Fundo Centenario, Pelarco and Huencuecho Sur: Deep in the Heart of Huaso Country

When I think about Camp Makemáke, I always come back to the same idea: this camp wouldn’t exist without the land where it sits. We are in Huencuecho Sur, Pelarco, on the family-owned Fundo Centenario, a place full of history, open fields, and real country life. We are deep in the heart of huaso country, where Chilean traditions and rural life are alive every day.

For many years, Fundo Centenario was a rice farm, but today the family raises cattle, keeping the rhythms of the land and the seasons at the center of everything. It’s a real place where children can run through the fields, observe animals, learn from the earth, and experience life on a Chilean campo.

Josefina: the camp’s grandmother

My mother-in-law, Josefina Correa Echenique, is the one who made this place feel like home for everyone. She grew up on Fundo Centenario and still, at 84 years old, rides horses, drives motorcycles through the fields, and shares stories that fascinate children and adults alike. She embodies the spirit of the Maule and of huaso country: strong, lively, and full of stories.

Alberto and María Paz: keeping the land alive

My husband, Alberto García Huidobro, an agronomist, carries forward the family legacy. He started the organic blueberry project here and his sister María Paz Garcia Huidobro. now manages the regenerative cattle business. Their care and knowledge ensure that Fundo Centenario stays healthy, productive, and connected to nature.

How the camp began

As a teacher, I’ve always wanted children to learn through experience, exploration, and play. When we arrived at this campo, we realized it was the perfect place for children to practice English, connect with nature, care for animals, and experience life on a Chilean farm. That’s how Camp Makemáke began: a place for learning, discovery, and adventure in a real rural environment.

A place to grow and explore

Here, in Pelarco and Huencuecho Sur, children run through open fields, feed animals, and learn about rural life. Fundo Centenario is not just our home; it is the heart of Camp Mákemáke, teaching patience, curiosity, and a connection to the land.

Being deep in the heart of huaso country gives our campers something unique: a chance to see the traditions, the rhythms, and the daily life of rural Chile. Every summer, watching children discover this world reminds us why we do what we do.

Thank you to the land, to the Maule, and to everyone who trusts us to share this experience.