Patagonia: Torres del Paine National Park

Location: Chile: Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas, Rural Areas

Program Duration: 1-2 weeks

Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Dates: December 3 - 15, 2012

Conservation Volunteers International Program

120 Village Square #9 Orinda, California 94563 United States

Description

UNESCO has designated Torres del Paine National Park, in Patagonia, Chile a Reserve of the Biosphere, in recognition of its exceptional ecological significance. Because of an increase in foreign tourism, the Park needs help to maintain and construct hiking trails to protect this fragile environment.

Conservation VIP organizes groups of volunteers to help maintain this international treasure. Volunteer work includes cutting vegetation to widen trails; contouring trail tread to shed water; camouflaging abandoned trails; removing rocks from the trail tread and moving crushed rock to create a dry walking surface. Training in all aspects of our work will be provided. Small groups of 5-6 volunteers will be teamed with an experienced expedition leader. Our work is at 1,000 feet in elevation, making this project easier than a similar project at higher elevation mountain locations. See this remarkable landscape, work alongside local Park rangers, and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded volunteers.

Highlights

Itinerary:

Our next trip is scheduled for December 3 - 15, 2012

* Day 0 Arrival into Punta Arenas at the southern tip of South America
* Day 1 Travel to Puerto Natales, via Seno Otway Penguin Sanctuary
* Day 2 Travel to Torres del Paine National Park.
* Days 3 - 11 Orientation and safety training, then trail restoration work with park rangers. Rest day is provided
* Day 12 Depart Torres del Paine for Puerto Natales
* Day 13 Depart Puerto Natales for Punta Arenas

Travel Types
  • BackPacking Abroad
  • Eco Tours
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Heritage Tourism
  • Mountaineering
  • Student Tours
  • Tours
  • Trekking
  • Vacation Packages
  • Volunteering
Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

We train volunteers, so no prior experience in trail work is required.

Good physical conditioning is important. Volunteers should be able to hike with a day pack on park trails and perform a variety of trail maintenance assignments.

On past trips, volunteers have ranged in age and ability; some of our hardest-working volunteers were in their mid-seventies. The most important qualifications are enthusiasm and a willingness to pitch in and work.

Languages
  • English

Cost in US$:

USD 2,950

Cost Include Description:

The fee of USD 2,950 includes all expenses beginning on day 1 in Punta Arenas, and ending on day 13 in Punta Arenas, including a visit to the Seno Otway Penguin Sanctuary, Torres del Paine park entrance, all ground and boat transportation, all meals and lodging.

Credit Available

yes

Volunteer Types
  • Academic Reinforcement
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Eco-tourism
  • Economic Development
  • Environment
  • Natural Resources
  • Parks
  • Professional Services
  • Recreation
  • Reforestation
  • Renovation
  • Repairs
  • Sports
  • Tourism
  • Trail Building
  • Tree Planting
  • Volunteering
Typical Volunteer
Volunteers have varied widely in their age, abilities and backgrounds from across the United States and other countries. All share in their desire to help protect this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve through their volunteer contribution.
Age Range
18+
This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Other

Participants Travel to Chile

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves
  • Online Application plus Application Assessment
Typically The Application Process Time is
one day
Post Services Include
  • Alumni Network
  • Exit Debriefing Abroad
Conservation Volunteers International Program's Mission Statement

We are dedicated to conservation and preservation of some of the world's greatest landscapes and cultural sites. We accomplish this mission by providing opportunities for ordinary citizens to get their hands dirty doing extraordinary volunteer services. We engage others - local park rangers and managers, local government, other non-profits, businesses, academia, and others - in our work. Working together, we repair trails, restore archaeological sites, replant vegetation, protect fish and wildlife, encourage community support, and learn from each other. We make a difference in our world!

Year Founded

2008

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