Day 1: We begin in Punta Arenas (Sandy Point), at the southern tip of South America. Punta Arenas was an important seaport prior to the construction of the Panama Canal. In 1916, Captain Ernest Shackleton launched the successful rescue of his crew from here, after his ship, Endurance, was destroyed by Antarctic sea ice.
Our bus takes us along the Strait of Magellan before heading north to the Seno Otway Penguin Sanctuary, where we stop to view the two-foot-tall Magellanic penguin in its nesting habitat. Continuing north, we travel to the frontier town of Puerto Natales for lodging and dinner.
Day 2: We travel two hours farther north by bus to Torres del Paine National Park. Along the way we may stop to take photographs of the magnificent mountains, as well as guanacos and other wildlife.
Note: Each trip to Torres del Paine is different, as we continue to improve the trail system at various locations. Sometimes we are based in one area of the park for the entire trip. Others times we may move from one site to another. After you register, you are given a complete and detailed itinerary. But generally, on Day 2 we may check into relatively accessible accommodations fairly early in the day, and then begin orientation and training in all aspects of trail work in the afternoon. Or, we may travel farther by bus and/or boat or catamaran to get to a more remote location, with training and orientation the following day.
Once inside the Park, we stay in refugios, which are mountain lodges with shared accommodations and meals. Day 2 is our first night and dinner in a refugio.
Days 3-11: This period is a combination of work days, rest days when you can choose your own activity, and travel days. The exact schedule depends on the project location and the time needed to move from one location to another.
We start the day with breakfast at the refugio.
On work days, after picking up a bag lunch, we hike to the work site. Groups of 5-6 volunteers are teamed with an experienced leader. Training in all aspects of the work is provided.
We may:
- rehabilitate (close) unauthorized trails
- cut and move vegetative plugs to camouflage and rehabilitate abandoned trails
- use a pick or shovel to out-slope the trails and build water bars to better shed water
- clip vegetation with a lopper or hand saw to widen trails for safety
- remove rocks from the trail tread with rock bars to reduce tripping hazards
- move crushed rock or stone to create a dry walking surface
On rest days, you are free to rest in the refugios or explore the area. Many of our volunteers use these days to hike in the Park. Experienced leaders will offer suggestions for shorter or longer explorations.
Day 12: We return to Puerto Natales. Depending on our location in the Park, this may involve boat and/or bus rides. We usually have time for shopping before our farewell dinner tonight.
Day 13: After an early breakfast, we depart for Punta Arenas by bus, in time to catch mid-day departures to Santiago and the United States.
Note: Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions. Work locations may vary with each volunteer expedition according to the needs of park rangers at the time the expedition takes place.
Join us!
December 3 – 15, 2012 and March 11 – 23, 2013
Book your trip now by visiting our partner REI Adventures or call (800) 622-2236.
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Trip Report: 2011
Trip Report: 2010
Trip Report: 2009
Trip Report: 2008
