Day 11 part 2: From Postponed Plans to Extreme Trekking in Valle de Lunarejo!

Kevin Michael Agtarap
Jun 30, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2025

What a day! After leaving Lidia's school, and a bit of a wait, the weather finally cleared up this afternoon, giving us the green light for our postponed cultural activity. With the sky partially cleared, we piled into the van with our wonderful hosts Rafa, Mirian, Lidia, and Maite, and our ever-reliable driver, Milton, and set off for Valle de Lunarejo, pronounced va-shay. The double L and the letter Y in Uruguayan language make the "sh" sound.

We climbed high into the mountains, and let me tell you, the air got progressively chillier as the day went on. Thankfully, the cozy lobby, which doubled as a gathering spot and gift shop, had a roaring fire going. We all gratefully made ourselves comfortable, thawing out before our adventure truly began.

Then came the waivers. Yes, waivers! That really should have been our first clue that we were in for some extreme trekking! But, ever the optimists, we ventured out of the warm lobby with our tour guide, grabbing sturdy walking sticks for everyone. Through a gate we went, into a picturesque pasture dotted with sheep, shrubs, and an abundance of fascinating mushrooms that immediately caught Cheree's eye. Needless to say, we paused for a moment (or two!) for mushroom and selfie photos.

We carefully navigated the grassy path, doing our best to avoid any "deposits" left by our woolly friends, until the trail led us down the mountainside. The views of Valle de Lunarejo were absolutely spectacular! Even with the slightly cloudy skies, I could already imagine the breathtaking sunset vistas this place must offer. We continued our descent on increasingly muddy trails, having to alter our path strategically to keep our shoes as clean as possible – a real challenge when some of us only packed one pair of sneakers for the entire trip! We passed more unique vegetation, stopping for more selfies and mushroom close-ups, until we finally reached the river. The sound of the water was incredibly soothing and relaxing. Little did we know, we'd be crossing that river many times throughout this hike!

We tried our best to be careful, but the slick algae on some of the boulders proved too much for our feet, and a few of us ended up with wet shoes (and socks!). Remember those waivers we signed earlier? To keep our spirits high and entertained, Anne, Kareena, and I led the charge, improvising our own YouTube channel: ET Uruguay, or "Extreme Trekking Uruguay." It was a fantastic way to laugh off the mud and water situation.

Just when we thought we'd seen it all, we encountered a section where we had to climb up the side of the mountain with a rope, pulling ourselves up and over various rocks until we reached the very top. When we finally saw the open pasture and the tower that stood as an anchor point near the lobby, we knew we were close to completing our epic hike. A light rain started to trickle as we made it back to the lobby, and then it began to pour once we were safely inside.

It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Despite the mud, the slips, and the unexpected climbs, it was an unforgettable day filled with laughter, stunning scenery, and the kind of camaraderie that only extreme trekking can bring out.

This field experience, especially the trek through Valle de Lunarejo, was a powerful lesson in experiential learning. While a classroom can provide academic knowledge, it's the hands-on, sometimes messy, experiences that truly stick with you. The waivers, the unexpected climbs, and the slippery river crossings were all part of a real-world "curriculum" that taught me about perseverance, problem-solving, and the beauty of the natural world in Uruguay.

As a global educator, I hope to bring this spirit of experiential learning into my future practice. This means embracing the unexpected: I've learned that not everything goes according to plan, and sometimes the best lessons come from detours and challenges. I want to foster a classroom environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and learning from their "slips and slides," much like we did on the trail. It also means prioritizing adaptability: just as we had to strategically alter our path on the muddy trails, I want to equip my students with the flexibility to adapt to new information, diverse perspectives, and evolving global landscapes. I aim to cultivate a sense of adventure: learning should be an adventure, and I want to infuse my lessons with the same excitement and discovery that I felt exploring the unique vegetation and crossing rivers in Valle de Lunarejo. This could involve incorporating more outdoor education, project-based learning, or culturally immersive activities. Finally, I hope to build resilient learners: the "extreme trekking" aspect taught me about pushing past my perceived limits. I want to empower my students to develop their own resilience, to approach challenges with optimism, and to find humor and joy even when things get tough.

Ultimately, this experience solidified my understanding that true education extends far beyond textbooks. It encompasses cultural immersion, shared human experiences, and the willingness to step outside of your comfort zone. I am eager to carry these insights into my future classrooms, fostering global citizens who are not only knowledgeable but also adaptable, resilient, and deeply empathetic.

What's the most unexpected adventure you've ever had on a trip? I'd love to hear about it!