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Adventure Guide Program | Patagonia

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4.2 / 5Overall Rating
9Reviews
2016Year established

Program Overview

Based in El Chaltén for 12 weeks, participants will embrace the endless glaciers within Los Glaciares National Park and the towering peaks, including Fitz Roy, while advancing their hiking and rock climbing skills. With a unique structure of alternating weeks between rock climbing and hiking and a comprehensive outdoor first aid course, this program offers a well-rounded adventure travel and outdoor education experience.

Expert in-country IFMGA program instructors will guide you as you travel through remote landscapes in Patagonia and navigate new challenges. Experience amazing rock climbing routes and world-famous hiking trails while participating in cultural activities like horse riding and traditional Argentine BBQs.

Enjoy a small group tour in Patagonia with highly skilled local guides.

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Program Highlights

Embark on a 12-week adventure guide training program based in El Chaltén, the gateway to the trails surrounding the incredible peaks of the Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy mountains.
Equip yourself with the Wilderness First Aid training and qualification.
Experience living in a wild, remote, and exciting location.
Spend a week mountaineering and glacier trekking on Marconi glacier.
Learn from highly qualified and experience technical in-country instructors.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Some Equipment
Training
In-Country Orientation
Pre-Departure Orientation

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Argentina

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • After College
  • Post High School
  • During College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Pure Exploration

4.2
9 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
3
4
5
3
1
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Itinerary
4.2
Living Situation
4.2
Cultural Immersion
4.2
Program Administration
4.2
Health & Safety
4.2
Satisfaction
4.2

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-9 of 9 reviews

Savannah DrakeJanuary 2025

The way we were taught skills and then got to keep building on them was very empowering.

The location was incredible, the access to amazing climbing and hiking areas. Plus easy access to glaciers. Being trusted to use the skills we were taught was very rewarding. The way we were taught skills and then got to keep building on them was very empowering.

Laura MahoneyJanuary 2025

The best part was the group of students I got to do this program with.

The best part was the group of students I got to do this program with. Each person was unique and special and taught me something about friendship, overcoming challenges, appreciating each other's differences, managing stress and fear, the importance of communication, being a good leader, and building confidence to take on new challenges. I definitely couldn't have gotten through as much of the program as I did without their support and friendship. I also would say the level of challenge was excellent and exceeded my expectations, and forced me out of my comfort zone nearly every day and pushed me to grow personally and in my confidence in the outdoors. Also the location of the program in El Chalten, it became like home to us and is truly a trekking and nature lovers paradise.

Sophie LeonardJanuary 2025

The fast pace and steady progression of the climbing modules.

The highlight of the program for me was definitely the guides, especially the IFMGA-certified guides, who were exceptional. I really appreciated the fast pace and steady progression of the climbing modules, it felt like we were able to learn and advance quickly. The weeks flowed well, and the transition between guides was smooth and seamless.

Dakota AllenJanuary 2025

A invaluable and inspiring experience

Getting to learn rock climbing from some of the best climbers in Patagonia, was an invaluable and inspiring experience. Not only did we spend a bunch of time outdoors learning new skills and visiting cool places, we also built a community along the way that really impacted my overall experience in Patagonia.

Fay KargJanuary 2025

The best part of this program was getting to spend three months in this amazing town.

The location, the best part of this program was getting to spend three months is this amazing town. Our local guides were incredible and I came away from the course with more than just experience, I made amazing friends and got to feel like a part of the El Chaltén community.

Jocelyn GlennieJanuary 2025

The final expedition solidified that all of our skills (technical and social) came into place.

The best part of the program for me in particular would be the final expedition. During this time, I realized how much we have all learned individually and as a group to be able to come together and perform the way we did. It solidified that all of our skills (technical and social) came into place

Nicholas SalzanoApril 2024

Community building was fun

The best part about the Patagonia Adventure Guide Program for me was the community building of our group. Working to our individual and collective goals, and helping push each other in the direction people wanted to go.

Luke GeorgiouApril 2024

Too much to begin to narrow down

Week after week I was faced with challenges I had never dreamed of taking on prior. I carried on despite my self-doubt and I realised I achieved a lot of personal growth by the final week. Too much to begin to narrow down. And the things I got to experience… wow! Thank you.

Hayley HornitzkyApril 2024

The instructors were invested and passionate

The people, instructors, guides and practical skills taught made me feel empowered throughout the Pure Exploration program. The instructors were invested and passionate and wanted to teach us new skills.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about Pure Exploration.

What is included in the Patagonia Adventure Guide Program?

The program includes:

  • Pure Exploration Certificate of Guiding
  • 12 weeks of accommodation in El Chaltén
  • Technical equipment for rock climbing, hiking, and camping
  • Highly skilled IFMGA local program guides
  • Outdoor First Aid Training
  • Cultural experiences
  • Transport during program days
  • Small group tour and size

Who is this program for?

Our small group program in Patagonia is suitable for people of all skill levels. Whether you are new to the outdoors or a seasoned professional, learn new outdoor skills, embrace a different culture, and travel somewhere epic. This program is suitable for everyone.

What is the accommodation like?

You will be staying in a private hostel with the other program participants. You will share a room with someone else from the program. There is a shared kitchen, living areas, and bathrooms that all program participants will use. All restaurants, hiking trails, and rock climbing crags are within a 15-minute walk from the accommodation.

How fit do I need to be?

We strongly recommend that you are comfortable hiking with a 15kg/30lb backpack for at least 6 hours daily. You must also be comfortable spending up to five days a week outdoors, camping in remote locations, and prepared to deal with changing weather.

What locations will I visit on the program?

You will be based in El Chaltén for 12 weeks, and you will visit surrounding locations like:

  • Los Glaciares National Park
  • Cerro Torre
  • Laguna de los Tres
  • Marconi Glacier 

... and more!

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Adventure Travel
Innovation In Alumni Engagement 2024 Finalist
Innovative Intern Abroad Program 2024 Finalist
Adventure Mark Certified
NZOIA Associate Member
People's Choice 2022 Finalist
American Gap Association

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