Overview
Patagonia Research and Exploration

This Patagonian expedition takes you to have amazing mountain adventures whilst helping vital conservation projects. In small research 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. The conservation surveys vary from season to season and with the needs of our partners, but all include trekking and data collection in the Andes and the transition zone towards the steppe regions of Argentine Patagonia.

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

Three months 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, 2007

What Difference Does This Expedition Make?

The data expedition members collect in the wilderness of Patagonia helps our local partners with their projects. It adds valuable information to their knowledge about the different ecosystems in which they work and supports the conservation of the fragile habitat and its wildlife. Alongside National Park Rangers, Scientists and PhD Students, we provide the manpower necessary to collect data throughout the year. This is done within National Park areas that have the most restricted access, as well as some more populated areas in the region.

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 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