Adventure Tours in Rural Areas, Chile

Traveling through Patagonia and the American West, HMI students develop as outdoor skills, leadership capabilities, and environmental awareness. With options to choose a rock climbing or backpacking focus, students explore the landscapes of Patagonia, Colorado, and Utah, investigating critical local issues and gaining experience as environmental stewards. Through living and traveling with a small group of peers and instructors, students focus on practicing leadership and working effectively as a team. HMI offers fall (80 days) and spring (60 days) traveling gap semester options for high school graduates and current college students. HMI Gap integrates a high-level wilderness (backpacking, rock climbing) curriculum, environmental field studies focused on exploring local conservation issues and participating in service projects, and the cultivation of leadership and maturity among a tight-knit group of peers. Students have the option to enroll in two different 3-credit courses through Western Colorado University. Since 1998, HMI has offered empowering experiences in inspiring surroundings, boldly uniting place-based and hands-on learning with the natural world.