Fall Patagonia Exchange Expedition!

Alzar Gap’s fall Patagonia Exchange program has just made it back from our Paloma River Expedition! We had an incredible time rafting and kayaking down the Paloma River, then continuing across both Lago Elizalde and Lago Atravesado. Before our expedition, we headed out to the Manihuales River and the Aysen River for a swift water rescue and kayak course.

On the Paloma Expedition, students learned how to choose routes, and campsites, cook using whisperlite stoves, and pack all of their belongings on inflatable kayaks. Students began taking over as Leader of the Day, which involves setting the route, and schedule for the day, and discussing risk management strategies with their peers. The Leader of the Day role is a great way for students to learn decision-making strategies, and communication skills, and to develop an eye for risk management with guidance from instructors. I’ve been so impressed with the enthusiasm each student has brought to designing their assigned day. The group had incredible weather during the expedition and made it back to warm beds at Base Patagonia for an afternoon nap.

Over the next few days, we’ll be exploring the town of Coyhaique, and visiting a local school called Colegio Patagonia for cultural exchange with students in their English classes. The group will be getting ready for the next short expedition down the Rio Palena on Sunday to our oceanside accommodation at Reserva Anihue, in order to learn more about marine conservation in Patagonia.

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