balance, inspiring the world with a model of responsible development.

Mission

Our mission is to safeguard the natural and cultural heritage of the Cochamó municipality, including its unique landscapes, while fostering responsible and comprehensive development for its community.

MÁS DE UNA DÉCADA CONSERVANDO LA
NATURE AND CULTURE
OF COCHAMÓ

MÁS DE UNA DÉCADA CONSERVANDO LA NATURALEZA Y CULTURA DE COCHAMÓ

2013
Defendiendo el Río Puelo

Puelo Patagonia se fundó en 2013 para proteger el Río Puelo de la amenaza del proyecto hidroeléctrico Mediterráneo. Gracias a acciones legales, la fuerte presión comunitaria y el apoyo técnico de la ONG, en 2016 se logró detener el proyecto.

2017
From threat to opportunity

Past achievements have propelled Puelo Patagonia to continue its work in the commune, diversifying its lines of action and turning threats into opportunities for conservation and local development.

2022
One third of the municipality is for sale

The owner of Hacienda Pucheguín, a private property of 133,000 hectares in the municipality, put this place up for sale in New York. This news worried the local community, fearful that a buyer with no intention of conservation might acquire it.

2023
Conservation achievements

In parallel, after years of work in the municipality, and in collaboration with the Cochamó Valley Organization, we achieved the creation of the municipality's first protected area: the Cochamó Valley Nature Sanctuary, adding more than 11,000 hectares to conservation.

2025
Protect Cochamó forever

Ante la amenaza de venta de Puchegüín, el 2024 Puelo Patagonia buscó aliados estratégicos para hacer realidad el sueño de iniciar un proyecto de conservación y desarrollo local: Conserva Puchegüín. Gracias al apoyo de miles de personas en todo el mundo, en diciembre de 2025 se logró la meta para poder comprar y proteger Puchegüín por siempre.

Protecting the Puelo river

2013

Puelo Patagonia was founded in 2013 to protect the Puelo River from the threat of the Mediterráneo hydropower project, which endangered the biodiversity and tourism development of the basin and its communities. Thanks to legal actions, strong community pressure, and the technical support of the NGO, the project was halted in 2016.

Protecting the Puelo river

From threat to opportunity

2017

Past achievements have propelled Puelo Patagonia to continue its work in the commune, diversifying its lines of action and turning threats into opportunities for conservation and local development.

From threat to opportunity

One third of the municipality is for sale

2022

One third of the municipality is for sale

Conservation achievements

2023

Conservation achievements

Protect Cochamó forever

2025 y actualidad

Protect Cochamó forever

WHY COCHAMÓ?

The municipality of Cochamó is a unique place, with ecosystems rich in biodiversity, unparalleled landscapes, and a culture that reflects the history and spirit of its communities. This territory is not only valuable to those who live there, but also to the world as a model of balance between nature and humanity.

BIODIVERSITY

Its rivers, forests, and mountains are home to unique species that must be preserved to maintain their natural balance.

CULTURE

Its traditions and local knowledge enrich the identity of the territory, empowering communities to preserve their customs. durante un segundo Local traditions and knowledge enrich the identity of the territory, empowering communities to preserve their customs.

FUTURE

We work to ensure that future generations can enjoy this environment and see development opportunities in their community.

GLOBAL VALUE

Cochamó is a model of harmony between communities and nature, where its waters and natural resources are responsibly preserved.

BIODIVERSITY

Its rivers, forests, and mountains are home to unique species that must be preserved to maintain their natural balance.

CULTURE

FUTURE

We work to ensure that future generations can enjoy this environment and see development opportunities in their community.

GLOBAL VALUE

Cochamó is a model of harmony between communities and nature, where its waters and natural resources are responsibly preserved.

OUR TEAM

We are a dedicated team committed to preserving the natural and cultural heritage, as well as the stunning landscape, of the Cochamó municipality, while fostering responsible and holistic development for its community.

A Commercial Engineer by training, his experience is rooted in entrepreneurship and team leadership. For over 13 years, his passion for preserving the Puelo River has been an integral part of his life. Well-versed in the mountains and valleys of the municipality, he is deeply committed to the culture, people, and nature of the area. He has been a member of Puelo Patagonia since 2015.

José Claro

Board President

A lawyer by profession and a passionate photographer, he has been part of the Puelo Patagonia team since its inception. An avid admirer of the Puelo River, the granite walls of Cochamó, and fly fishing, he has showcased his photographic work in numerous exhibitions and publications. His work is primarily focused on highlighting the landscape as a powerful tool for environmental and biodiversity conservation.

Andrés Amengual

Board member

A mountain guide by profession, he arrived in Cochamó over 20 years ago, captivated by the landscapes of northern Patagonia. He has worked on tourism projects in the area and has participated in various conservation initiatives throughout Chile. He played a key role in the group that promoted water reserves in the Cochamó River and has been a board member of Puelo Patagonia since its inception.

Rodrigo Condeza

Board member

A Forestry Engineer and Coach, he has specialized in territorial planning and conservation plans for public and private protected wild areas, as well as in environmental issues. A lover of forests, mountains, and meaningful conversations, he aims to spread his passion for nature through environmental education and involvement in local conservation projects.

Klaus Kosiel

Board member

With over 15 years of experience in conservation, sustainable development, and ecotourism, Andrés specializes in territorial planning and stakeholder engagement, leading initiatives that integrate conservation, local communities, and responsible tourism. A passionate adventurer, he works to secure protected areas and promote strategic alliances for Patagonia’s long-term preservation.

Andrés Diez

Executive Director

A publicist by profession with a specialization in strategic communication and a degree in social communication, her experience is centered on community relations, stakeholder engagement, and communications. Her love for nature led her to join Puelo Patagonia over seven years ago.

Josefina Vigouroux

Director of Communications

Nacida y criada en Cochamó, migró a la ciudad en busca de estudios y oportunidades laborales. Vivió por más de 10 años ahí, pero motivada por la experiencia de su hermano, un arriero y protector de la naturaleza, decidió renunciar y volver a Cochamó para dedicarse a conservarlo para siempre. Además de su rol en Puelo Patagonia, es miembro del directorio de la Organización del Valle Cochamó.

Tatiana Sandoval

Directora de Vinculación Comunitaria

After a decade in university teaching, he relocated to southern Chile and began coordinating various conservation initiatives focused on environmental education. Today, he is part of the Puelo Patagonia team, working in project administration and management

Nicolás Amadori

Director de Gestión de Proyectos y Administración

Conservacionista, es Bachelor en Ciencias Ambientales de Colby College, ex-alumno de Round River Conservation Studies y Magíster en Geografía de la Universidad de Chile. Es experto en áreas protegidas y rewilding, con enfoque en conservación de base comunitaria y vida silvestre de montaña. Conoció por primera vez el Valle Cochamó en 2015 y hoy tiene un gran interés por la Vizcacha del granito.

Guillermo Sapaj

Director de Conservación

Periodista de profesión y miembro de la 6ta generación de la Red Latinoamericana para jóvenes periodistas de Distintas Latitudes, ha encaminado su trayectoria profesional hacia el periodismo con comunidades, apoyando su empoderamiento y desarrollo a través del relato de historias.

Bernardita Ortiz

Content Coordinator

An Environmental Engineer by profession, she spent much of her childhood visiting Pocoihuén and Cochamó, where she fell in love with its landscapes and culture. After graduating from university, she packed her backpack and chose to build her life here, dedicating herself to protecting this place alongside its people. She now works on community-based monitoring projects for wildlife, flora, and water.

Sofía Riveros

Research Coordinator

Guía de montaña con más de 20 años de trayectoria, tiene un profundo conocimiento en la planificación y conducción de expediciones en la Región de Los Lagos. Además mantiene un fuerte compromiso con la conservación y el desarrollo sostenible de la comuna de Cochamó, donde ha desarrollado gran parte de su carrera profesional y también su camino personal como escalador de grandes paredes.

Niccolo Caruso

Coordinador de Operaciones y Logística

A Veterinarian by profession, he has spent the past ten years specializing in the study and conservation of wildlife in the forest and mountain ecosystems of southern Chile. With a master's degree in natural resources and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in science, his career reflects a deep commitment to biodiversity protection and the sustainable management of ecosystems.

Fernando Novoa

Investigador de Vida Silvestre

Nacido y criado en Cochamó, es guía local con más de 10 años de trayectoria desarrollando experiencias de turismo cultural y de naturaleza en la comuna. Como miembro del Club Andino de Cochamó, ha participado activamente en iniciativas de monitoreo de fauna y en talleres de educación ambiental en escuelas locales. Actualmente se desempeña como el primer guardabosques de la futura área protegida Puchegüín.

Patrick Chávez

Guardabosques de Puchegüín

Diseñadora integral de profesión y con más de 15 años de experiencia en esta área, su amor por la naturaleza la ha llevado a ser una colaboradora de Puelo Patagonia desde sus inicios, cumpliendo un rol fundamental en el equipo de Comunicaciones.

Leyla Musleh

Graphic Designer

Nacida y criada en Caleta Rollizo, es Ingeniera Comercial de profesión y una guardiana del Estuario del Reloncaví. Junto a su familia llevan décadas protegiendo el fondo marino, repoblando el mar de mariscos y haciendo estudios de diversos peces para su preservación y consumo sostenible. Además, es dirigenta de instituciones de turismo y brigada de emergencias en la localidad.

Camila Cartagena

Asistente de Administración

Jose Claro V.

Board President

Andrés Amengual

Board member

Rodrigo Condeza

Board member

Klaus Kosiel

Board member

Andrés Diez

Executive Director

Josefina Vigouroux

Director of Communications

Born and raised in Cochamó, she moved to the city in search of education and job opportunities. After living there for over 10 years, she was inspired by her brother—a muleteer and nature protector—to return and dedicate herself to conserving Cochamó forever. In addition to her role at Puelo Patagonia, she serves as the President of the Cochamó Valley Organization.

Tatiana Sandoval

Directora de Vinculación Comunitaria

Nicolás Amadori

Director de Gestión de Proyectos y Administración

Guillermo Sapaj

Director de Conservación

Bernardita Ortiz

Content Coordinator

Sofía Riveros

Research Coordinator

Niccolo Caruso

Coordinador de Operaciones y Logística

Fernando Novoa

Investigador de Vida Silvestre

Patrick Chávez

Guardabosques de Puchegüín

Leyla Musleh

Graphic Designer

Camila Cartagena

Asistente de Administración

Jose Claro V.

Board President

Andres Amengual M.

Board member

Rodrigo Condeza V.

Board member

Klaus Kosiel L.

Board member

Andrés Diez P.

Executive Director

Josefina Vigouroux O.

Director of Communications

Tatiana Sandoval

Community Engagement Manager

Nicolas Amadori A.

Management Control Officer.

A geographer by profession and a passionate climber, deeply connected to nature and the mountains. He has worked on multiple research projects aimed at reconstructing past climates through glacial chronologies in the Patagonian Andes, a focus he explored in his master's studies.

Rodrigo Hevia

Conservation Manager

A journalist by profession and a member of the 6th generation of the Latam Network for Young Journalists of Distintas Latitudes, she has shaped her career around community journalism, supporting empowerment and development through storytelling.

Bernardita Ortiz L.

Content Coordinator

Sofía Riveros M.

Research Coordinator

An ecotourism professional, he has been part of the Puelo Patagonia team since its inception. With years of experience as a fly fishing guide, he now plays a key role in the team's administrative and financial operations.

Benjamín Monckeberg

Accounting

Fernando Novoa

Wildlife Research Coordinator

A comprehensive designer by profession with over 12 years of experience, her love for nature has led her to collaborate with Puelo Patagonia for several years. She plays a key role in the Communications team, contributing her expertise to support conservation efforts.

Leyla Musleh Z.

Graphic Designer

WHAT DO WE DO?

We are dedicated to the conservation and strengthening of the natural and cultural heritage of the Cochamó municipality. Through a comprehensive approach, we implement various programs aimed not only at protecting the environment but also at empowering local communities and promoting sustainable development.

PROGRAM

CONSERVATION

Conservation

We promote conservation programs aimed at raising protection standards for the environmental values of the territory, safeguarding its landscapes, cultural and biological diversity, and contributing to scientific research and environmental education.

See projects

PROGRAM

TERRITORY PROTECTION

Through our technical and legal team, we defend the territory and its community from projects that threaten the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, the landscape, and the responsible and sustainable development of local residents.

See projects

PROGRAM

SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT

We strive to provide the necessary tools to foster social initiatives that empower communities, aiming to preserve and strengthen local culture and traditions.

See projects