Trail run across the Patagonia National Park, Chile

Watch Animal Trail Camp Patagonia 2024 short film now!!! 

 Animal Trail Camp are itinerant camps (camping in different locations along the route) focused on trail running training. They are designed in a nomadic expedition format, where runners experience a sports vacation, progressing through remote territories with stunning scenic beauty, supported by a certified team and high-standard services. 

Each experience is lived in community and in full connection with nature, with routes adapted to different skill levels and guided by coaches supported by certified safety teams, specialized training, and a deep immersion in nature and local culture. 

For that reason, this experience is not just a camp—it’s a moving sports academy. Here, you don’t just run; you learn to run better. You don’t just progress; you transform. The mountain is the classroom, the trails are the teachers, and every stride is a new lesson.

Each edition is a journey into the unknown, where effort turns into learning and the community becomes the driving force of the adventure. Finishers don’t compare their times; they share the lessons learned and the challenges overcome.

That’s why our experiences are much more than just running—they are a new form of sustainable sports tourism, where running is not just about covering distance and elevation gain. It’s a legacy of moving forward as a community, connecting with the history of the land, the spirit of those who once inhabited it, and the nature that surrounds us.

WHY ARE WE HERE? THE LONGEST ULTRA AT THE END OF THE WORLD

Patagonia is a land forged by resilience, where extreme winds and landscapes have shaped the history and lives of those who call this remote corner of the world home. Here, "the longest ultra at the end of the world" is born—a challenge that invites runners to immerse themselves in the vastness of a living, pristine, and legendary territory, progressing through different levels.

This nomadic journey takes runners through ancient forests, glaciers, and vast valleys, where the guanaco is the leading ANIMAL: a creature that has tirelessly roamed the steppe, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem and displaying unique strength in the face of adversity. The challenges of the Animal Trail Camp Patagonia are inspired by this spirit of endurance, connecting participants to a cultural legacy spanning generations. More than ever, this adventure has a clear purpose: to protect and preserve a one-of-a-kind biodiversity through sport, culture, and a commitment to conservation.

Welcome to Animal Trail Camp Patagonia—The Longest Ultra at the End of the World!

• DATES: November 7-15, 2026
   

• START/FINISH: Plaza de Armas, Coyhaique (with stops at Balmaceda Airport), Aysén Region
   

• LOCATION: Patagonia National Park, Aysén Region
   

• EDITION: Second edition
   

• NOMADIC EXPEDITION: Running from Chile Chico to Cochrane through Patagonia National Park
   

• DURATION: 9 days, with 6 race stages and 1 rest day
   

• INCLUDED TRANSPORTATION: Ground transport and ferry crossings
   

• CAMPSITES: 4 different sectors (Regardless of level and route, all participants will camp and reach the same daily destination.)
   

• TERRAIN: Mountain and pampas trails – high-altitude walkways – river crossings – snow-covered paths – routes along cliffs, lakes, and lagoons
   

• LIMITED SPOTS: 55 participants
   

• CHALLENGE LEVELS: 4 groups by difficulty
   

  • Level 1 "Pioneers of the Baker": 80K | 4,000m D+
     

  • Level 2 "Tehuelche Trail": 140K | 6,000m D+
     

  • Level 3 "Spirit of Tompkins": 200K | 8,000m D+
     

  • Level 4 "Kóoch the Origin": 300K | 12,000m D+

CONSIDERATIONS – YOU CHOSE TO BE HERE!

Weather:

Patagonia's climate is highly unpredictable, with extreme temperature variations and sudden changes—you can experience all four seasons in a single day. Be prepared and take advantage of sunny moments to dry your gear and explore the lakes and surroundings of the camp. But beware of the sun! The ozone layer is thinner in Patagonia, making UV exposure more intense and potentially harmful. It’s your responsibility to protect yourself and take necessary precautions. Also, remember that rainfall is common, and you chose to be here! That means you must be ready to manage the cold, fatigue, and harsh Patagonian conditions.

Gear:

Keep your camping gear dry and always keep track of your dry spare clothing. Drying your gear as soon as possible is crucial, especially if you plan to use it the next day. We strongly recommend bringing at least two pairs of trail running shoes for rotation or for different terrains.

Leave No Trace:

Our adventure is inspired by years of conservation efforts to protect nature and establish large reserves for their incredible biodiversity. That’s why we promote minimizing the use of polluting products and reusing gear whenever possible. We will have a waste management system in place, but we need your help to reduce waste as much as possible.

Training:

These challenges are not designed for unprepared runners. Proper training beforehand is essential—either through self-discipline or with a coach. Otherwise, the experience could be extremely difficult for you. Keep in mind that you’ll cover long distances in rough, unfamiliar terrain while also adjusting to tent camping, which is very different from sleeping in your bed at home.

Additionally, we offer an optional pre-event training plan, monitored remotely by our head coach on the TrainingPeaks platform. A VO2Max sports assessment is also available to help you prepare in the best possible way for this challenge.

YOU CHOSE TO BE HERE!

Identification Number:

Each participant will receive an identification number, which will be linked via tags to their luggage/bag and tent (whether individual or shared). This system helps maintain organization and efficiency.

Luggage:

Each runner is responsible for handing in and picking up their bag/backpack/suitcase on the bus, allowing the organization to transport camping gear between camps. Maximum size: 100 liters / 35kg. Bags must not have loose items hanging outside and must always have the official event tag for proper handling and identification. Participants who fail to comply with these rules or bring extra, unregistered luggage must pay 50,000 CLP (or 55 USD). Bags must be dropped off within the designated time slots for proper transfer.

Food Management:

The organization will provide all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks). However, each participant may store one (1) container (up to 600CC) in our cooler. Participants are responsible for handling their own food, and the organization is not liable for any lost items. Additionally, all food must be kept out of reach of animals. Failure to comply will result in a warning.

Mandatory Gear:

These are the essential items every participant must carry during runs/training. The organization may check for compliance before departure. The required items include:

• Two soft flasks
   
• Hydration backpack (Participants in "Tehuelche Trail," "Spirit of Tompkins," and “Kóoch the Origin” must have an ultra-distance trail running pack of at least 7 liters capacity.)
   
• Windbreaker jacket
   
• Technical base layer
   
• Sandals or Crocs
   
• Small microfiber towel
   
• Cap or visor
   
• Sunscreen
   
• Microspikes
   
• Headlamp
   
• Sunglasses
   
• Race-format first aid kit
   
• Emergency whistle
   
• Survival blanket
   
• Sports nutrition for each daily challenge
   

"Animal Checklist":

You can download and print the "Animal Checklist", which includes mandatory items, camping essentials, personal items, and recommendations to ensure you don’t forget anything.

Food Modalities:

Get ready for a variety of meals! Participants will receive camp-style meals, snacks for transit, and "nomadic" rations (to be carried and consumed on the trail). Additionally, two special meals have been planned: a "Patagonian barbecue" on the rest day and a "Grand Banquet" on the final celebration day.
You will never go hungry or thirsty! Please indicate any food allergies or dietary preferences on your registration form.

Timing & Punctuality:

All activities will start on time, as previously scheduled. If a participant fails to show up at the designated meeting point, they risk losing their spot in the activity.

Each challenge follows specific routes with maximum time limits. The routes are always completed in groups, led and controlled by the coach. This is a training challenge, NOT a race.

Challenge Groups:

Each group will have a coach as their guide, equipped with a satellite device and emergency gear. The guide will set the group’s pace and, if necessary, assign an assistant as the "sweeper", ensuring no one is left behind. Both the guide and sweeper will coordinate via radios provided by the organization.

Routes:

The organization will provide GPX files for the daily routes. All participants must upload the route to their sports watches in advance.

Route adjustments may be made based on weather and terrain conditions. If necessary, the organization will implement "alternative safety routes", which will be shared with participants in GPX format in case of last-minute changes. These measures ensure that the activity continues while prioritizing participant and team safety.

Risk Management Plan:

All route staff will hold WFR (Wilderness First Responder) or WAFA (Wilderness Advanced First Aid) certifications. Participants with these certifications must declare them on the registration form.

A detailed Risk Management Plan will be in place, including:

• Evacuation protocols
   
• Strategic rescue points
   
• Shelters for emergencies
   
• Emergency service coordination
   

Daily safety briefings will be conducted before each activity to inform participants about procedures and ensure their well-being.

Code of Conduct:

A Code of Conduct will be shared in the "Experience Book," outlining rules for respecting local culture, infrastructure, wildlife, and vegetation. Severe violations will result in sanctions.

 OFFICIAL CHANNEL:

All official communications will be made via the participants' email and the WhatsApp group created for the experience. Through these channels, participants will receive GPX files for the routes, general communications, specific contact details, and everything necessary for a well-informed and extraordinary experience.

TIMES:

Each participant will have at least one hour of electrical connection per day and a minimum of 5 hours of Starlink connection, from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM and from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Remember, this is an experience of disconnection from the outside world and connection with nature. That’s why we’ve decided to establish a "rest time," during which participants must respect the sleep of others with absolute silence between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

AWARDS:

On the final sports day, a award ceremony meal will be held to recognize the participants who completed their challenges and those who demonstrated outstanding performance.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Cancellations will be refunded in Chilean pesos based on the chosen plan. The refund can only be processed 60 days before the trip, with a 50% refund. After that date, the slot is non-refundable and non-transferable to another person.
If a participant experiences health issues, injuries, or any condition that compromises their safety or their group’s safety, they may switch to the touristic version of the event, not the sporting one, receiving the services and benefits entitled to them. They will not participate in the trail running challenges.

QUORUM:

A minimum of 20 athletes is required to confirm the trip, which will be announced on September 7th. If the required quorum is not met, the total amount paid will be refunded.

LEVEL/CHALLENGE SELECTION:

You can apply for the challenge that best suits you after registering. However, the "Training Committee" will assign you to a level based on your athletic background. Your challenge assignment will be announced on the first day of the experience during the opening ceremony, but it will be decided beforehand through an interview or video call with the coach.
Regardless of your level, all participants will camp and have the same daily final destination.

LEVEL/CHALLENGE CHANGES:

If the experience is too difficult or you don’t feel comfortable, you can request a change of level/challenge from your coach. This can only be done to a lower level, but you must still complete the continuation plan to be considered a finisher.

FINISHER:

A finisher is anyone who completes the full challenge plan. There may be exceptions, such as in the following example:
A participant runs the first three days of the “Spirit of Tompkins” challenge but feels very tired and requests to switch to the “Tehuelche Trail” challenge. If their request is approved, they continue on the fourth day with the selected group and, if they complete the rest of the training plan, they will be awarded a finisher status for the “Tehuelche Trail” challenge.

PHYSICAL FITNESS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

All participants must submit a medical fitness certificate via email (atpc@animalco.cl) before the experience begins, along with a signed waiver of responsibility. Each participant voluntarily chooses to participate in the Animal Trail Camp Patagonia and is responsible for their decision. They waive all responsibility from the organizers and assume the costs of any medical emergencies (outside the coverage provided by the insurance). They must also have valid medical coverage in case of an accident.

DECISIONS:

We will be in a changing and extreme environment, so the organization may make extreme decisions if we believe a participant is not in optimal physical or health condition to continue the challenge or if the weather conditions don’t permit it.

FORCE MAJEURE:

The organization reserves the right to change the date, route, or event conditions for safety reasons or unforeseen circumstances (such as local conflicts, national or international emergencies, natural disasters, etc.). If the event date is changed, participants will not be entitled to a refund if they choose not to participate in the new date.

AGE REQUIREMENTS:

All participants must be over 18 years old, or accompanied by a parent with the appropriate legal permissions. The organization reserves the right to cancel registration if a participant does not meet the minimum age requirement at the time of the event.

INSURANCE:

Participants must inform the organization whether they have sports insurance with coverage in remote areas. If not, the organization will provide an agreement for participants to purchase insurance before the experience.

IMAGE RIGHTS:

As the longest ultra in the world, this will be a recorded experience, with participants as the protagonists. “Animal” will create exclusive content, including photos and videos, that can be used on its website or social media platforms, as well as by the event's sponsors and collaborators.

PAYMENT MODALITY:

For foreign participants, payments will be processed via Wetravel.

SALES STAGES:

There will be three sales stages:

• Early Ticket
   
• Pre-sale
   
• Regular Sale
   

These stages will be announced through our official channels, with deadlines and slot availability. Additionally, we will offer product and service alternatives to participants who wish to upgrade their base plan. For more information, contact atcp@animalco.cl.