Trekking for kids

Our expedition begins in Buenos Aires, the vibrant and beautiful capital city of Argentina. With its classic architecture, diverse population and lively nightlife, it is a city with a unique energy and European flair.

Trek

From Buenos Aires, we will fly to El Calafate, Argentina and then go by bus to El Chalten, in Los Glaciares National Park. Here we will hike the famous Laguna de los Tres trail which will take us to stunning views of Mt. Fitz Roy. Afterwards we will return to El Calafate where we will visit the Perito Moreno glacier- the awe-striking glacier is one of the few glaciers that is advancing, not retreating. With breathtaking views that change every day, this glacier is one of the magnificent natural wonders that Argentina has to offer. After staying overnight in El Calafate, we will take a private bus to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile where we will be trekking the famous W – route for 5 days. The trek is accessible to hikers of all levels and boasts vistas of stunning mountains with their vivid colors and tall, jagged peaks. One of the many wonders of Chile, these five days are one of the highlights of this trip. After our trek in Torres del Paine we travel to Punta Arenas. Here we will embark on a boat through the Magellan Strait to Magdalena and Marta Islands to visit the penguin and sea lion colonies before returning to our home country.

Our Trek in Torres del Paine will be partially supported by porters. We will walk an average of 5-10 hours a day and sleep in mountain huts or hotels. We require that all Trekkers be in excellent physical condition and able to hike for several hours, non-stop, carrying a daypack. It is important that a good physical conditioning program be undertaken at least two months before departure.

Orphanage

Trekkers will spend several days with the children at our selected orphanage in Buenos Aires. Before the trek we will spend time getting to know the children, play games with them and work on significant improvement projects at their home. After the Trek, we will return to the orphanage for a couple of more days of fun. We will take the children on a field trip to a nearby point of interest, finish up any uncompleted work projects and then celebrate our time together with food, music, and dancing.

Please contact Tricia Donaldson, Director of Operations, for more information.

Cost

Trip Cost: $3695
Fundraising Commitment: $1000

Included

• TFK trip leader
• 5 day partially supported, guided Trek in Torres del Paine and 2 days in Los Glaciares (you only carry a daypack)
• Local guides on Trek
• Guided ice trek on on glacier (crampons included)
• Tour of Perito Moreno glacier
• 4 nights in mountain huts in Torres del Paine
• Guest houses and hotels, double or triple occupancy in Buenos Aires, El Chalten, El Calafate, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas
• All meals on Trekking portion of itinerary
• Breakfast and lunch or dinner on non-Trek days
• All ground and air transportation including flight to El Calafate from Buenos Aires and private bus to Torres del Paine and Punta Arenas
• Airport pick up and drop off at scheduled arrival and departure times
• Field trip and party with the children
• TFK shirts, buff, and luggage tags
• Tips for local trekking crew
• Torres del Paine and Los Glarciares National Park entrance fees
• Catamaran fees in Torres del Paine
• Boat tour to Magdalena and Marta Islands (Penguin and Sea lions)
• Group travel insurance (US and Canadian citizens only)

Not Included

• Airfare to Buenos Aires and return from Punta Arenas
• Reciprocity entrance fees for Argentina
• Airport departure taxes if applicable
• Several meals
• Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, or bottled water

Expedition Requirements

• 18 years or older
• Good health
• Physically fit
• Willing to raise minimum $1000 for orphanage

3 Step Process

1. Apply • Fill out the online application
• Pay $500 deposit ($50 non-refundable)

2. Prepare • Read Information and Fundraising Packet from TFK
• Start a training regimen if not already exercising regularly
• Fundraise for orphanage projects
• Gather all necessary gear for the Trek
• Pay remaining Expedition fees
• Arrange flights

3. Experience • Arrive in-country and meet your TFK group leaders and fellow Trekkers.
• Enjoy a trip of a lifetime!

We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, both before and during your Expedition.

Click here to read about TFK’s Registration and Cancellation Policies.

Download Schedule here.

Details coming soon. Please check back.

Patagonia occupies 260,000 square miles spanning Argentina and Chile.

El Calafate, Argentina, was named after a southern Patagonian thorny bush of the same name. It blooms in the springtime with small yellow flowers and produces bluish-black berries in the summer. According to legend, those who eat this fruit will always return to Patagonia; it’s often made into jam.

Argentina’s Perito Moreno Glacier, which contains the world’s third largest reserve of fresh water, is one of just two glaciers in all of South America that is growing. This phenomena baffles scientists, as most of the world’s glaciers are shrinking because of climate change.

The small Argentine mountain village of El Chalten – a native tehuelche Indian word meaning “smoking mountain” because the clouds that typically envelope the peaks look like smoke– is home to Mount Fitz Roy range. It’s named in honor of Robert FitzRoy, who captained the HMS Beagle that charted large swaths of the Patagonian coast.

Mt. Aconcagua of Argentina is the tallest mountain in South America at 22,831 ft.

Argentina is bordered by Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay and Chile.

Buenos Aires is the most European city in Latin America, full of ornate French style buildings fronted along tree lined boulevards with fountains, parks and sidewalk cafes.

Tango, mate and soccer are the biggest Argentinean passions.

The milonga is a social dance party where tango is danced. This is a dance that developed in San Telmo and has European influence. This dance has come back into fashion and is being danced more frequently by younger generations.

Argentina has been the place where some of the oldest and largest fossils of dinosaurs have been unearthed.

Fundraising Resources

After signing up for an Expedition, Trekkers receive a Fundraising Kit, and access to the Trekker Resource Center, with online tips and tools to help you succeed.

TFK Promo DVD • past trek project highlights
• how your donations are used

TFK Brochures • brief version of the website in printed form
• great introduction to TFK for your donors

Personal Fundraising Page
• solicit donations on your page
• set fundraising goals
• track progress in real time
• post a message to your donors
• donors can send a message to you

Other Resources • Ideas for raising your $1000
• form letters to help you get started
• fundraising logs
• receipts and forms
• orphanage project flyer
• slide presentation about orphanage projects, and how donors funds will be used

Contact our Director of Operations, Tricia Donaldson, for more information.