Overview
Patagonia Conservation and Wilderness Training

This Patagonian expedition contains a multitude of skill development opportunities combined with exciting adventures and important environmental projects. In small groups, expedition members conduct rugged surveys in a remote part of the world that few people ever get to see. Expedition participants must be prepared for a challenge as the expedition contains some arduous trekking through the variety of extreme climates and landscapes found in the heart of dramatic Patagonia. You will develop life long skills along the way including conservation management techniques, leadership skills, Camp craft, Minimal impact camping (following Leave No Trace principles), Wilderness Navigation and Wilderness medicine.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

10 weeks of memories - it will take a lifetime to recall all that happened. We’ve been to places so pure and untainted by humans, camped through it all. Yep, I’ve definitely lost something out there and gained something, better!

Ian Baker, Patagonia Expedition Member 2008

Highlights

Having the unique opportunity to explore various regions of the wild Patagonia; surveying areas for wild boar, red deer, wild cats and cachana parrots; enjoying adventures that range from minimal kit bivi camps to multi-day survey treks deep in the forest or transition zone; Master ice-climbing: train with crampons and ice axes, devlop snow craft skills, Large discount on GVI's Tronador Volcano Summit Attempt and Snow School in Patagonia (see booking information for more details), learn roped glacier travel and study crevasse rescue techniques, exploring the spectacular nearby volcano; and experiencing the gaucho lifestyle by horse.

Skills And Qualifications Received

Wildlife biology and conservation, Biological survey techniques and methodologies, Snowshoeing (winter only), Camp craft, Minimal impact camping (following Leave No Trace principles), Wilderness Navigation, Use of GPS, VHF radios, EPIRBs, and Sat phones, Wilderness medicine, safety and survival psychology, First Aid & CPR training (certification optional), Emergency Spanish, Interpersonal skills

See Requirements And Training page for more information

Location

Depending on the training schedule, the project focus and weather conditions, the expedition will be based in different areas in the Patagonian Andes and the transition zone towards the steppe regions of Argentine Patagonia, between 38 and 42 degrees South. Known for extreme climatic conditions, each Patagonia expedition will have its own unique specialities.

See Life on the expedition page for more information

Field Conditions

Accommodation throughout the expedition will be in basic, three-man shared tents. Water is collected from streams nearby and there is very limited electricity. Toilet facilities are long drops or 'cat holes'. The food will be simple but pays close attention to nutritional needs, ensuring you can work in the conditions of the different seasons.

See Life on the expedition page for more information

Internships

A 10 week internship is available for qualifying expedition members. See Internships for further information.

See Internships page for more information