Patagonia: Roots of Tomorrow
Immerse in Patagonia’s lesser-known natural treasures and traditions while supporting community self-sufficiency through food security and ecological education.
PATAGONIA, CHILE
Rooting Regeneration in Community & Land
Next Trip: March 9-20, 2027 | 12 Days
Embark on a transformative 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.
This volunteer travel program supports initiatives that empower local communities to become eco-sustainable and promotes regenerative agriculture, environmental education, and nature-based learning in schools. Outdoors, you’ll experience an epic adventure through northern Patagonia, immersing yourself in its breathtaking beauty while trekking, camping/backpacking, and staying on permaculture farms—all while actively supporting the region’s ecological efforts.
Join us in Patagonia to explore, support sustainability, and make a lasting impact.
“This experience was the closest to the earth that I have ever felt.”
— Rob M., Trip Participant
A Springboard for Empowerment
Ecological & Nature-Based Education
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. 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 implementing educational gardens and learning landscapes based on regenerative agriculture and pedagogy.
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.
“If you want a way to truly connect with Patagonia and live and breathe it, then this is the trip for you!”
— Lesa W., Trip Participant
Upcoming Trip Details
Patagonia × Puerto Ibáñez:
TBA 🌱
PUERTO IBAÑEZ, CHILE
March 9-20, 2027 | 12 Days
General Itinerary (Tentative)
Mar 9 — Meet in Coyhaique @ 5 PM, Orientation, & Welcome Dinner (hostel)
Mar 10 — Transport to Villa Cerro Castillo; Project Tour (cabaña)
Mar 11 — Project Volunteering at Escuela Aonikenk (cabaña)
Mar 12 — Project Volunteering at Escuela Aonikenk (cabaña)
Mar 13 — Farm Tour of Huerto La Piramide; backpacking orientation (cabaña)
Mar 14 — Trekking (backpacking)
Mar 15 — Trekking (backpacking)
Mar 16 — Trekking (backpacking)
Mar 17 — Trekking (backpacking)
Mar 18 — Optional rock climbing (cabaña)
Mar 19 — Transport to Coyhaique; Farewell Dinner (hostel)
Mar 20 — Breakfast; Departure
* Note: Weather in Patagonia is as unpredictable as it is beautiful. Flexibility will be key to ensuring everyone’s safety and enjoyment!
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ASAP: Show your interest by signing up below. We need a minimum of 8 participants to run the trip.
Jan 20, 2027: Donate/raise the initial deposit of $575.
Feb 20, 2027: Donate/raise the remaining minimum contribution of $2,700.
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Sign up for Patagonia commitment-free or chat with a trip leader to learn more.
Fundraising Goal for Patagonia: $3,275
Charitable Donation: $1,645
Covers the charitable project and Trek Relief operations, including materials, logistics, and volunteer support.
Trip Fees: $1,624
Covers all logistics, food, and accommodation required to make your adventure and trek comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.
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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: An exclusive t-shirt to wear during volunteer days and remember your adventure.
☑️ Farm Tour: Learn market gardening through a tour and savor farm-to-table meals by a local chef.
☑️ Exceptional Trail Services: Embark on a 3-day supported horse trek through the Patagonian steppe 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
Deposit: Raise/donate $575 to demonstrate your commitment and secure your spot.
How to Fundraise & Earn Credit Towards Your Trip
We offer several ways for you to offset the cost of your trip in order to make it more accessible and achievable.
Create a Fundraiser
Start a personalized fundraiser to spread the word and raise funds towards your trip, boost the impact of our programs, and empower others to get involved and contribute.
Double Your Impact
Find out if your employer or those in your network offer corporate matching programs that double your donation. Maximize your effort and reach your fundraising goals faster.
Earn Trip Credit
Earn your way to your next adventure through programs that offer trip credit toward your trip cost such as work trade, friend referrals, alumni discounts, and more.
Where Your Money Goes: Financial Transparency & Impact
At Trek Relief, we believe purposeful travel should leave a positive trace—both in the communities we visit and in how your money is used. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation, we are committed to complete financial clarity so you know exactly how your contribution drives change.
Non-Deductible (IRS Fair Market Value)
Direct Local ExperienceCovers your essential on-the-ground expenses—including local guides, accommodations, group meals, park permits, internal transit, and emergency support.
100% Tax-Deductible Contribution
Community Project FundDirectly funds community-identified projects—purchasing supplies, employing local labor, supporting project logistics, and advancing sustainable local development.
How Your Payment, Tax Deductions, & Crowdfunding Work
To better understand the tax deductibility of your contribution whether by direct donation or crowdfunding, as well as eligibility for corporate matching, please review our Ethos & Finance FAQ.
Project Scope
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-supported recyclable waste collection, organic gardens in schools, logistics, and pedagogical education on environmentalism, agroecology, and native medicinal plants—all with thoughtfully integrated cultural design.
Charitable Partner
Founded by our Program Directors as an organic extension of our work, Fundación Renoval is an independent nonprofit organization 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 Collaborators
Grantors
Our Impact in Patagonia
Total Funds Raised
5
Trips
31
Trekkers
230
Students Educated
1
Recycling Point Built
2
Outdoor Classrooms (Garden + Greenhouse) Built
40+
Plant Varieties Cultivated
6
Community Workshops Held
Recycling Collection Point Built + Educational Program Implemented | 2020
Greenhouse Built & Educational Gardens Planted | 2021
Community Workshops & Events Hosted | 2022
Building the Foundation for a Medicinal Plant Garden | 2023
Outdoor Permaculture School Classroom Built | 2024
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
The Trek Relief Patagonia program is aligned with the following:
“Trek Relief made my experience in Patagonia far more profound than just 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.”
— Jennifer H., Trip Participant
Join the Trip
Reserve your spot on this transformative journey to Patagonia and contribute to supporting regenerative communities and lands.
Patagonia × Puerto Ibáñez:
TBA 🌱
March 9-20, 2027 | 12 Days
Sign up to reserve your spot and connect with the Trip Leader— there’s no commitment when signing up.
Support Patagonia from Afar
If you’re unable to join us in Patagonia but still want to support this meaningful cause, you can contribute directly to our campaign to boost our impact for this project. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer preserving Patagonia’s cultural heritage, its people, and its land.
Meet Your Team
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Sarah Nguyen
PROGRAM DIRECTOR & TRIP LEADER
TREK RELIEFBased in Puerto Guadal, Sarah will lead you through permaculture & Patagonian culture from the unique perspective of a foreigner resident.
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Valentina Ríos
PROJECT COORDINATOR
FUNDACION RENOVALIn the heart of Villa Cerro Castillo, Vale is Renoval’s regional coordinator, a mountain guide & outdoor educator, dedicated to sharing the wild soul of Patagonia.
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Eduardo (Cheo) Díaz
FARM-TO-TABLE CHEF
ALMA VERDERaised in Puerto Aysén, Cheo serves up delicious Chilean and fusion cuisine using fresh ingredients from local organic farms...when he's not spinning as a DJ!
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Vicente (Vicho) Barahona
BACKPACKING DIRECTOR & GUIDE
ETHOS PATAGONIABased in Puerto Guadal, Vicho has professionally guided in various national parks and on projects related to the natural world and sustainable living since 2016.
“My experience through Trek Relief was adventurous, impactful, and soul filling. I can't wait to go on another trip!”
— Zia M., Trip Participant
Stories & Updates from Patagonia
Read more about the impact from past treks, news, and updates to the projects in Patagonia.
“Connecting with the local communities while volunteering and backpacking is a rewarding and ethical way to experience Patagonia. 10/10”
— Gus K., Trip Participant