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Adventure Patagonia

Learn about outdoor leadership, outdoor living skills, and the incredible ecosystems and culture of the Bariloche region of the Argentine Patagonia.

Trip Dates: December 17th, 2023 - January 2nd, 2024

Application Deadline - Friday, September 8th 

Apply Now!

You will be both challenged and r ewarded during this course as you execute a backpacking expedition over numerous mountain passes (including a couple summits!) as well as a kayaking expedition through glacier fed lakes - all in Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. You will learn proven methods for expedition planning and leadership and discover how personal and group decision-making strategies can contribute to social and environmental sustainability.

Start Your Adventure Patagonia Application!


Program Description

Trip Dates: December 17th, 2023 - January 2nd, 2024 /  Estimated Cost: ~$7,250

Application Deadline: Friday, September 8th

The primary activities for this course will be an 8-day backpacking/trekking expedition and a 4-day kayaking expedition.  This trip will allow you to celebrate Christmas in a unique way, and to bring in the New Year on the other side of the world! You’ll experience local culture and customs, and will engage your taste buds in a "curanto" - a culinary experience that translates to "hot stone." There will also be time for exploring the picturesque lakeside city of San Carlos de Bariloche - the capital of the southern lakes.

This course requires strenuous physical activity. The trip will involve backcountry hiking for approximately 30 miles with a backpack weighing somewhere between 25 and 40 pounds. The terrain is considered to be wilderness, with rough trails. Approximately 2/3 of the time, we will be sleeping on the ground in tents. We will experience a mixture of sun, rain, and maybe even snow, with the changes in temperature and weather conditions throughout our time in country. In order to participate, you must be willing to assume responsibility for the risks involved in the trip and be in physical shape to endure the conditions and activities included. You must obtain a doctor’s endorsement that you are prepared for the physical requirements of the course.


Program Includes

  • Undergraduate/graduate academic credits awarded through West Virginia University
  • International Airfare (round trip)
  • Lodging and most meals during scheduled in-country portion of the program
  • All adventure-based activities, including use of available equipment, such as backpacks and sleeping bags, through the Adventure West Virginia Program
  • All scheduled educational, adventure and cultural activities and transportation in country
  • Travel insurance
  • Special course materials, including books, multi-media, on-line tools and experiential fees

Additional Costs

  • You will need to plan for travel related expenses such as obtaining a passport, some personal gear, medical exams, etc.


Essential Eligibility

Please contact our office for more information:
Phone: 304.293.5221 | email: adventurewv@mail.wvu.edu