Ross- UMichigan MBA Program (March 2023)

Thank you so much for planning and coordinating a great trip to Patagonia National Park! It exceeded my expectations and I really enjoyed learning more about the land, ecosystem, and the history of the park from all of you. I'm excited to continue learning more about the Patagonia region and I can't wait to make it back some day to explore more. - Colin Stelljes

Thank you for sharing Patagonia with me and the group! It was (and is) one of the most awe-inspiring places I have been to - the journey will stay with me forever. Gratitude to a fantastic leader team, as well. - Nikunj Bhimsaria

Duke MBA Program (December 2022)

Chulengo gave us an incredible experience and lifelong memories in the Aysen Region of Patagonia. We began planning a trip for 20+ Duke University students in the summer of 2022. From the outset, Nadine and the Chulengo team gave us confidence and made orchestrating the trip straightforward. Myriad details—from when/where to fly, where to stay prior to hiking, what to do in and around the region post hike, etc.—were highlighted early in the process, reducing complexity and uncertainty. 

During the hike, we could not have been more impressed. The area is breathtaking, the terrain varied and unique, and the water glacial blue. One of the most unique aspects of this trip was how remote the Aysen region of Patagonia is. We initiallly considered visiting other more well-traveled regions of Patagonia, but in hindsight, coming to this region was the best choice. Over our week-long trip, we rarely saw anyone else and truly had a backcountry experience. 

Further, our Chulengo guides led us through the intriguing history of the region, and we had the surreal experience of gaining a deep understanding and respect for the land in real-time. Our guides struck a perfect balance of leading and developing, leaving us enriched and empowered each day. Planning the trip with Chulengo was tremendously helpful and added immeasurable value to our Patagonia experience. Whether your trip is large or small, long or short, Chulengo is THE choice for exploring Patagonia. 

— Joe Seals and Jack Clark, Duke BOLD Co-Chairs

Holly O’Hara (December 2022)

I wanted to thank you for coordinating such an incredible trip for us. I am especially grateful to have had Vale and Jorge as our guides and I don't think I could have made it through the trek without them! I also learned so much from both of them about Patagonia - including the geography, history, and culture of the region. Thank you so much.

Hudson Baird (March 2019)

Bianca Rodrigues (February 2019)

Wading through glacial water, foraging for calafate berries, hiking through open valleys - these are just some of the activities you can look forward to on a Chulengo trip.

I got the opportunity to join the organization’s first all-women’s trip in February 2019. We were a group of 8 women from various backgrounds and abilities. But we found a common purpose in Chulengo.

As a beginner backpacker myself, I was racked with nerves on Day 1. I was intimidated by the terrain, my perceived lack of gear, and the other women who seemed much more experienced than me. There were multiple group members who had trekked through Alaska, others who considered a 10 mile hike a casual walk in the park, and even someone who had biked across the United States! I immediately questioned my decision to join this all-star team, wondering how I would survive 7 days of this.

But no sooner had I expressed these initial concerns, I found myself surrounded by a new support network. The women’s group went above and beyond in bolstering my confidence, allaying my fears, and allowing me to discover a new version of myself. Each day, I could feel my legs getting stronger, my shoulders and back able to take the brunt of my pack. And the stunning beauty of the Patagonia valleys, the very reason I signed up for this trip, emerged in all its glory.

What stood out to me in particular was the great care our leaders took in creating a sense of community among a group of strangers. Each night, they would raise thought-provoking conversation topics for us to discuss and debate. Each of us brought a unique perspective, which made me appreciate this organization for the kinds of people it draws into its world.

There are probably no words to describe the impact this trip had on me - from the confidence I gained in my own abilities, to the deeper understanding and intricacies of the new Parque Patagonia - I am forever grateful. In Chulengo’s capable hands, I regained trust in myself, and in others.

If you want to hike through one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world with a kickass group of people, sign up for a Chulengo expedition. You will not regret it.

Tola Omilana (February 2019)

Personally, going to the woods has been and will continue to be a practice of refocusing. It is easy to fall into rhythms of routine and nonchalance within the American workplace. But to wander a new landscape, exploring with new modes of operation, is a welcome disruption.

What was unique about traveling with Chulengo was that I did not expect how much a layer of context could add to the enjoyment of a backcountry trip. Specifically, being part of the exploratory expedition imparted not only a beautiful setting but the narrative of a newly established national park, rich with characters and tensions.

Though I had very little knowledge of global conservation efforts, Nadine’s recommendations for “pre-expedition readings” laid the foundation for a truly immersive experience. Informed by these histories and the collective knowledge of our group, I found myself inspecting our surroundings more carefully. As we talked, I listened. As we walked, I digested. And as we traveled from the periphery (leaving behind the hospitality of neighboring gauchos and their farmlands) to Parque Patagonia’s heart, I was able to better comprehend the sacrifices made to establish these protected lands. Those things that were once pictures and words in an article were now real, breathing and buzzing around us.

Stacy Cibula (February 2019)

I hiked for a week with a group of 8 other incredible women who I didn't know before this trip and who are now my friends. One of the best parts of backcountry travel is how quickly you get to know others and make friends! (8 hours of hiking allows you to cover a lot of topics!)

This was Chulengo Expeditions' first all women trip. I was drawn to it for its small group size, the chance to connect with other like-minded women, and the opportunity to travel to one of the most remote and beautiful areas of Patagonia. I had high expectations going into it, but honestly, was completely blown away by the jaw-dropping beauty of the landscape, the awesomeness of the other women (no drama, no complaints about carrying heavy packs or pooping in the woods), and the peace and happiness I felt being completely immersed in nature for a week. I could've continued on for another week easily. While I have been an avid day hiker for years, it has been a long time since I did any serious backpacking. I know now there will be a lot more of it in my future and that I will definitely be back to Patagonia! Feeling incredibly grateful and blessed!

Anneka Williams (January 2018 and January 2019)

Travelling to Patagonia with my mom and brother in January 2018 was a family experience I’ll never forget. Patagonia was not a word I grew up with in my vocabulary. I learned about the clothing store in middle school, but the place that inspired this brand was elusive. I first heard about Chulengo through meeting Nadine. Through that connection, Patagonia became just a little more tangible. When my mom, brother, and I went down to Patagonia in January 2018, I was blown away by the raw, expansive beauty of the landscape, the connection I felt to the place, the incredibly inspiring group of people we met. From reading under a tree, to skinny dipping in the cold, clear blue water, to laughing around a camp stove, my first time in Patagonia was an experience and landscape that I continue to think about often.

 In January 2020, I had the opportunity to return to Patagonia and co-lead a trip with people from various corners of my life. Seeing their awe and noticing my own wonder again was a different way to engage with this place. I learned new things about people I have spent most of my life with and created relationships with people that extend beyond institutional affiliation and neighborhood association.

 Having been to Patagonia twice now, I’m convinced that visiting this region is like travelling to a different planet – and one that gives you a powerful perspective on the earth. From the many different ecosystems you encounter, to the refreshing feel of the water that is bluer than you thought possible. From the striking juxtaposition of glaciers above glittering lakes, to the green forests that make you wonder how so many different natural features can even exist in one place. And from the deep sense of purpose you feel waking up every day, buckling up your pack, and propelling yourself through new landscapes, to the inspiring conversations on the trail and in camp, Patagonia is an otherworldly, amazing, awe-inspiring place.

 Leaving Patagonia is hard. But it’s such a powerful place that you’ll find that the landscapes stay with you, reminding you that there’s a lot of perspective and wonder to be gained from engaging with wild places.

Chris Ritter (January 2019)

I was fortunate enough to travel with Chulengo in January 2019 in the newly established Parque Patagonia. As a photographer, I was going to shoot photos of the new national park for a project, but needless to say, I got so much more than pictures.

There is so much to say about Chilean Patagonia the place, and what makes it both unforgettable and near impossible to describe. The landscape is nothing like any I had ever seen across North America, and I took more photos over my 7 days with Chulengo than I ever have for a single trip. On our first day hike on the Lagunas Altas trail, I felt like we entered a completely new ecosystem every turn, walking past alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and thick rainforest within minutes of each other. Looking back through photos from our trip, it’s easy to say this is one of the most beautiful places I had ever been, but walking through it felt surreal and almost otherworldly.

But what made my trip to Patagonia truly worthwhile were the people who I met there, and the brilliant work of the Chulengo team. As we hiked during the day, I felt like I had endless questions about the area and what we were seeing, but our leader, Nadine, was happy to answer all of them with the knowledge she’s earned through years of conservation work here. Even more meaningful, after the days’ hikes, we dove into thoughtful discussions that added context to our journey. Around either the fire or the camp stove, we talked about about the conservation efforts in Patagonia, which prompted discussions about our role as hikers foreign conservationists in Chile, or as hikers seeking “type 2 fun” or elective suffering. These are discussions that so often get overlooked, and I felt blessed to be able to have them with someone who’s done so much work here. Through these discussions, I learned so much from my fellow trip mates as well, and they made the entire trip, even the parts when we weren’t hiking, unforgettably rewarding.

Chilean Patagonia is a truly special place, but coming with Chulengo made it so much more than a location. This is the kind of trip that makes you see why people dedicate their lives to conservation, and saving special places like this.

Jake Greenstein (December 2017)

Since returning from my trip to Patagonia, I often find myself thinking about my journey. My week in Parque Patagonia was incredible — it was a unique experience to be totally isolated in one of Earth’s most beautiful places. As we hiked from alien rocky canyon floors to stunning mountaintop vistas, I frequently reminded myself to look up and process that we were the only people in hundreds of miles. It was the closest I have ever felt to nature, and I will be trying to recapture that feeling for many years to come.

The group dynamics further cemented this as a trip of a lifetime. Chulengo did an amazing job of fostering an inclusive, energetic environment. We were honest with each other and ourselves in a way that rarely happens back home. Sitting around a fire doing Ask-Me-Anythings and telling stories with my companions was equally as memorable as the daytime hiking. I left this trip with friendships and connections that will last for years. 

I cannot recommend Chulengo enough. Despite the many hours and modes of transportation it takes to get to Patagonia, I already wish I could travel back for a repeat. 

Shilpi Kumar (December 2017)

Chulengo is a recipe for wonder. Our expedition with Nadine and Robin was equal parts athletic challenge, wilderness immersion, group camaraderie, and thrilling adventure. The landscape of Patagonia's Aysén Region makes for an endless course of obstacles and spectacular moments, provoking understandings on sense of self and conversations about the state of the Earth. I highly recommend Chulengo for both experienced backpackers and those of us who are still finding our footing outdoors. 

Ted James (December 2017)

Chulengo offered us a transformative welcome to the future Patagonia National Park. Our group was quickly immersed into the fabric of the region, punctuated by glacial overhangs, countless waterfalls, and sunny afternoons among Andean condors. We explored more than I had anticipated: the simple pleasures of life on the trail (on the best routes!) while also traversing the complexities of the local history, conservation efforts, and broader sustainability topics. Logistical considerations were managed masterfully, and the Chulengo team did an excellent job mentoring people – offering trip packing guidance, skills-building (stream crossings; glissading), and subtle empowerment from the ridgelines to the grasslands. This made for a seamless introduction to this region among a diverse group. It was a tremendous opportunity to hit the trails with Nadine and Brooks!

If you are interested in exploring the less explored and truly getting off the grid to re-wire your brain in the most positive of ways -- this is it.

Conrad Lee (December 2017)

My Chulengo trip  was a first class adventure. It was unique and memorable in so many ways. A few highlights: 1) Navigating the snow-covered passes and waist-high rivers that cover the landscape 2) Gaining a sense of Aysen history and the context behind the creation of Parque Patagonia 3) Listening to my trip mates discuss why national parks should be conserved, how they hope to shape the world, and what it's like to have a great-grandfather be struck by lightning.

I came away from my trip with a notebook full of reflections, several albums worth of photographs, and countless great memories of my first backpacking trip in Patagonia."

Jessica Yen (November 2017)

Recently, I was overcome by the desire to experience wild, remote places. With Patagonia at the top of my list, my best friend referred me to Chulengo Expeditions. 

My journey in the Aysén region began in Parque Patagonia, where Nadine, Brooks and I embarked on a warm-up day hike of the Avilés Trail.  From the get-go, it was clear that Nadine has a thorough knowledge of the flora and fauna of the region – we tasted pan de indio straight from the trees and picked up puma poop to break apart & analyze.

Next up was a 4-day, 3-night trek of Cerro Castillo.  With this being my first multi-day, pack-bearing hike, coupled with a more than healthy fear of heights, there were more than a handful of moments of panic. Nadine and Brooks, both of whom are certified NOLS instructors, never lost a stride in their step; they taught me how to cross rivers, self-arrest & hike inclines / declines in snow and provided plenty of tips for hiking efficiently & effectively.  With these tools, I quickly became more confident in my abilities as we progressed through the trek, and it was amazing to experience this growth alongside the Chulengo team. I left Cerro Castillo really taking to heart the following quote by Trevor Noah, “The highest rung of what’s possible is far beyond the world you can see.”  I certainly bit off more than I could chew, but with a positive attitude and encouraging leaders, I accomplished far beyond what I could imagine.

Throughout our trip in Cerro Castillo, Nadine, Brooks and I also engaged in meaningful conversations about conservation.  Nadine was very thoughtful in guiding our journaling sessions – the first was sitting, eyes-closed, listening to our surrounding sounds and the second was thinking about our formative experience with wilderness.  Both of these exercises culminated in a discussion about mindful conservation and how it is interwoven in our individual relationship with wilderness.

Now that I'm back in the front-country, I am forever grateful to Chulengo Expeditions for a truly transformative experience, for teaching me invaluable outdoor skills and fostering conversations that inspire me to ground a respectful relationship with the rest of Earth. 

Lizi Jones (February 2017)

I've wanted to go to Patagonia since I learned it was a real place, on a real map. Though I've lived in the Rockies, little in my experience prepared me for the wildly varying landscapes and sheer magnitude of place that I encountered in the Aysen region in Northern Patagonia. 

Nadine and team guided us through more ecosystems than I could count. We swam every day, no two bodies of water alike. She offered details that helped us learn our surroundings, and quiet to study them. She showed us maps, and the topo lines the glaciers carved on valley walls.

To experience a region on foot allows us to understand what makes it so valuable, and so vulnerable. Exploring a place through the lens of conservation makes us wonder what we can do to protect such regions abroad, and in our own communities. Chulengo Expeditions helps bring this exploration and its fruits to bear. We come home from our Chulengo trips full: of fresh air, fresh spirit, and fresh resolve to protect the wild and what it offers us. 

We can't help but bring a bit of Northern Patagonia home...that is, if we can bear to leave the paradise Valle Chacabuco at all!

Phil Clark (February 2017)

One evening really stands out - the first night we camped out on the edge of the lake after heading off trail. We cooked right on the rocky lakeshore and told stories around the campfire. I will forever remember Danny’s refrain: “I’m sooooooo sorrrryyy!” I’d felt nervous about embarking on a long trip in the middle of nowhere with a handful of strangers. I was so happy to share the journey with what turned out to be such a smart and witty crew. 

Later that same night I remember sitting by the edge of the lake in the dark, staring at the stars, which looked totally different because we were on the other side of the planet. I’d found a bleached bone lying on the rocks earlier, and put it between Jesse and myself as we talked - our very own momento mori, like the ones Brent mentioned Roman generals carried in their parades. I remember reflecting that I was probably at that moment as far away from my home, my normal life, from civilization entirely as I ever would be. Yet that distance didn’t feel alienating; it felt welcome because rather than focusing on the dust and scrub brush of the day to day, I could pull way back and see the graceful mountains and valleys of my own life. That level of perspective is rare and powerful. I reference my thinking from that trip an order of magnitude more than any I’ve done in the last couple years.  

The journey of self discovery is never over, but I trekked as far through my own head and my heart as we did in that backcountry. I think that’s the story I want to share more - that signing up for a trip with Chulengo isn’t just about seeing one of the last great unspoiled parts of the world, it’s also about the opportunity to spend time with an incredible group who will make you think, laugh, and teach you something. And if you’re really brave, I think it can also be a trip about charting the wild within yourself. 

Eli Bildner (December 2016)

I traveled to Patagonia with Chulengo in 2016, and it was one of the most transformative trips of my life. The beauty of Aysen is unspeakable; traversing the valleys of Parque Patagonia is an almost religious experience. But I can't imagine this experience without Chulengo. Beyond introducing us to this place — which I'm not sure we would have found otherwise — Chulengo immersed us in the ecological and conservation history of Patagonia. We left enriched not only by an epic outdoor experience, but also by a truly special educational experience as well. Do this. You can thank me later.

Enzo Busseti (February 2017)

I can't recommend Chulengo enough- our trip in February 2017 was truly unique. Memories of pristine lakes, glorious rainbows, wooded mountain passes, and awesome views don't tell the whole story.

The people were the best. Adventurous nature lovers: friendships were made or renewed, trail talks were interesting (and lasted for days!), campsite chats always inspiring. Oh, and Nadine's organization is flawless. With her guidance, even camping in the most remote wild corners of Parque Patagonia feels safe, familiar! 

Katie Walter (April 2017)

We walked along the Chacabuco River, through a glacier-cut valley surrounded by steep mountains. We swam in frigid lakes, brilliant greens and blues. We saw herds of guanacos, grazing, and puma lairs, filled with guanaco bones. We camped under the brilliant and unfamiliar southern hemisphere stars. As we hiked, we learned about the park’s history and some of the debates surrounding its construction. After dinner each night, we gathered for conversation. We talked about wilderness, home, and conservation, weaving into our discussions our own relationships with nature and many environmental writings Nadine and Colleen shared with us. I’m grateful to have hiked with someone who knows the park intimately and who is working to open and share this beautiful place with as many as possible.

Isaac Bate (March 2017)

'Home' is an difficult thing to define - is it with your belongings? With your family? Where you grew up? I didn't expect to find it in the most inaccessible place I've ever been to: three flights, two van rides and a ferry away from the studio I pay my landlord to live in. But there it was: home, in a different campsite every night under a night sky so clear you could almost touch it, tucked into the valleys, alongside the fast flowing, clear running rivers of Patagonia. Nadine's easygoing, confident leadership is the reason this remote, vibrant wilderness felt so warm and welcoming. With such beauty at stake, I wouldn't choose to see Patagonia under the guidance of anyone but Chulengo.

Margot Leger, March 2017

From the crystal-clear lake swimming and breath-taking landscapes, to the many chuckles around our dinner circles, this trip will remain with me as a reminder about how beautiful life can be.  Nadine and Jay were able to turn the beauty of the Patagonian mountains into an intentional space for growth, learning and reflection. Such mastery is a rare find! I feel very privileged to have experienced nature in such finery with such wonderful people.

Emily Shoff, Telluride Mountain School Custom Expedition (April 2017)

Chulengo Expeditions' Nadine Lehner and Ben Wilcox created a fantastic experience for our school's educational trip to Patagonia. Not only did they safely lead our high-school group on two separate backpacking trips through Patagonia, they greatly augmented our understanding of the history, culture, ecology and significance of the place. For Nadine, a NOLS instructor with a master’s degree in Environmental Science, classes included Leave No Trace travel, Patagonia predator-prey ecology, geology, and the creation of national parks. Ben, a Latin American History major who has spent several years in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, taught us about patterns of the Chilean settlement and past Chilean land management practices, giving students a deeper sense of Chile’s current land policy.

Furthermore, they were fun! Our juniors and seniors loved playing pick-up hacky-sack games, baking bread, and going on day-hikes with them. They are smart, impassioned people and wonderful role models for students embarking on college and beyond. From the start, I felt like Chulengo Expeditions was invested in our group: they both broadened our sense of place and insured that we had a magnificent time. Traveling with them is the difference between just seeing a place and experiencing it.

Susan Vargas (March 2017)

Our 2017 Chulengo Expedition through Patagonia Park was absolutely fantastic!  

Nadine and Jay created an experience that was educational, inspirational and magical for me and my two children.  Each day, while entirely immersed in nature, we enjoyed spectacular scenery on perfectly planned hiking routes and dined on healthy, delicious meals in the great outdoors.  Nadine’s expertise as a naturalist was perfectly matched with her contagious passion for Patagonia and teaching the importance of conserving our natural world.  Evening discussions were based on specifically chosen topics and fascinating for all of us.  Nadine and Jay facilitated discussions while sharing leadership in a way that kept everyone engaged and enthusiastic as we bonded into a cohesive group and built strong friendships. 

The trip was truly an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime!  We highly recommend Chulengo Expeditions for your family!