The members of our organization have been donating time and energy to the mission of conserving Cochamó’s cultural and natural resources for many years.

Here are some projects that we have undertaken, or would like to achieve.

Past

  • Trail work on trail into Cochamó, and main trails
  • Installation of dry composting toilets in campgrounds
  • Construction of “primitive” toilets at advanced basecamps
  • Trash removal / area cleanup
  • Search and Rescue operations

Present (Season of 2018-19)

  • Improvement of access trail into main valley
  • Improvement of access trails to high mountain valleys
  • New or improved signage for trail systems (including educational signage)
  • Installation of “primitive” toilet in Paloma valley
  • Second annual work day (“Minga”) to clean up valleys and remove trash from camp sites

Future

  • Legal fees to secure acceptance of dry composting toilets (instead of septic systems) with Ministerio de Salud (ministry of health).
  • A Search and Rescue team with liability protection, equipment, and training, to respond to incidents in the valley in an official capacity.
The trails don’t build themselves. The horsepackers (“arrieros”) such as the one seen here not only carry the gear for visitors up into the valley each season, they also volunteer their time and energy to maintain the trails.
The trails don't build themselves. The horsepackers ("arrieros") such as the one seen here not only carry the gear for visitors up into the valley each season, they also volunteer their time and energy to maintain the trails.
Each year we have a huge volunteer work day (called a Minga). After the labor of the day is done, workers are rewarded with an asado (barbecue) and evening festivities.
Each year we have a huge volunteer work day (called a Minga). After the labor of the day is done, workers are rewarded with an asado (barbecue) and evening festivities.
The town of Cochamó lies on the shores of the Estuario Reloncaví. It’s a small, quiet fishing village with a vibrant culture. Friends of Cochamó works hard to protect that culture from unsustainable and exploitive tourism, and extractive industries.
The town of Cochamó lies on the shores of the Estuario Reloncaví. It's a small, quiet fishing village with a vibrant culture. Friends of Cochamó works hard to protect that culture from unsustainable and exploitive tourism, and extractive industries.
Here’s Mono, a long time employee of Camping La Junta, working on the dry composting toilets.
Here's Mono, a long time employee of Camping La Junta, working on the dry composting toilets.
All of the lumber used in the valley comes from the valley. Trees are harvested intentionally and sustainably. This wood was used to make the dry composting toilet facilities.
All of the lumber used in the valley comes from the valley. Trees are harvested intentionally and sustainably. This wood was used to make the dry composting toilet facilities.