PATAGONIA,
Chile
Pueblos y Tierras Regenerativas:
Regenerative Communities & Lands
$90,132 RAISED
Embark on an unparalleled journey to the Aysén region of Chilean Patagonia—a destination that promises both thrilling adventures and an opportunity to leave a meaningful imprint on the land and its people. With each year, its mesmerizing landscapes draw more travelers to its embrace, creating a harmonious blend of sustainable exploration and local regeneration.
“The experience was the closest to the earth that I have ever felt.”
A Springboard for Empowerment
Food & Health Sovereignty
Background
The Aysén region stands as a beacon for those seeking the road less traveled, compared to Patagonia’s more prominent south. Once a hidden gem, it is transforming into a coveted haven for trekking, climbing, and soaking in the natural wonders of the surrounding national reserves and parks. On our journey along one of the world’s “ultimate road trips,” we’ll awe at mighty waterfalls, gem-colored lakes, and organic farms, all while embodying the principles of conscious travel.
Join Our Mission
But there's more to this journey than just adventure. By traveling with us, you'll become part of a noble cause, dedicated to preserving the delicate balance between nature and expansion in the region. Dive into our charitable initiatives that empower you to fundraise, donate, and volunteer—every step you take will contribute to the conservation of this pristine region's natural resources and the healthy well-being of its community through regenerative agriculture.
Project Scope & Impact
With our Chilean partner organizations, we collaborate with small villages in the Aysén region on sustainability projects that assure the simultaneous protection and enjoyment of their extraordinary landscape.
Our program implements community-based recyclable waste collection points, organic gardens in schools, logistics, and education on environmentalism, agroecology, and native medicinal plant knowledge—all with thoughtfully integrated cultural design.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
Our work aligns with the UN SDGs, specifically targeting:
Zero Hunger: Achieving food security and improved nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture
Responsible Consumption & Production: Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns
(Note: The content of this publication has not been approved by the United Nations and does not reflect the views of the United Nations or its officials or Member States)
Charitable Partner
Fundación Renoval
Founded by our Program Directors as a natural extension of our work, Renoval is an independent NGO established in Chile. While operating separately, it shares our mission and platform, advancing Trek Relief’s legacy through on-the-ground, community-driven impact.
Project Partners
Grantors
“Trek Relief made my experience in Patagonia so much more profound than just about the hiking. They really opened up my eyes to volunteer work and what we can all do to help protect our earth. I am a changed person and I truly thank Trek Relief for that.”
Upcoming Trips
Villa Cerro Castillo × Roots of Tomorrow 🪴
March 11-22, 2025 (12 days)
Purpose: A Celebratory Culmination
After 4 years of dedication, we’re finally reaching the culmination of our project at Villa Cerro Castillo, and you’re invited to help us cross the finish line.
Since 2020, we’ve built an organic garden and modern greenhouse to support sustainable health and food sovereignty, training a local gardener to integrate it into the school’s program with students and teachers—all within Patagonia’s challenging environmental and cultural landscape.
Now, we’re bringing it all together with a special trip to finalize the project. Join us to build a pedagogical educational landscape and food forest, as well as create an official educational curriculum—creating a scalable model that can inspire and grow throughout the Aysén region and integrate directly into the education system.
This is more than a trip; it’s a celebration and a chance to leave a lasting legacy.
General Itinerary
Mar 11: Meet in Coyhaique @ 5 PM, orientation & welcome dinner (hostel)
Mar 12: Transport to Villa Cerro Castillo; project orientation (hostel)
Mar 13: Project volunteer work (hostel)
Mar 14: Project volunteer work (hostel)
Mar 15: Transport to Alma Verde (glamping)
Mar 16: Permaculture immersion; backpacking orientation (glamping)
Mar 17: Backcountry backpacking (camping)
Mar 18: Backcountry backpacking (camping)
Mar 19: Backcountry backpacking; transport to Alma Verde (glamping)
Mar 20: Permaculture immersion (glamping)
Mar 21: Transport to Coyhaique; farewell dinner (hostel)
Mar 22: Departure
* In Patagonia, weather is wholly unpredictable and conditions change on a whim, which may require us to adjust the itinerary to assure our safety and happiness during the trip.
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ASAP: please let us know your intent to join us by signing up below.
Feb 1, 2025: Donate/raise the initial deposit of $800.
Feb 28, 2025: Donate/raise the remaining minimum contribution of $2100.
“I had an amazing experience in Patagonia with Trek Relief. I really enjoyed spending time in the forest and learning about permaculture.”
Fundraising Goal
Reach these benchmarks by donating, fundraising, or offering skills in exchange.
Trip Cost:
$1,450
Covers all logistics, food, and accommodation required to make your travel and trek comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.
Charitable Donation:
$1,450
Directly funds the charitable project hosted by our local partner, covering the materials, logistics, and volunteer work.
Total Contribution: $2,900
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☑️ Tax-Deductible Donation: Maximize your impact with tax-deductible options (including company matching!) for the charitable portion of your trip, letting you contribute meaningfully while saving money.
☑️ Food, Accommodations, and Transportation: Enjoy local meals, cozy lodging, and all land/sea transportation during the trip.
☑️ Trek Relief Shirt: A special edition t-shirt to wear during volunteer days and remember your adventure.
☑️ Permaculture Lesson: Learn sustainable living through hands-on lessons and savor farm-to-table meals by a local chef.
☑️ Exceptional Trail Services: Embark on a 3-4 day self-supported trek through Patagonia with expert guides and all necessary permits.
☑️ Volunteer Work & Community Projects: Make a lasting impact by funding and joining hands-on volunteer projects that directly benefit local communities.
☑️ Authentic Local Partnerships: Work alongside reputable NGOs deeply connected to the local communities.
☑️ Immersive Cultural Experiences: Experience life with local residents, gaining unique perspectives and meaningful connections.
☑️ Embodied Conscious Travel: Dive into conscious travel, connecting deeply with the land and environment.
☑️ Empowerment and Leadership: Learn, lead, and make a difference—gain tools and opportunities to lead a trip or create your own program someday.
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☐ International airfare to/from Coyhaique (Balmaceda airport: BBA)
☐ Airport transfers
☐ Alcohol
☐ Gratuities
Support the Project
Whether you join a trip or support remotely, you can donate directly or start your own fundraising campaign to help empower sustainable villages in Patagonia. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our mission of serving small communities and protecting their natural environment.
Upon reserving your spot, you can schedule a 1:1 call with the Trip Leader.
“To witness the human impact of Trek Relief, and to see how Sarah and Seba collaborated with the local people to discover what would best support them, and then create something together in Chile, was truly inspiring. I really appreciated how the project was developed jointly with the community.”
Meet Your Team
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Sarah Nguyen
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
& TRIP LEADERBased locally in the Aysén region, Sarah will lead you through Patagonian culture from the unique perspective of a foreigner resident.
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Sebastián Arriagada
PROJECT FACILITATOR
From Santiago, Seba is an Environmental Lawyer and will become your new Chilean friend when passing through the capital city.
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Eduardo (Cheo) Díaz
CHEF
A true Patagon from Puerto Aysén, Cheo serves up delicious Chilean and fusion cuisine using fresh ingredients from nearby farms...when he's not spinning as a DJ!
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Vicente (Vicho) Barahona
TREKKING GUIDE
From Viña del Mar and based in Aysén, Vicho has guided in different national parks and worked on projects related to the natural world and sustainable living since 2016.
“The food was creative, thoughtfully prepared and packaged and, most importantly, delicious.”