Join the Garthwait Leadership Center (GLC) for a January Leadership Expedition! We will be backpacking in the remote mountains of Northern Patagonia in the Aysén region of Chile. This rugged and wild landscape still carries roots and practices of the Gaucho Culture. Access through this unique area is possible through collaborations and permissions of multiple local private land owners. Unlike heavily traveled parts of Patagonia, this area offers space of true exploration. Once in the remote wilderness, our itinerary is flexible, allowing us to adapt to each day—shaping the best possible trip together.

We will use this once in a life-time expedition to reflect on the nature of change and adaptability. We will alternate between pushing our limits, both physically and mentally, while also incorporating practices of awe, rest and reflection. This expedition allows individuals to reflect on the big questions: Who am I? What is my purpose? As a team, we will practice decision-making and collaboration while crossing the vast Patagonia wilderness with everything we need solely on our back.

This experience is made possible through various relationships with folks that call this region home. Mauricio, our local guide, will help us travel respectfully, connect with the community and discover hidden gems of his “backyard”.

What To Expect:

• Expect the unexpected: Expeditionary Learning puts the learner in uncomfortable, challenging conditions. It also exposes the learner to unexpected beauty, relationships, and experiences. We will be learning leadership skills for how to navigate situations when you don’t know what the next step will be. We will have an itinerary and it will change.
• Season and Weather: While it is winter in the United States, it will be Summer in South America! However, we will be in a mountainous region of Chile, which is known for extreme and rapid changes in weather. Prepare for day time highs in the 70s and nighttime lows in the 20s (-5 to 25 degree Celsius).
• Activity Level: This trip activity level is moderate-high due to hiking over rough terrain carrying 40-60 lb packs. Plan to hike 3-8 hours/day and likely encounter high winds, uneven ground, cold water, and heights. See the itinerary below for more details about the trip.
• Eligibility Criteria: We do require that participants have spent at minimum one night sleeping outdoors in a remote environment (or away from modern comforts). We offer free backpacking (November 7-9, 2025) and base-camp trips (September 26-28, 2025) this Fall if you need to have this experience. Other eligibility criteria include: Able to function with limited access to modern resources; able to operate in a communal setting, self-sufficiently, without external support; those with shoulder, wrist or back injuries should consult the trip leader and your physician before departing.

Expedition Dates

The Expedition Itinerary: January 3-17, 2026

• Day 0: Saturday, 1/3/26: Housing Open for expedition participants. Optional arrival day. No formal programing. Meals on your own.

• Day 1: Sunday, 1/4/26 - Arrive to Gettysburg College by 7 AM. Depart Gettysburg College and travel overnight to Balmaceda, Chile.

• Day 2: Monday, 1/5/26 - Arrive in Balmaceda, Chile. Travel in a van to Patagonia Base. Sleep indoors with hot showers in bunk style accommodations. Enjoy meals cooked by Chilean chefs.

• Day 3: Tuesday, 1/6/26 - Rest and recovery day at Patagonia Base.

• Day 4: Wednesday, 1/7/26 - Travel through the mountains to the beginning of our Trekking trip. Enter the field.

• Day 5-10: Thursday to Tuesday, 1/8/26-1/13/26: Wake up, cook breakfast over a camp stove in a small group, pack-up our backpacks, hike for between 2-4 hours. Take a break for lunch. Hike between 2-4 more hours until we setup a new camp. Personal reflection time. Group dinner. Outdoor classroom time and processing the day. Enjoy the stars and other natural wonders!

  We may have the opportunity to see glaciers, cross rivers, wade in glacial lakes, sit under 1000’ granite walls, and interact with elements of the local culture.

• Day 11: Wednesday, 1/14/26: Hike back to the van. Travel to a lodge for the next two nights with HOT showers.

• Day 12: Thursday, 1/15/26 - We will use this day for rest and recovery. It may include a day-trip depending on further logistical planning.

• Day 13: Friday, 1/16/26 -Travel back to Gettysburg. This will be a long travel day with an overnight flight.

• Day 14: Saturday, 1/17/26 - Arrive back to Gettysburg College.

Required Expedition Team Meetings: Fall 2025

We will be traveling, living and learning together. A group of individuals must come together as a team for a successful learning experience and expedition. We will gather three times prior to the field portion of the experience. These sessions are mandatory unless you have a class conflict**.**

• Session #1: Wednesday October 15-7:30am-9am Breakfast: Expedition Orientation 1.5 hours
• Session #2: Sunday, October 26th, 9 AM - 5 PM: Hiking Day Trip and Skills Session. Please Note-this is Family Weekend
• Session #3 (December 1st 6-9 PM)

Cost, Travel, Payment and Financial Assistance

Price: $4000. This price INCLUDES flights, lodging, transportation in Chile, international travel insurance, camping equipment and group meals while in Chile. Participants should bring money for four travel meals in airports and should prepare to gather required personal clothing and equipment for camping and trekking.

Travel