This course is a wilderness expedition into the spectacular mountain region of Patagonia. It is focused on creating professional outdoor leaders who are safe, efficient, and confident. The course is taught in the shadow of the unique glaciated mountains of Torres del Paine National Park. Students will hike beneath the stunning peaks of Fitzroy and Cerro Torre while developing their leadership skills.
Participants will gain a thorough understanding of backpacking techniques, outdoor leadership, risk management and decision-making. In addition certification is available in wilderness education and backpacking leadership.
The Instructors and Guides of IWLS are experts who continue to raise the industry standards in all aspects of outdoor leadership. Their experience comes
from 15 years of teaching and leading expeditions around the globe, and over 75 Aconcagua expeditions. Their skill, knowledge, and positive attitudes help participants to have a great climb and a positive learning experience..
Below is a partial list of skills that will be focused on
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Cultural History
Sanitation
Spanish lessons
Sanitation
Wilderness survival skills
Hazard/risk assessment
International Travel
Emergency Protocols
Pulse oximeters
Navigation
Backpacking skills
Weather assessment
River Crossing
Cooking
Geology/Glaciology
Patagonia Flora and
Fauna
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Also Included in the Course is the Wilderness Education Associations basic 18-point curriculum. The Wilderness Education Association has been training and certifying
outdoor leaders for nearly 25 years, teaching students to safely and effectively lead groups
in the outdoors without harming the environment.
The International Wilderness Leadership Schools' educational model nurtures leadership development and creates an awareness of the guiding mentality
that is essential for leading safe, fun adventures in the mountains. Through a
combination of lesson plans, collaborative learning, and experiential education,
we will develop a strong experience base in the following areas:
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Leadership Skills
Decision Making
Group Processing Skills
Judgment
Risk Management
Group Management
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Course Location We will begin and end our course in the picturesque city of Punta Arenas, located at the bottom of the South American continent. The straights of Magellan border this historic seaport and great seafood abounds! There are many sights to see ranging from the maritime museum to local markets. We will spend a day here to prepare and plan for our upcoming backpacking expedition. Puerto Natales is a friendly fishing village surrounded by fjords and glaciers! We will spend a day and night here on our way to the park.
Torres del Paine National Park is located approximately three hours from Puerto Natales. It is home to some of the most striking scenery in South America with immense granite towers rising up from the surrounding plains. This unique wilderness area, renowned for its world class rock and alpine climbing, is one of the wildest places in the world. It is the perfect setting for students’ personal and professional development as outdoor leaders.
- No experience is necessary for enrollment in this course.
- University credit is available for this and other IWLS courses.
- This course can be combined with our other 24-day programs for a
semester of outdoor leadership, experiential education, and outdoor
recreation for credit!
Upon Completion of this Course participants may qualify for the following certifications:
- Certified Outdoor Leader
Wilderness Education Association
- 24 Day guide training certificate of completion
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