The Human Geography of Patagonia: Wilderness, Culture, and Conservation
This wilderness backpacking trip in Chilean Patagonia offers students a rich, immersive encounter with the physical and human geography of a remote region undergoing rapid change. Over the course of our trip, students will hike 40+ miles through the spectacular Cerro Castillo National Park, located in the Aysén region of Chile. The National Park and surrounding communities will serve as our (exceptionally beautiful) classroom. In addition to learning technical and interpersonal skills for wilderness travel, topics of discussion will include: the cultural and economic significance of logging in the Aysén Region; understanding glaciers as water sources and the consequences that climate change holds for local communities; and the ethical quandaries of eco-tourism and contemporary conservation. Elements of the unique and rich culture of Patagonia will be woven into the trip, including (but not limited to) the etiquette and practice of drinking maté (a traditional communal tea), viewing 3,000+ year old cave art painted by the ancient Tehuelche people, appreciating local gaucho (Patagonian cowboy) customs, and reveling in the particularities of Chilean Spanish slang. Students will celebrate their achievements at the end of the trip with a traditional Patagonian asado (barbeque).
This trip is open to students with all levels of backcountry experience, but it will be a physically and mentally challenging trip that requires a positive attitude. Students should be prepared to hike between 5-10 miles a day with full packs (including river crossings and highly variable weather), sleep in same-gender tent groups, and practice resilience in a beautiful setting. This trip will operate in a remote setting where the nearest medical services are over an hour away. Our trip will be guided by Higher Latitude Education, a small educational tour operator who have led students on this route for many years and are dedicated to offering immersive, transformative experiences to students in wilderness settings. The cost of programming includes travel insurance for all participants, provided by World Nomads. Students must bring their own personal backpacking equipment (backpack, sleeping bag, etc.), while tents and group camping gear (stoves, pots, etc.) will be provided.
Students must have a passport valid through October 1, 2026.
Educational Goals:
Learn skills for wilderness travel in one of the most remote wildernesses on Earth.
Experience important elements of Patagonian culture.
Grapple with the challenging questions raised by the landscape.
Instructors: Ben Hockenbarron & Maddy Scheer
Open to: Grades 9-12
Limit: 12 students
Cost: $5,180
Travel Dates: Friday, March 6 - Sunday, March 15
Please note that students playing for the Dawson varsity basketball team may miss the 1st round of the CHSAA Playoffs on March 6th.