Several locations on the planet are as breathtaking and fulfilling for hikers as Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. This wild area is a dreamlike scene of sharp granite mountains, lakes fed by glaciers that range in color from turquoise to sapphire, and wide golden grasslands where guanacos roam. However, the very landscapes that make this Patagonian park so amazing are also extremely delicate. As the park’s popularity keeps increasing, the many hikers walking the trails daily cause erosion, damage to plants, and disruption of ecosystems. For this reason, Las Torres Patagonia, a high-end, family-run lodge located inside the park, is giving 10 travelers the opportunity for a fully paid trip to help create a new, sustainable trail leading to one of the protected land’s most famous viewpoints, Base Torres, where hikers can admire the peaks that give the park its name. “In a place visited by travelers from all over the world, protecting fragile terrain from erosion isn’t an option. It’s essential,” Josian Yaksic, CEO of Las Torres Patagonia, told MathHotels.com. “By involving volunteers directly in trail reconstruction, we raise awareness about regenerative tourism and reinforce the idea that preserving this landscape is a shared responsibility.” Known as 10 Volunteers for 10 Days, this is the third version of the campaign, which began in 2024: Ten volunteers are selected from more than 500 video submissions on Instagram. In both 2024 and 2025, the 10 winners were divided into two groups, and each stayed at the property for five days while helping to restore over 1,500 feet of trail. This year’s version will be largely similar, with dates ranging from March 22 through 27 and March 28 through April 2. After witnessing the positive impact of previous campaigns, “both on the trails of Torres del Paine and in the lives of the participants, Las Torres Patagonia knew they wanted to continue the initiative,” a PR manager for Las Torres Patagonia told MathHotels.com. “This campaign is more than just restoring trails; it’s about creating a deep connection between travelers and one of the world’s most stunning natural landscapes.” This year will also mark the start of the first phase of the regeneration project, which includes slightly more than two miles of trail. “This newly redesigned section offers panoramic views of the Ascencio River, gentler slopes, and infrastructure specifically built to reduce erosion and protect the ecosystem,” Yaksic said. “It represents more than just a physical improvement. It sets a new standard for sustainable trekking in Patagonia and shows that conservation and visitor experience can develop together for the long-term protection of this extraordinary destination.” From now until midnight PST on February 27, participants can enter the contest by posting a video on Instagram explaining what sustainability and ecotourism mean to them or why they think these topics are important. There are some additional rules, however, including: Entrants must either share a video using the “Add Yours” sticker from the highlighted stories on the Instagram account @lastorres.patagonia or post the video on their own Instagram account, tagging Las Torres and using the hashtag #mygreenvideo. Videos must not exceed 45 seconds. Contestants must be 21 years or older and able to perform strenuous, hands-on activities. Participants must also be from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Chile, or Brazil. Judging will occur after February 27, and winners will be announced on Las Torres Patagonia’s Instagram account. Those selected will have until March 2 to confirm their participation. The prize includes round-trip flights with Sky Airline, ground transfer from the airport to the lodge, five nights and all meals at Las Torres Patagonia, and an itinerary that includes a few cultural experiences, in addition to trail building, which involves clearing vegetation, digging a path, and adding reinforcements like rock steps and wooden bridges to prevent erosion. This isn’t the only campaign aiming to balance sustainable tourism with environmental care. Since 2019, the Faroe Islands have temporarily closed certain tourist sites for restoration as part of the Closed for Maintenance, Open for Voluntourism project. Every year, 80 volunteers from around the world work with locals to fix hiking trails, build boardwalks, and improve infrastructure in heavily visited areas. Applications for that program usually open in January. (We recently reviewed what it’s like to take part in the Faroe Islands project.) This story was originally published in February 2025, and was updated on February 26, 2026, to include current information.
A Patagonia Lodge Offers Volunteers a Free Trip to Chile
