Fascinating adventure awaits at the enchanting Estancia Cerro Guido
Get swept up into Patagonia’s fascinating heritage and culture on this 10,000-hectare (247 100-acre) working ‘estancia’, or ranch. On the slope of the imposing Cerro Guido, farmhouses were built by pioneers in 1920, in a striking wilderness where puma roamed, and condor wheeled overhead (and still do today).
The elegant décor of the 12 rooms is inspired by the original English style, exuding tranquillity and calm. Each room includes oh-so-comfy featherbeds, a private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, biodegradable toiletries, central heating, a safe, Wi-Fi and views overlooking the verdant gardens. Dine on spectacular three-course meals made from the organic produce grown in the estancia’s allotments; delicious lamb cooked in the traditional ‘al palo’ style (roasted whole over a fire), and Chile’s finest wines. Free-range and organically fed hens provide delicious farm eggs every day for sumptuous breakfasts.
This vast territory located at the southern end of the planet tells the story of a captivating culture; simple and connected with the land and climate. Explore the estancia’s greenhouses and orchards and see the wonderful abundance of greens and vegetables that are ingeniously grown in this challenging climate. Visit the stables and accompany the gauchos (skilled horsemen / cowboys) in the daily care of the horses; you will be able to participate in different tasks such as brushing, saddling or feeding these magnificent animals. Discover the ‘chenque’, the highest indigenous cemetery at Cerro Guido’s summit, opening a window to the Tehuelche culture.
Conservation at Estancia Cerro Guido:
What began as the Puma Project (promoting coexistence between these big cats and neighbouring farmers) in 2019 has grown into the all-encompassing Cerro Guido Conservation Foundation. Staying at the estancia directly impacts this important cultural and natural conservation work.
The Foundation’s projects include:
- Preserving territory for puma, condor, guanacos and skunks (all of which have experienced historical conflict with sheep farmers)
- Using protection dogs like great pyrenees and maremma as excellent natural deterrents for puma. The dogs give off a scent that wards off big cats in the area, and fatal sheep encounters have gone down by about 30% as a result
- Installing camera traps has helped the team identify which areas are hotspots for puma, and herds are moved away from these regions
- Installing Foxlights which mimic torches helps to keep puma at bay, as it looks like there are people holding torches in the area
- Running Conservation Safaris, guided walking tours into puma territory to spot these animals in their natural habitat and renew a sense of awe for these creatures
- This region contains significant archaeological sites of fossilised flora, as well as boating the unprecedented discovery of a duck-billed dinosaur fossil
- Preserving the architecture of the 19th and 20th century farmhouses and auxiliary buildings like shearing sheds through
- Rescuing local music. The estancia team has produced two songs with Chilean musicians that capture the essence of the land
What we love about Estancia Cerro Guido
- Live the daily experiences of the gauchos and country people, actively participating in their every-day activities like sheep shearing and livestock herding.
- Stroll around the flourishing organic garden and be part of the planting or harvesting of organic products that go directly to your table.
- Learn from the team in the conservation area, in charge of carrying out interventions that promote the co-existence of wildlife and livestock.
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