Protecting the world’s wild places requires more than admiration—it requires action.
At Antarctica Travels, we believe that meaningful travel comes with a responsibility to contribute to the preservation of the environments that inspire our journeys. From the polar regions to the forests of Patagonia, we are committed to supporting initiatives that promote biodiversity, restore natural ecosystems and create lasting environmental impact.
In 2025, our team Antactica Travels proudly joined one of Patagonia’s most meaningful ecological restoration initiatives, organized by Amigos de la Patagonia in partnership with Lanín National Park. Alongside more than 350 volunteers, park rangers, scientists, local communities and partner organizations, we participated in planting 10,000 native Araucaria (Pehuén) trees to restore a unique forest at the foot of the Lanín Volcano that had been severely damaged by wildfires.
Because conservation is not a destination—it’s an ongoing commitment that shapes how we explore the world.
The Association of Friends of Patagonia (AAP) is a non-profit organization founded in 1999, in the city of San Martín de los Andes, Neuquén Province, Argentina.
The Araucaria (Araucaria araucana), also known as the Pehuén, is one of the oldest tree species on Earth, with ancestors dating back millions of years. These ancient forests are home to unique biodiversity and play a vital role in maintaining healthy mountain ecosystems across northern Patagonia.
Beyond their ecological value, Araucaria forests are deeply connected to the cultural heritage of local communities and Indigenous Mapuche peoples, for whom the Pehuén has long held social, nutritional and spiritual significance.
Today, the species is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, wildfires and the impacts of climate change. Restoring these forests is essential not only for protecting wildlife but also for strengthening ecosystem resilience for future generations.
The restoration initiative brought together more than 350 volunteers, park rangers, scientists, conservation organizations and local communities with a shared objective: helping a native forest recover after devastating wildfires.
During the restoration day, participants planted 10,000 native Araucaria seedlings, contributing to the long-term recovery of one of Patagonia’s most valuable ecosystems.
The initiative forms part of Proyecto Pewen, a restoration program that has been working since 2020 to regenerate burned Araucaria forests within Lanín National Park through scientific monitoring, community participation and long-term conservation planning.
