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Patagonia – Trek & Service
This unique expedition combines the thrill of backpacking in the Andes with the cross-cultural experience of working alongside indigenous communities on meaningful service projects.
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Patagonia
About This Course
Activity
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Backpacking -
Service Projects
Setting & Location
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Forest -
Mountains -
Course Start Location: Bariloche, Argentina -
Course End Location: Bariloche, Argentina
Students Can Earn
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College Credit
Session Details
1 session are available for this course
What You'll Learn
There’s so much to discover in the silence between footsteps; the quiet between paddle strokes; the space between stars. Circle up with your crew and recapture the joy of trying something new – whether that’s an activity, a location, or a perspective.
What You'll Do
Embark on an alpine trekking expedition where you will explore with your crew while learning more about this breathtaking location and its people by engaging in meaningful service projects.
Where You'll Be
Patagonia is a wild, remote region in southern Argentina known for glaciers, peaks, and vast plateaus. Students explore Bariloche and Nahuel Huapi National Park on the ancestral lands of the Mapuche and Tehuelche nations.
Why It Matters
So often, we find ourselves moving at the pace of the world around us. Reconnect with the world within you and rediscover your strengths, what inspires you, and set some new goals. Outward Bound courses for adults are an investment in yourself: a time to reset your bearings and look ahead with fresh perspective.
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Classic for Adults
What if the hardest part is your favorite part?
Connection.
Disconnect to reconnect – with your environment, your crew, and yourself. Return home with a renewed sense of possibility.
Leave your comfort zone.
With a supportive crew, you’ll meet challenges that help you unlock confidence, curiosity, and energy to thrive with purpose.
Get ready for growth.
Meeting new people and trying new things together builds confidence and community. At any experience level, everyone has the opportunity to discover something new.
Life on Course
Trek through stunning landscapes, lead service projects, and connect with local culture on an unforgettable expedition through the “Land of Fire and Ice”.
Work with your crew to navigate the dramatic terrain of Nahuel Huapi, Argentina’s oldest national park. Hike past volcanic peaks, snowfields, crystal-clear lakes, and temperate forests while learning orienteering, campcraft, backcountry cooking, and Leave No Trace ethics. Deepen your experience through meaningful service and cultural exchange with local communities. Each day brings new challenges and a growing sense of confidence, purpose, and connection.
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Sample Itinerary
Here’s an example of what your course itinerary might look like. The actual plan will depend on permits, weather, group skills, and instructor evaluation.
Swipe on table below to view more.
12-Day Course
| Day 1 | Course start and transportation to the trail |
| Day 2-4 | Backpacking: learning navigation and camping skills |
| Day 5 | Solo |
| Day 6 | Personal challenge event, resupply, and transport |
| Day 7-10 | Service and homestay in village |
| Day 11 | Finish service. Clean and de-issue gear. Course end banquet and ceremony. |
| Day 12 | Course end, town tour, and transportation to airport |
In my two weeks of service and backpacking on the Patagonia steppes, I have learned many valuable lessons. I have learned how to work a camp stove, compress the gear in my pack, and help my crew navigate our way safely up numerous summits. More importantly, I have learned to create an environment full of teamwork, mutual respect and trust.
FAQs
Where does course start and end?
Patagonia courses start and end at San Carlos DeBariloche Airport in Argentina (BRC). A North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) representative will meet participants in the airport lobby for check in. Transportation is provided between San Carlos DeBariloche Airport and the course area at course start and end.
What are your essential eligibility criteria?
Our Essential Eligibility Criteria shares what participants must be able to do during course. Full disclosure of all health and medication information is required during the admissions process.
What types of service projects take place during this course?
Service projects for this course change to meet the needs of local community partners and may include activities such as building fences, painting homes, harvesting fruit, and building structures with local farmers.
Can I earn service hours for participating in this course?
Participants can receive service learning hours for participating by notifying their instructors prior to the beginning of the course.
What is solo?
A little more than halfway through course, students will participate in a reflection period called Solo. During this time, Instructors assign students their own individual spaces within a designated area. These sites are secluded while remaining within hearing distance of other group members and Instructors for safety. Students will be given all the necessary gear, food, water, and skills to enjoy solo time. Solo is a great opportunity for students to relax, recharge, and reflect on their course after having long days of strenuous group activities. Instructors will be monitoring students closely during this experience.
