Programs | WINTER Programs | CHILE

The Program

Chile, the world’s longest and narrowest country, is a land of extremes. Running its length are the towering Andes, with the dry Atacama Desert in the north eventually transitioning to Patagonia—the remote and mysterious region in the south. Chilean Patagonia was among the last places to be reached by humans, and its diverse landscapes, shaped by volcanoes, rivers, and glacial movement, are home to fascinating species that evolved in near isolation. Alerce trees grow to be over 5000 years old, while the lush understory provides shelter to remarkable creatures such as the pudu, the world’s smallest deer.

Traversing the Los Lagos region of Chilean Patagonia, students will make their way from the Andes to the Pacific coast as they study temperate ecosystems, biogeography, and Chile’s rich culture. Although sites may vary between years, students can expect to stay at private conservation parks, trek through the Andes, and camp along the coast as they become familiar with ambitious efforts to protect the land. Program highlights include being surrounded by massive granite walls and ancient forests while trekking in Valle de Cochamó, a historic trail that follows an old trade route between Chile and Argentina; engaging with people who are spearheading conservation initiatives through park establishment, rewilding, and community-led projects; being immersed in the Valdivian temperate rainforest, an ideal setting to learn about endemic species and what makes them so vulnerable; camping on the flanks of Volcán Calbuco, which erupted in 2015, creating a natural laboratory to study ecological succession and how active volcanism impacts local communities; learning about Darwin’s regional scientific endeavors while at the Senda Darwin Biological Research Station, a site of international significance for measuring carbon fluxes; hiking along the stunning Pacific coast and through the tangled tepú forest on Chiloé, Chile’s second largest island, while hoping to spot penguins and the elusive Darwin’s fox; and experiencing special cultural exchanges through shared meals, while learning how remote communities depend on the land for their livelihoods.

By the end of the program, students will understand why Chilean Patagonia is unique in terms of its natural history, its culture, and why it has gained world recognition among conservationists. Through research projects, field journals, and participation in long-term monitoring projects, students will acquire a set of field skills applicable to their future careers, while our cultural interactions will inspire students and leave a lasting respect for the Chilean people. 

Stories From the Field

Bella Ivory

Chile 2024 Alumni

“The six weeks I spent in the Patagonia region of Chile on the Wildlands 2024 program were truly the best of my life, filled with learning, personal growth, and lots of friendships. We explored the diverse landscapes of Chile, from active volcanoes and fjord systems to rugged coastlines and diverse forests types. Among the many unforgettable experiences, trekking through the Coachamo Valley—surrounded by towering granite walls—was where I felt the most personal transformation, both mentally and physically, as we hiked through the challenging terrain for 12 days.

As a highlight, we ended our trek on a permaculture farm, where we learned about and took part it sustainable agriculture, a truly eye opening experience that became one of my favorite parts of the journey and shifted the way I think about food consumption.

Our adventure then took us to the shores of Chiloe Island, where we immersed ourselves in conservation efforts and the rich indigenous traditions of the Mapuche people. We had the unique opportunity to learn about local culture, cooking and sharing meals rooted in Chilean tradition. By the end of the trip, I had not only formed lifelong friendships, but also improved my Spanish, gained a deeper understanding of Patagonia’s physical and cultural landscape, and created memories that I will carry with me forever.”

Watch the Chile Video

Program Photo Gallery

Amy Concilio

lead instructor

PHD in Environmental Studies, UC Santa Cruz, 2012

Amy is a plant ecologist whose research examines land management, conservation, and restoration approaches in the context of climate change. She has over two decades of experience conducting fieldwork in grassland, shrubland and forested ecosystems of the western US, China, Costa Rica, and Mexico. Much of her recent work focuses on the role of natural systems in helping address the climate crisis through both adaptation and mitigation. Amy is currently based in Austin, TX, where she teaches interdisciplinary environmental science courses at St. Edward’s University, leads a climate-resiliency lab, and helps steward a campus food forest. She co-taught our Yellowstone program in 2018 and currently leads our Chile program.