The Penobscot Bay Language School, in Rockland,  is offering a new international language and cultural group trip to experience Patagonia, home to glaciers, penguins, and some of the most famous peaks of the Andes Mountains.

The binational (Argentina/Chile) group trip–open to all–will be led by Rockland resident Nelson Sanchez Oyarzo, with program support from Penobscot Bay Language School. 

Experienced tour guide and avid environmentalist Nelson Sanchez Oyarzo, born in Punta Arenas, Chile, has led scientific expeditions with teams from around the world to Antarctica, embarking not far from his childhood home in Chile.

Growing up in the foothills of the southernmost peaks of the Andes, not far from the Straights of Magellan, and in sight of giant prehistoric glaciers, he developed a passion for his home and the surrounding natural wonders of Patagonia. He has guided outdoor expeditions to countless locations of Patagonia, straddling both the Argentinian and Chilean international border.

The 10-day trip starts in Punta Arenas, Chile, one of the southernmost cities in the world, and hometown of Nelson Sanchez Oyarzo.

Following a relaxing city visit, including meals at celebrated restaurants, museums, and historical sites, the trip takes the group to the most famous locations of Patagonia. The group will tour Magdalena Island National Park by boat to see the 100,000 Magellanic penguins in the Strait of Magellan. Travelers will visit Torres del Paine National Park, Puerto Natales, and Chaltan on the Chilean side of the border, and Perito Moreno glacier, and Parque Nacional Los Glaciares on the Argentinian side of the border. 

Trip details are posted at www.penobscot.us. The proposed tour dates span from January through March 2025. Trip details and pricing is included on the website.

Founded in 1986 as a nonprofit language school and center for cultural exchange, Penobscot Bay Language School has served thousands of local and international students of all ages through language classes and intercultural programming. Over three decades later they continue to promote their mission: To develop and provide opportunities for the people of Midcoast Maine and around the World to explore our shared experience on Earth through the study and celebration of language and culture.