Patagonia Adventure Guide Program

An Alpinists' Dream Destination

Patagonia Adventure Guide Program

Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Patagonia on our Adventure Guide Program. Over 12 transformative weeks, you'll explore the remote town of El Chaltén, nestled at the foot of the iconic Fitz Roy.

Experience the diverse terrains of Los Glaciares National Park, where you'll traverse vast glaciers, rugged mountains and lush valleys. Picture yourself enjoying traditional Argentine BBQs, riding horseback through sprawling pampas and sipping mate as you connect deeply with the raw, untamed wilderness.

Dive deep into the heart of Patagonia’s extraordinary landscapes while learning outdoor skills in one of the worlds most unique alpine destinations.

Expedition Dream

Patagonia is home to the worlds best hiking, rock climbing and mountaineering. It's truly an alpinists' dream destination.

Learn From The BEst

The team in Patagonia holds the highest outdoor qualifications (IFMGA) and will guide, mentor and instruct you in the outdoors.

Diverse Terrains

Conquer rocky mountains, navigate endless glaciers and hike in alpine wonderlands. No two days are the same.

Immersive Experiences

Blending Argentine culture with with remote landscapes and outdoor skills acquisition; embrace every experience.

Download the Patagonia Program Brochure

This is a guide to what you can expect to do on program, the experiences you will have and the activities you will participate in. The order in which the activities occur might vary.

The Why?

Picture yourself surrounded by the immensity of Patagonia’s towering peaks and vast glaciers, exploring the remote wilderness of Los Glaciares National Park. In the shadow of Fitz Roy’s jagged peaks, you and your team will navigate rugged trails and icecaps, relying on each other for safety, teamwork and camaraderie.

The isolation of El Chaltén fosters deep bonds as you share moments of challenge, wins and laughter with those around you. Beyond the impressive landscapes, you’ll also embrace Argentine culture; savouring traditional asados, sipping mate around campfires and riding horses across expansive plains. Build lasting connections and master outdoor skills in this iconic environment.

Trust us, it'll be like something you've never experienced before.

Where Will You Go?

Based in El Chaltén, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, you'll spend 12 weeks hiking, climbing and exploring the surrounding areas. The Patagonian Ice Cap is the third largest extension of ice of the world and the biggest in South America; get ready to explore all it has to offer. Think hiking beneath Fitz Roy or explore the glacier-fed Laguna de los Tres.

Challenge yourself on the remote Paso del Viento pass (1428m above sea level) as you tackle the Huemul Circuit, crossing rugged terrain with panoramic views of the enormous Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

From the granite walls of Wescho to the icecaps of Paso Marconi, this journey blends cultural immersion, skills acquisition and natural beauty.

Program Dates & Price

Secure your spot on one of our upcoming programs:

  • 15 Jan 2025 - 8 Apr 2025
  • 22 Oct 2025 - 13 Jan 2026
  • 14 Jan 2026 - 7 Apr 2026
  • 21 Oct 2026 - 13 Jan 2027

The program price includes everything listed in the program inclusions and program itinerary.

  • USD $11,500

What's Included?

  • Highly experienced local program instructors who are with you from start to finish (including an IFMGA guide)
  • All accommodation and transport for the duration of your program, all activities and experiences outlined in the itinerary, all necessary equipment for activities and experiences and all national park and other entry fees
  • Pure Exploration Certificate of Guiding, Advanced Outdoor First Aid Course, week long mountaineering course on Marconi Glacier and Logbook Training and Experience
  • Access to your own "Traveller Area" where you can find relevant and important documents for your arrival
  • 24/7 Emergency Phone number during program & Customer service team for all pre-departure support

Sample Itinerary

Module 1

Our itineraries follow a modular approach to the weekly activities as you plan and prepare your bush, rock or outdoor expedition you will embrace a progressive journey.

Highlight

Based in the small town of El Chaltén you will truly be living in an alpinists' dream location. With iconic sites only 15 minutes walk from your accommodation.

Capstone Activity

Spend a week on Marconi Glacier learning the technical in's and out's of mountaineering and glacier navigation before completing the challenging Marconi Glacier Pass over five days.

Outcome

Learn advanced outdoor skills in varying terrain that will set you apart from other outdoor explorers; setting you up as a confident outdoor leader.

Setting You Up
For Success

Hear it from those who have done it before you.

What's Next?

Gray has always loved the outdoors, he's based his life around the outdoors; from kayaking to rock climbing and everything in between. He knows he wants a career in the outdoors and he's out there chasing it. Joining our Adventure Guide Program as an already experienced outdoor explorer, Gray's goal was to upskill in new terrain types and advanced skills to better enhance his career opportunities.

Upon completing the program he has gone to Alaska and is working as an expedition leader onboard The Safari Endeavour, where he manages a team of up to 10 guides, all off-vessel excursions and itinerary scheduling and logistics.

"Each day brings a new adventure in which I guide expeditions such as shore walks, off trail hiking (bushwhacking), sea kayaking, and zodiac tours. Every day I must ensure that I am prepared by interpreting weather, tides, and guest ability levels."

- Grayson R. USA

What Will You Gain?

Pure Exploration Certificate of Guiding
with an outline of the skills you have learned and
terrain types you have covered.

Comprehensive Five Day
Wilderness Advanced First
Aid Course and Certificate.

Gain advanced logbook training
and experience that is signed off by highly
qualified IFMGA and UIMLA guides.

Testimonials

★★★★★

I was so impressed with the variety of terrain, weather conditions and the breathtaking environments that were experienced throughout each trail and climbing route.

Luke G.
United Kingdom
★★★★★

For me the best part of the program was the community building of our group. Working towards our individual and collective goals, and helping push each other in the direction we wanted to go.

Nicholas S.
USA
★★★★★

The instructors were invested, passionate and wanted to teach us everything they knew which made us all feel empowered to do more with the skills we learnt!

Hayley H.
Australia
★★★★★

The Adventure Guide Program is an amazing program! Learnt so much and had so much fun! Already been offered employment in adventure guiding!

Gabriel F.
Canada
★★★★★

The experience was everything I could've hoped for. Learned a ton, had a blast, did awesome things in incredible places and made lifelong friends.

Max S.
USA

Program Gallery

Who we work with, NZOIA logo | Pure Exploration
Who we work with, Go Abroad logo | Pure Exploration
Who we work with, GoOverseas logo | Pure Exploration