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Argentina Trip

Patagonia Ecotourism

December 30 – January 12

Stout Adventures and PLAY It Forward will combine Ecotourism and Adventure Travel to offer you a 14 day experience second to none.

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ABOUT THE TRIP

This trip combines Ecotourism and Adventure Travel to offer you a 14 day experience second to none. Generally speaking, ecotourism focuses on volunteering, personal growth, and learning new ways to live on the planet. Adventure travel is a type of tourism involving exploration to remote and exotic areas where the traveler experiences a level of physical activity, cultural exchange and engagement with nature. We will travel through Argentina into the famous region known as Patagonia. We will work with the Argentinean National Park System to improve the landscape. We will hike near glaciers, kayak the waters of the Andean Mountains, trek the highlands of Patagonia, and visit the local communities along the way.

LOCATIONS

Buenos Aires - According to Travel + Leisure Magazine in 2007, travelers voted Buenos Aires the second most desirable city to visit after Florence, Italy. Its cobblestoned streets and buildings from the colonial era attest to its long history. There are churches, museums, antique shops and "Antique Fairs" in historic Dorrego Square, where the streets on weekends are filled with performers such as tango dancers.
San Carlos de Bariloche - is a city in the province of Río Negro, Argentina, situated on the foothills of the Andes, surrounded by lakes and mountains. It is famous for sight-seeing, water sports, trekking and climbing. Trekking in the mountains, almost completely wild and uninhabited with the exception of a few high-mountain huts, is also a popular activity. The city is famous for its chocolates.
Patagonia - Patagonia is a geographic region containing the southernmost portion of South America. Mostly located in Argentina and partly in Chile, it comprises the Andes mountains to the west and south, and plateau and low plains to the east. The name Patagonia comes from the word patagon used by Magellan to describe the native people who his expedition thought to be giants.
Nahuel Huapi National Park - Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapí is one of the jewels of Argentina. This is a spectacular area of lakes and rivers carved from ancient glaciers, majestic mountains, inviting valleys, meadows, Valdivian forests and wildflowers. The glacier at Perito Moreno and iceberg-dotted lakes elicit oohs and ahs. The park is famous for its rich wildlife and it covers many biotopes.
Pampa Linda - a compound of buildings that belonged to an old farm at the base of Mt. Tronador, close to its glaciers. It is also the departing point to the hike that takes you to the mountain huts on top.
Mt. Tronador and Glaciers- This impressive 12,000 ft high mountain is the highest in Nahuel Huapi National Park. Its highest summit establishes the international boundary between Chile and Argentina. Even though Mt. Tronador does not have the classical cone shape, it is an old volcano, which became extinct many years ago.

ACTIVITIES

Nahuel Huapi National Park Volunteer – We will spend 3 days inside the park with rangers re-introducing native tree species and rebuilding trails, pathways and campsites.
Leave No Trace Certification – Certified Leave No Trace instructors through the National Outdoor Leadership School will educate us on the importance of practicing environmental ethics. You will earn a LNT certification upon completion.
Backpacking –We will hit the Nahuel Huapi National Park hut-to hut trail system and spend three consecutive days trekking through the very remote backcountry. Wildlife and panoramic views will surround us during the days and we’ll sleep in our tents under the South American night sky.
Sea Kayaking – Views from a sea kayak and traveling in stealth mode on the water, we will have plenty of bird and marine life watching opportunities as we paddle the majestic waters of the glacier carved Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Glacier Walking – You will see and feel crevasses, moulans and catabatic winds up close and personal with a day hike on a glacier.
Day of Choice – Want to experience Argentina’s extreme side? You can choose one of the following three adventures: White Water Rafting; Horseback riding; or a Canopy Zip Line tour
Buenos Aires – Urban exploration – Before and after flights into Buenos Aires we’ll have time to explore this beautiful city.
Banquet –On our final night we will reconvene at dinner time for one last banquet together.

Other Information

ACCOMODATIONS – Include Hotels, Hostels and Tents

EXPERIENCE - The trip requires that you are physically able to complete the activities outlined above. Some trekking and sea kayaking may require a higher level of physical conditioning. You must be able to carry a 50 - 60 lb backpack. A note of doctor’s clearance is required. Previous experience in the adventure activities is NOT required but a tolerance for nature’s unpredictability is! Activities will be led by qualified guides and all equipment and instruction is provided by either the university or local guides.

EQUIPMENT - All the equipment needed for camping and adventure activities will be provided. Participants must provide their personal clothing, toiletries and personal medications. There will be no additional fee for the use of university equipment. A comprehensive packing list will be provided at registration.

Trip Costs:
Cost - $3,999 prior to September 5th
$4,100 after September 5th

Price includes airfare, lodging & camping fees, adventure activities, ground transportation, equipment, guides & instruction and food on backcountry portions of the trip.

Price excludes – food in front country portions, souvenirs, tips, and personal needs…

Sign-up Information:
Sign-Up By: September 26th by 10:00pm
Only 11 spots available!
Sign-Up at Stout Adventures (56 Sports & Fitness Center)
Preference will be given to UW-Stout students. A limited number of spots for non-students may be available.

Payment Schedule:
$500 deposit due at Trip Sign-Up
$1,500 due by October 10th
Remaining balance due by pre-trip meeting on Tuesday December 9th

Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation prior to October 10th receive 50% deposit back
Cancellation after October 10th forfeits all costs

Mandatory Meeting Dates:
A mandatory Pre Trip Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday December 9th at 7pm.

Informational Meetings:
Come learn more and ask questions Thursday September 4th at 7pm in the Northwoods room of the Student Center.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Tim Mertz @ (715) 232-5190 or Stout Adventures @ (715) 232-5625