Welcome to PIRP!
Your application to PIRP has been selected, and you have been invited to enroll in our upcoming expedition. Beaware that your participation is not confirmed until you complete all the enrolling requirements.
Please carefully read all the information on this page and the linked documents to make sure you know what you are signing for and that you sign on time to join PIRP!
PIRP Enrollement procedure
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
If you made it to this point, it means that you are interested in all that PIRP has to offer. This includes a unique and potentially life-changing learning experience for early-career cryospheric scientists in a remote, beautiful Patagonian glacier. However, the excitement of researching Patagonian glaciers and the uniqueness of the group dynamics in remote areas comes with a price. And before you complete your enrollment on PIRP, you need to understand what you are signing for.
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All true field research activities involve a degree of risk, and some characteristics that make PIRP attractive to you may also put you and your belongings at risk. PIRP field research happens in a very remote area. We will be camping for 12 days in the wilderness, sleeping in small three-person tents shared by at least two people. You won't have access to chairs or tables. Food will be frugal, limited, and cooked by you or other participants. We will be subject to the infamous Patagonian weather, which can make field activities extremely challenging or impossible. Winds can be strong enough to make walking in open areas impossible or extremely dangerous. Rain could persist for weeks, forcing us to stay at camp or spend long periods of time wet. Drying clothes could be impossible, and we might live in continuous dampness.
There are no or very few established trails, and we will mostly transit uneven, untrodden terrain, which includes slippery and loose boulders (common in preglacial terrain), bare ice, loose sediments, slippery terrain, river crossings, dense forest, bushwhacking, deep snow, and crevassed glacier terrain.
Foul weather can make access to emergency and health services virtually impossible for days, and once in the nearest town, there will be limited local infrastructure or services. Participants will experience hard physical work, odd hours, delays, frustrations, surprises, equipment failure or malfunction, and potential hazards. The potential risks and hazards include (but are not limited to) transportation difficulties; lack of vehicular safety and medical standards commonly found in developed countries; a range of climate, terrain and temperature extremes; strong winds; and other events outside the control of the PIRP staff. Participants must accept that any of these factors may cause changes, delays, frustration, injuries, death, or other effects. We will be immersed in an uncontrolled wild environment, and any planning can be superseded by weather or other natural phenomena. You must also understand that the PIRP Staff does not seek to eliminate all of these risks, partly because they are necessary to achieve the scientific and learning objectives and because they are part of the essence of a PIRP expedition.
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ENROLLMENT PROCEDURE
If "the bad" wasn't enough to stop you, and you are still convinced to enroll in the upcoming PIRP expedition, now comes "the ugly." You must carefully read some documents and complete mandatory forms to make PIRP as safe and enjoyable as possible. Some of you will also need to pay the enrollment and field fees.
Here is the checklist to help you navigate this process. Remember that you must complete each point to confirm your participation in the upcoming PIRP expedition.
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Read the Participant Code of Conduct. By submitting your enrollment documentation, you agree to abide by this code.
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Complete and sign the PIRP Participation Form
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Complete the PIRP Travel Form
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Complete the online PIRP Food Quirks Form
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Send all the above forms to natalia@patagonianicefields.org
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Pay the enrollment fee (USD$500) before or by September 4, 2025 (except for scholarship or UMAG students and volunteer faculty). Send the funds transfer receipt to info@patagonianicefields.org.
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If you are exempt from the enrollment fee, you must confirm your flights and send the PIRP Travel Form by October 15, 2025.
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ENROLLMENT DEADLINES
The enrollment fee (when applicable) must be paid by September 4, 2025, and all enrollment requirements must be completed before October 15, 2025.
If the above deadlines are not met, the participant's invitation to enroll in PIRP 2025 will be withdrawn, and the vacancy will be offered to the first student on the waiting list.
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​​​FINAL PAYMENT
Non-scholarship students must pay the remainder of the PIRP fee (a field fee of USD$2.500) by November 12, 2025, the first day of the program. Students are welcome to pay the program fee in full when paying the enrollment fee.
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PAYMENT DETAILS
Enrollment and field fees can be paid by wire transfer to:
Account holder name: CONSULTORIA Y CAPACITACIÓN CIENTÍFICA HIELOS PATAGONICOS SpA
Account holder address:
Street address: Tobalaba 1445, Providencia
City: Santiago
Region: Region Metropolitana
Country: Chile
Postal code: 7510330
Account holder phone number: +56-9-9122-2985
Account type: Checking
Account number: 005103574856
Bank name: BANCO SANTANDER-CHILE
SBIF code: 037
SWIFT code: BSCHCLRM
Bank main address: Bandera 140, Santiago, Chile
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CANCELLATION BY PIRP AND REFUND POLICY​​
In the extremely rare event that PIRP may cancel the program (the COVID-19 pandemic showed that everything is possible). We will refund all you had paid at the time of cancellation, except for the enrollment fee.
PIRP can take no responsibility for any cancellation or amendment penalties that your travel company may charge you if you have to change your travel plans as a result of cancellation by PIRP. Participants are encouraged to buy flexible, refundable tickets. We strongly advise you to purchase Trip Cancellation insurance.
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CANCELLATION BY PARTICIPANTS AND REFUND POLICY
​If you wish to cancel your program place, please inform PIRP immediately. Your cancellation will be confirmed with an email from PIRP; you should not consider your expedition cancelled until you have received this confirmation.
​If you cancel after September 4, 2025, PIRP will retain the enrollment fee and refund any extra amount you might have paid. You will get a full refund if you cancel before or by September 4, 2025. However, any cost associated with the funds transfer will be deducted from the refund.​
Prepering for the program
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS
You are probably keen on starting to look at flights to get the best deals. Remember that Participants need to book their own travel to and from Puerto Natales, Chile. When booking flights, remember that you must arrive by November 12 at the latest. We will try to get someone from the PIRP staff or a former student to welcome you to the airport and take you to your accommodation.
Of course, you can arrive earlier to go around Puerto Natales. There are several worthy short trips, like hikes, rock climbs, bird watching, etc. However, if you arrive before the 12th, you must arrange your accommodation in Puerto Natales and the transfer from the airport.
For the return, a late flight on November 30 would be the soonest you can leave (the farewell dinner will be that day), and December 1 would be ideal. If you plan to stay in Puerto Natales for some extra time after the field, you will have to arrange your own accommodation for the night of the 1st and afterwards.
Please complete and send the PIRP Travel Form to natalia@patagonianicefields.org as soon as possible.
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VISAS AND PASSPORTS
​Participants are responsible for ensuring their passports are up to date and securing any necessary visas. Nationals from some countries do not need a visa before arriving in Chile. However, when required, obtaining a visa can take weeks or even months, so be sure to start the application process as soon as possible. You can find more information about visa requirements at https://www.consulado.gob.cl/autorizacion-previa-o-visa.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR STAY IN PUERTO NATALES
When you arrive at the Puerto Natales Airport, we will try our best to get a PIRP staff member or a former student to welcome you and take you to your accommodation. Students will stay at Casa Raky (map location), which has shared bedrooms. On November 12th, you can check-in from 8:00 AM onwards. However, if you arrive earlier, you can leave your bags at Casa Raky and walk downtown to wait, visit the main attractions or have a coffee.
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Our first meeting will be on November 12th at 10:00 a.m. at the "Casa Raky" (map location), the program's headquarters. There, we will do gear checks, rounds of presentations, and training on setting up camp, using the camp's toilet facilities, and other skills you need to learn before arriving on the field.
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On November 13th, we will stay in Puerto Natales, preparing all the gear and instruments you will use for your research project. For this, we will meet at 9:00 a.m. at Casa Raky.
While in Puerto Natales, we will have lunch and dinner together, and PIRP will arrange and cover the meals.
You can find a detailed schedule here.
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GEAR: WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
To work on Patagonian glaciers, you must be prepared for sunny and hot conditions, as well as cold, extreme winds, snow and heavy rain. Very often, we will experience all those conditions on a single day.
Everything is possible when it comes to Patagonian weather. We might have 12 days straight of rain or lots of sun. Come prepared for everything and remain flexible.
We have prepared a packing list for you, but here we explain the rationale behind it and offer some tips and tricks for making the best choices. In our first meeting in Puerto Natales (or even before), a member of PIRP staff will check your gear to ensure you have chosen suitable items and that you have all the essentials and not too many non-essentials. Last-minute borrowing from us can solve many needs, and last-minute purchases are also possible.
For sunny days, you will need a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved T-shirt. For windy and rainy days, you will need Waterproof pants, a jacket, warm clothing, and a buff or balaclava. Those who have goggles can wear them, and we highly recommend it. Outerwear is recommended in layers. That is, avoid very thick jackets that include both insulation and a waterproof shell all in one piece. Separate layers are more versatile and dry faster. When dressing up, we recommend starting with liner pants and a thin first-layer t-shirt (polypropylene, capilene or merino wool). Then, an intermediate layer of fleece or similar that is not very thick, and finally, a warm fleece and/or synthetic or down jacket. The waterproof layer will be added in windy or rainy conditions. The rain jacket ideally does not incorporate any insulation and is made of a membrane such as Gore-Tex or similar (there are many cheaper alternatives to Gore-Tex). It is recommended that intermediate and thick layers have a hat (like a hoody); otherwise, wear a warm hat.
Rubber boots are mandatory and very useful in the terrain we will be in. Some itineraries might include river crossings and swampy terrain. We recommend having at least two pairs of socks for daily use. If you think your feet may get cold at night, a pair of loose and thick sleeping socks is advisable.
The ideal sleeping bag is one with synthetic filling and a comfort temperature of -5°C or less. Sleeping bags rated for -15°C comfort are extra cozy and reasonably priced. The floor will be very hard, so you will be grateful to have a foam or inflatable mat (or one of each for extra comfort).
Gloves are very important; three pairs are recommended. Some work gloves (rubberized cotton or leather, these are found in hardware stores) to move stones and carry loads, some thin ones for hiking and fiddling with instruments and a pair of thick ones or mittens for days with rough weather. The idea of layers also applies to gloves, so it is preferable that the thick gloves/mittens allow the inner insulation to be removed.
Bring a medium Tupperware-type container (250-500 ml). The Tupperware containers with snap-on lids work best, and we will use them for our lunches, carrying sandwiches or burritos; they can also be used as a plate/bowl. For mugs, bowls and dishes, avoid glass (because they break) and metal or enamelled metal ones (because they do not retain heat). Plastic is better, but since they sometimes break inside the backpack, mugs and bowls with lids are recommended, as the lid gives them more strength. Bring a spoon and a fork (or a spork).
Bring a water bottle or camel bag of at least one litre, ideally one that can contain hot water (like Nalgene-type bottles) so that it can be used as a hot water bag if conditions require. A 500-1000 ml stainless steel thermos is a good idea for those who prefer hot drinks (which is everyone on cold and windy days). Under no circumstances should you bring plastic thermoses, as they come with an inner glass bottle that breaks very easily.
If you have trekking poles, it would be good to bring them to relieve the impact on your knees. We highly recommend trekking/hiking poles, as we will move through unstable, loose terrain.
You can use a large and thick garbage bag inside the backpack to prevent its contents from getting wet. Alternatively, you can put everything in separate dry bags if you have them (dry bags are membrane cloth bags or rubberized cloth). This is not only due to rain but also because our luggage might get a good shower during the boat trip due to the splash from waves.
For personal hygiene, bring a toothbrush and soap. You will not be able to bathe in the field, so bringing more than that is unnecessary. You must carry a flashlight, ideally one you put on your head as a headband. If you carry a camera or cell phone, have a dry bag or a waterproof case for them. For the cell phone, a ziplock bag in good condition works well (and you can even operate the touch screen).
PIRP will provide the technical equipment (tents, harnesses, carabiners, ice axes, helmets, and crampons), but if someone has their own, please bring it because we might not have enough for everyone. Likewise, if you have a GPS navigator, bring it. Those of you bringing personal technical equipment, please let us know by sending an email to Natalia at natalia@patagonianicefields.org so we can keep track and ensure there is enough equipment for everyone.
Be aware that YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE GLACIER IF YOU DO NOT HAVE GLOVES AND SUNGLASSES/GOOGLES
Check our gear packing list for reference so you have time to borrow, invent, sew, repair, and buy.​
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LAPTOP COMPUTERS, SMARTPHONES, AND POWER AVAILABILITY AT THE FIELD SITE
At the field site, we will have a small (700 W) gas generator that will run during day hours as long as necessary to keep the batteries of science equipment charged and power laptop computers while performing science-related work. It will also charge a large power bank that will be used to leave small batteries charging overnight.
The program will bring three laptop computers, but you are welcome to bring your own if it would help your science project. We will provide a waterproof hard case to accommodate some personal laptops during transport, but the space is limited, and we will prioritize laptops that will significantly support science projects.
You are welcome to bring your smartphone, but please bring your own power bank, as the space in the charging station is very crowded. It is ok to charge a power bank every few days, but we won't be charging everyone's smartphone every day.
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INTERNET AND COMMUNICATIONS
There is NO INTERNET and NO CELLPHONE COVERAGE. We will have one satellite phone and one InReach satellite messenger, but they will be used only for emergency communication and logistics.
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FITNESS
Please be sure that you are clear about the expedition's physical demands BEFORE enrolling. It is your responsibility to review the program conditions and physical demands as described above and determine if you are able to safely participate in the expedition. Discuss your participation in this program with your doctor if you have a question or concern about your health and/or ability to participate.
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FORMS AND IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Remember that all enrollment requirements must be completed before October 15, 2025; this includes sending out these completed forms and signing when required. Failure to do so will result in the withdrawal of the invitation to enroll.
If you were on the waiting list and are invited to enroll after October 15, 2025, you must complete and return all forms within two business days unless otherwise approved by PIRP.​
Everyone must complete this form with travel details including flights before October 15, 2025
Mandatory form that must be signed. It contains medical information and a release of liability.
By enrolling to PIRP, you agree to abide by this code. A condut that violates this code can lead to a expulsion from PIRP.
A check list of gear to help you make sure you are paking everything you will need. Not more, not less.
This is your "Speak now or forever hold your peace" opportunity to ask for special dietary requirements.