Estancia Cerro Guido

CHILE

Estancia Cerro Guido

Historic Lodge

since MAY 2025

Estancia Cerro Guido is a working cattle ranch and boutique lodge spanning 101,000 hectares in Chilean Patagonia, just outside Torres del Paine National Park. The estancia offers immersive cultural, wildlife, and conservation experiences that blend traditional gaucho life, fauna monitoring, and local gastronomy rooted in Patagonian heritage.

As Patagonia’s largest historic ranch, Estancia Cerro Guido combines more than a century of traditional livestock ranching with a forward-looking approach to conservation and sustainable tourism. Guided by the 4Cs framework—Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce—the estancia is committed to restoring native grasslands, protecting puma populations, and promoting human-wildlife coexistence. It invests in environmental education and community-led workshops while preserving the traditions of Patagonian ranching. Low-impact tourism offerings, such as Conservation Safaris, further support this mission. Additionally, 1% of annual lodging revenue is reinvested into conservation initiatives through the Cerro Guido Conservation Foundation.

CONSERVATION

Estancia Cerro Guido implements a coexistence program focused on non-lethal predator control, using guardian dogs—specifically Great Pyrenees and Maremma breeds—and Foxlight deterrents to safeguard sheep. This approach allows pumas to move freely across the landscape while reducing conflict between predators and livestock.

Estancia Cerro Guido supports scientific wildlife research by using camera traps and GPS collars to monitor puma movements. This data helps identify activity hotspots and areas of potential conflict, providing valuable insights that inform more effective and adaptive coexistence strategies.

COMMUNITY

Estancia Cerro Guido offers environmental education and community-led workshops focused on conservation and coexistence. These initiatives are delivered to local residents to build awareness and strengthen community involvement in protecting the region’s natural heritage.

The estancia prioritizes local employment and skills development by hiring and training community members in key areas such as livestock ranching, wildlife monitoring, and tourism—helping to create long-term, sustainable livelihoods.

CULTURE

Patagonian ranching traditions are preserved through the daily practice of gaucho horsemanship, sheep shearing, and other cultural routines at Estancia Cerro Guido. These experiences are shared with guests, offering authentic insight into the region’s heritage.

Former puma hunters have been retrained as wildlife guides, using their deep understanding of the landscape to support conservation. This transition exemplifies a shift from traditional hunting roles to modern conservation leadership.

COMMERCE

Estancia Cerro Guido develops sustainable tourism offerings such as Conservation Safaris, designed to provide meaningful guest experiences while minimizing environmental impact. These experiences help connect visitors with the region’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultural legacy.

To ensure tourism directly supports conservation, 1% of the estancia’s lodging revenue is reinvested annually into conservation programs managed by the Cerro Guido Conservation Foundation. This model ties economic activity to ecological responsibility.

Estancia Cerro Guido Highlights

Immersive Estancia Life & Local Heritage
With a half-day Estancia Cultural Tour, guests walk through historic buildings over 100 years old—orchard, greenhouse, manor house, shearing shed—and engage with the living traditions of Patagonia.
Conservation Safari Experience
On a guided Conservation Safari, guests join the Cerro Guido Conservation Foundation team in the field: observing wildlife with binoculars, reviewing camera-trap d.ata, and learning how guardian dogs protect livestock. It’s an immersive journey into puma monitoring and habitat management in the Patagonian steppe
Comfortable and Historic Rooms
Step into one of the 20 meticulously designed rooms at Estancia Cerro Guido, where warm interiors and heritage details create a welcoming retreat.
Diverse and Immersive Excursions
From cultural tours and horseback rides to scenic treks and e-bike adventures, Estancia Cerro Guido offers a variety of guided experiences. Each excursion is designed to connect guests with nature, local culture, and the vast beauty of the territory.