Anyone who’s a fan of hiking trips probably has the astonishingly beautiful South American region of Patagonia on their bucket list, but now, travellers could be in with a chance of winning a trip to those gorgeous mountains for free.
Yes, you read that right. Las Torres Patagonia, a family-owned lodge within Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, is offering 10 people an all-expenses paid trip to help build a new sustainable trail to one of the area’s most iconic viewpoints: Base Torres.
Why? Well, the landscapes that make up this region – which is at the southernmost point of South America and reaches across parts of Chile and Argentina – are fragile, with visitors contributing to erosion, damaged vegetation and disrupted ecosystems, according to AFAR.
So winners won’t exactly be having a relaxing holiday – they’ll be clearing vegetation, digging a pathway and adding reinforcements like rock steps and wooden bridges to help alleviate future damage.
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It’s actually the second year in a row that this scheme, dubbed 10 Volunteers for 10 Days, is running. Back in 2024, 10 people were selected from the 500-plus submissions and two groups of five stayed at the lodge for five nights, helping restore more than 450m of path.
‘This campaign is more than just restoring trails; it’s about fostering a deep connection between travellers and one of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes,’ said Las Torres Patagonia Lodge’s PR representative.
Keen to get involved this year? Well, you’re still in with a chance. What you’ll need to do is post a video of yourself on Instagram (which is no longer than 45 seconds) explaining why sustainability is important to you, tagging @lastorres.patagonia with #PatagoniaVoluntourism2025, by midnight PST on February 19 (that’s 8am GMT and 9am CET).
You also need to register your contact info on the lodge’s website, and you must be over 21 years old and willing to carry out those hands-on activities listed above.
Those who get selected will win round-trip flights, ground transfer from the airport and five nights (including all meals) at Las Torres Patagonia and will be notified via email after applications have closed. If you’re lucky enough to be chosen, you must confirm your participation by February 25.
The trips will be running from April 7 to 12 and 15 to 20, 2025.
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