In the lush highlands of Guatemala lies a mountain forest so pristine that you can watch clouds swirl directly from the emerald canopy. This haven for endemic amphibians, highland birds, and diverse mammals is called Cerro Amay. In 2005 Dr. Philip Tanimoto identified the largest intact yet unprotected tropical cloud forest in northern Central America. In a spatial model, he predicted that the endangered Horned Guan could be found here. Owing to the remote inaccessibility of the dense forest, this rare species was not verified until September 2024, when our forest ranger, Pedro Us, took a grainy but conclusive cell phone photo proving the existence of the Horned Guan. The photo was taken precisely in the area modeled as optimal habitat.

After several years of grant writing and implementing agroforestry projects among the indigenous villages surrounding Cerro Amay, he attracted green investors willing to establish a grassroots conservation program. Today, nearly half of Cerro Amay’s virgin forest is protected and deforestation has been markedly reduced. The program was adopted by Guatemala’s premier conservation organization, FUNDAECO, which manages day-to-day operations. We still need your help. Click to support Cerro Amay conservation!

Quiché Department lies in the western highlands of Guatemala, well off the beaten track, where stunning cloud forest remnants survive despite the odds. Here lies a series of ridges and canyons where spectacular scenery, biodiversity, and recreational opportunity awaits the rare visitor. This program represents a fundamental shift in the local agricultural economy that continues to exploit and destroy virgin forest. A set of five ridgeline reserves connected by a 125km hiking trail and complemented by a nearby wild and scenic river, represent the future of conservation and recreation in rural Guatemala. These forests extend from 5,500 feet (1,675 meters) to a stunning 10,900 feet (3322 meters) above sea level and capture some of the most spectacular scenery in the entire country. 

Near to these mountains lies Guatemala’s most pristine, yet still unprotected river system. In the 2000s, Greg Schwendinger led the first expedition down this unique set of canyons and discovered spring-fed whitewater of unmatched Quality. Our vision is that the Putul-Copón will be designated as Guatemala’s first ‘wild and scenic river,’ adopting the terminology of the wild and scenic rivers in the US, managed by the National Park Service.   

Protecting the Jewels of Quiché is a long-term project that requires formal planning and fund raising, followed by extensive engagement with local indigenous leaders.  We have already started, and our long experience in the region has provided us with contextual knowledge and personal alliances to realize our lofty goals.