New adventures in Chile
During the keynote on day one, the speaker shared that more people than ever are seeking adventure while they travel. In fact, global adventure travel grew by 15 percent in 2025 alone—a clear sign that travelers are craving connection, challenge, and meaning when exploring the world.
On the first evening, we were shuttled into Torres del Paine National Park for a welcome dinner, and Chilean hospitality was on full display, where BBQ pits grilled chicken, steak, and traditional cordero asado (lamb cooked over an open fire). Later, one of Chile’s most famous rock bands took the stage. The combination of music, food, and friendly people—set against the backdrop of Cerro Torre—made the start of ATTA’s conference nothing short of magical.
Exploring Torres del Paine National Park
Day two began with a 20 km hiking trip in Torres del Paine, alongside fellow delegates from Japan, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Canada, Panama, and the U.S.—including the former owner of a rafting company we’ve partnered with in Colorado for our teen trips. Small world!
The morning brought cold rain and wind, but by afternoon the clouds parted, revealing the full grandeur of the Paine massif. We spotted condors soaring high above (and even a puma!) before visiting a local glamping facility and sitting in on a geology lesson about how these mountains formed. It was a 10/10 day.
Connecting with global adventure leaders
Day three felt like speed dating: We had back-to-back 12-minute meetings, three-minute breaks, and endless ideas. I met with passionate people from Colombia, Japan, Croatia, Albania, Fiji, New Zealand, Finland, Rwanda, and beyond. Every conversation focused on how to make adventure travel more sustainable, impactful, and accessible.
Not only did I reconnect with our friends in Norway and Peru, but I also discovered dozens of potential partners for future Adventure Treks Travel Co itineraries—from trail running in South America to snowmobiling under the Northern Lights in Lapland.
These meetings were instrumental in helping us build the partnerships that will bring you new trips and destinations in the years ahead.
Why I went to Chile
You’ve already heard that we launched our first adult adventure trips to Peru last summer and hosted our inaugural family camp in the Pacific Northwest. Soon, we’ll officially introduce Adventure Treks Travel Co, a new company dedicated to small-group adventure travel for adults and families around the world.
For 33 years, Adventure Treks has taken your kids into the outdoors—helping them build friendships, confidence, and a deep love for nature. Now, with Adventure Treks Travel Co, our goal is to reignite that same sense of discovery for adults and families—through immersive, meaningful travel experiences in the world’s most stunning and wild places.
That’s why we went to Chile: to meet with the people and partners who can help make those experiences possible.
Reflections from Patagonia
After an unforgettable week, I came home feeling energized and inspired. Patagonia’s wild beauty exceeded every expectation, and I’m already planning a return trip with Amanda. (The Chilean lamb BBQ is worth the flight alone.) But more than anything, this trip reaffirmed our decision to launch Adventure Treks Travel Co—to give adults and families the same opportunity for growth, connection, and awe that our students have found for decades.
We went to Chile to bring you more adventures, and they’re almost here.