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:

* 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

Qualifications

Volunteers have ranged in age and ability. Some of our hardest-working volunteers on other expeditions were in their mid-seventies. Volunteers should be able to hike with a day pack on park trails and perform a variety of trail maintenance assignments.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2,950

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

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

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 5-6

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