Journeys

Semester in Patagonia 2008+ (Looking ahead..)

For the duration of this semester you’ll be in the wilderness. This will be a “continuous expedition” with a rendezvous when your semester group meets with another NOLS semester group to trade mountaineering gear for sea kayaking gear and then continue on your way.

You’ll hike and camp in Patagonia’s valleys, travel in the mountains and sea kayak in breathtaking Patagonian fjords, stopping to visit with locals along the way. Some knowledge of Spanish will enhance these cultural opportunities. Leadership outcomes are strong on the Semester in Patagonia due to the remote nature of the travel and the harsh weather encountered. Teamwork, communication and problem solving are critical to the success of this expedition.

Mountain Travel. You’ll move up remote mountain valleys, planning routes and choosing campsites. Early in the course, your instructors will hike with you, helping you with map reading and route finding, hazard evaluation and judgment. Then, as you get better at these skills, the instructors will step off until you find yourself in charge. Depending upon how your entire group is progressing, you may have a chance to climb to a higher altitude where you’ll cross huge glaciers and work on such skills as knot tying, rope-handling and crevasse rescue scenarios.

Sea Kayaking. Most of Chile is off the beaten path for world travelers and the fjords of the southern part of this country are no exception. Few people kayak in this little-known corner of the world but you and your course mates will. You’ll learn about the dynamic environment of the region, about the strong tides and fickle weather. Your instruction will include paddling techniques, rescue skills, route planning and coastal weather. You’ll also study the natural history of the area, observing the bird and animal life of the coast. And you’ll continue to hone leadership and communication skills as you prepare for the final segment of your semester in Patagonia.

Student Expedition. After you’ve successfully completed the previous two sections, you’ll move into the student expedition. Typically, you’ll be traveling in a group of four to seven students without immediate instructor supervision for a 7- to 10-day hike through the wilds of Patagonia. Before setting out, and under the supervision of your instructors, your group will craft a travel plan, work out a proposed route, and get ready to use and refine what you’ve been learning for the past months.

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Cost - $10030 USD

Depart - Puerto Natales/Montt, Chile

Duration - 75 days