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Adults

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

The image shows a rural road stretching into the distance, flanked by wooden fences and lush greenery. In the background, majestic mountains rise against a clear blue sky. Two people are working on the side of the road, adding a sense of human presence to the serene landscape. The scene evokes a sense of tranquility and connection with nature.
A group of hikers is trekking along a narrow path in a mountainous region. The hikers are carrying large backpacks, suggesting a multi-day trip. The landscape features rugged terrain with patches of vegetation and rocky outcrops. In the background, snow-capped mountains rise against a blue sky with scattered clouds, adding to the scenic beauty of the location.
CB20 Course Overview

About This Course

Activity

  • The image shows a blue outline of a hiking backpack against a black background. The backpack is fully packed, with a sleeping bag or similar item strapped to the top. It has multiple compartments and straps, suggesting it's designed for carrying a substantial amount of gear. The style is simple and graphic, resembling an icon or a line drawing. Backpacking
  • The image shows a stylized, blue-outlined graphic against a black background. Two hands are cupped together, as if holding or presenting something delicate. Above the hands, there are three leaf-like shapes, suggesting a plant or nature. The overall impression is one of care, growth, or environmental stewardship. The simplicity of the design and the use of a single color give it a clean and modern look. Service Projects

Setting & Location

  • The image shows a simple, hand-drawn style illustration of three evergreen trees, possibly pine or fir trees. They are depicted in a solid blue color against a white background. The trees are stylized with jagged edges to represent the needles and branches, giving them a whimsical and slightly abstract appearance. The trunks are simple vertical lines. Forest
  • The image shows a simple, cartoon-style drawing of two mountains. The mountains are depicted with triangular shapes and jagged peaks, suggesting a rugged terrain. Dashed lines adorn the sides of the mountains, possibly representing snow or rocky textures. The drawing is done in a single color, giving it a minimalist and somewhat childlike appearance. The overall impression is one of a basic, almost iconic representation of mountains. Mountains
  • airplane Course Start Location: Bariloche, Argentina
  • airplane Course End Location: Bariloche, Argentina

Students Can Earn

  • College Credit

Session Details

1 session are available for this course

Chat with the Customer Success Team
A group of people are gathered on a grassy field, seemingly engaged in a map-reading activity. They are huddled around several maps spread out on the ground, with some individuals pointing and discussing. The setting appears to be outdoors, possibly a park or recreational area, with a vehicle and trailer visible in the background. The atmosphere suggests a collaborative and educational environment.

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.

A group of hikers walks along a gravel path lined with vibrant purple lupine flowers. Lush green trees fill the midground, leading to a majestic mountain with a snow-capped peak in the background. The sky is blue with fluffy white clouds, creating a picturesque scene of nature and outdoor adventure.

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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CB11 Scrolling Bullets

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.

CB31 Media Gallery

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.

The image shows four people standing in front of a wooden structure that resembles a greenhouse frame. The structure is open, with some translucent panels in the upper sections. The people are smiling and appear to be posing for the photo. The setting is outdoors, with trees and greenery visible in the background. The sky is blue with some clouds.
A man in a cap throws a frisbee in a grassy field. There are other people in the background, along with trees. The sky is blue with some clouds. The man is wearing a light-colored shirt, dark shorts, and sneakers. He is in the lower left corner of the image, with his arm extended as he releases the frisbee.
The image shows two people inside a chicken coop. One person is bending over and appears to be working on something, while the other is standing and holding a wooden structure. Several chickens are scattered around the coop, which is filled with wood shavings. Light streams in from the open doorway and windows, illuminating the scene.
A group of about a dozen people are standing and sitting on a rocky outcrop, possibly a mountain summit, under a clear blue sky. They appear to be looking towards the right side of the frame, possibly at a mountain range partially covered with snow. The overall impression is one of camaraderie and enjoying a scenic view after a hike.

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CB39 Table Feature

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

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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
CB27 Pull Quotes
A group of four people are posing for a photo in front of a waterfall. The waterfall cascades down rocks surrounded by lush greenery. The people are standing on rocks near the base of the falls, with trees and foliage framing the scene. The lighting is bright, highlighting the water and the surrounding vegetation.

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.

Becca

CB17 FAQs

FAQs

Where does course start and end?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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Participants can receive service learning hours for participating by notifying their instructors prior to the beginning of the course.

What is solo?

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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.

THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE.
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