For 7 days participants will complete the Cerro Castillo Trek and explore the culture and surroundings of this Patagonian region.
The Cerro Castillo Reserve offers a unique and beautiful remote trekking location. This area is characterized by lush forests, clear rivers, colorful lakes and sharp peaks. The specific area offers navigation challenges requiring strategy, cooperation, and backpacking and raft building skills. Elevation at it’s highest will be 4,600 ft
Activities and Risks
Activities include navigation and route finding, river crossing, and tent camping, raft building. Risks include multi-day exposure, hypothermia, fast water, and isolated travel.
- This region is comparable to the more popular Fitz Roy and Torres del Paine National Parks in Patagonia, but it is still quiet and preserved from the mass visitors.
- The Rio Ibanez is the main river through the region.
- Animals in the reserve include South Andean deer, guanacos, pumas and South American foxes. Notable birds that inhabit in the area are the austral parakeet and the Andean Condor. The Lenga is the most common tree species in the reserve.
Training
The trip requires a moderate level of physical conditioning. Venture Fellows will consult with participants about required training programs.
Costs, Equipment and Lodging
The cost is $3,800 and covers all transportation Costs in Chile as well as: Professional fees, park entrance, lodging (1st and last night of hotel/lodge).
Participants will be provided with gear lists for the expedition.
Snapshot
- Participant fee: $3,900 (land fee)
- Number of seats per venture: 24
- Location: Cerro Castillo, Chile
Students talk about the leadership lessons learned during a week of mountain trekking in Chile’s Patagonia region as part of a Wharton Leadership Venture.
Partner Organization
