Saving Cochamó

Tucked away in a corner of Chilean Patagonia, Valle Cochamó wasn’t going to stay hidden forever. The soaring unclimbed granite walls instilled dreams of first ascents in climbers. Industrialists eyed its free flowing rivers with their potential for hydroelectric power. Conservationists hoped it could provide a final puzzle piece. This is the story of how a coalition of Chilean gauchos, climbers and activists fought off development efforts for two decades. How do you make the next Yosemite? You start by buying it.

Image: Catalina Claro