The Leadership Challenge In the Andes

By: Felipe Lee

7th December 2024

This year, four of us students - myself included -  were chosen to participate in the Andes Leadership Challenge, along Latitud 90, which happened between the 13 - 19th October. The opportunity required us to distance ourselves from the daily stress of the city and embark on one of the most incredible journeys, pushing ourselves both physically and mentally. Along with several friends, we travelled through the most amazing, but challenging environments on Earth: The Andes, a mountain range that spans along South America's western side, made out of volcanoes, glaciers, lakes and forests. 

Despite the landscapes and wildlife being breathtaking and leaving a strong impression, the people we met during the trip were just as unforgettable. The group was mainly formed by three Mexican girls, four Brazilians and eleven Argentinians, all of whom were from different IB Schools through South and Central America. Every chat and every discussion was not only an opportunity to get to know each other better, but also an opportunity to learn something new and share a bit of our own culture. By the end, we made life-long friends on whom we shared countless laughs, meals and unforgettable memories.   

The days began pretty early in the morning, around 8 a.m, with simple tasks such as setting the breakfast table and cleaning or organizing the cabin, which we called “El Refugio”. However, more than just simple tasks, the most challenging and difficult activities we faced were definitely the tiring hikes which made us go through high terrains and steep paths. Walking through slippery snow, and rugged terrain, the challenges demanded us to endure both physically and mentally, trusting and relying on each other for support and encouragement, strengthening our sense of teamwork and friendship.   

Beyond physical demands, life in the mountains required us to quit some basic comforts and adjust to some strange customs. Due to the lack of resources, we needed to learn how to adapt quickly and use nature as we never did before. 

Potable water, for example, became a valuable and rare resource. To keep ourselves hydrated we needed to melt snow and mix it with either Juice Powders or dirt to enrich it with minerals. Despite the horrible taste, this was a practice that we had to adapt to, recognizing the value of things that we often take for granted. Cooking was also a complete journey itself, using just portable stoves and portable gas, we had to prepare food for five to six people on the mountainside, thanking for each warm bite. At night, the tents were placed on uneven ground, and the harsh wind and the cold made our sleep somewhat rough, but the exhaustion from each day made us sleep through it.    

The Andes taught me more than just endurance and physical strength, it also reminded me of the need for teamwork and adaptability. The Andes Leadership Challenge is ideal for anyone seeking adventure and self-discovery, if you are well prepared, this journey is for you.

Looking back, the Andes Challenge was more than just a trip, it was an incredible opportunity to grow personally and connect with others. I am extremely grateful for having this opportunity and sharing it with incredible friends that together faced problems, formed unforgettable memories and shared countless laughs. If given the chance to go back and see the Andes again, I would not hesitate for a single second.