School Trips To Patagonia – Chile

From the snow-capped peaks of Patagonia to the otherworldly deserts of the Atacama, Chile is a land of breathtaking contrasts. This immersive journey takes us across ancient glaciers, remote fjords, vibrant markets, and bustling cities, offering a deeper understanding of Chile’s history, indigenous traditions, and environmental wonders. Alongside local guides, conservationists, and artisans, we engage in outdoor expeditions, cultural exchanges, and sustainability-focused initiatives, gaining a profound appreciation for this diverse and awe-inspiring country.

Santiago
Plaza de Armas (Santiago)
La Moneda Palace (Santiago)
Mercado Central (Santiago)
San Cristóbal Hill (Santiago)
Valparaíso
Pablo Neruda’s House (La Sebastiana, Valparaíso)
Valle de la Luna (San Pedro de Atacama)
Atacama Desert
Atacama Salt Flats
Puritama Hot Springs
Magdalena Island Penguin Colony
Torres del Paine
Grey Glacier (Torres del Paine)
Maipo Valley Vineyard

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago – The Capital in the Andes

We arrive in Santiago, where colonial charm meets modern energy against a backdrop of the towering Andes. After settling in, we explore Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of the city, before visiting La Moneda Palace, the seat of Chile’s government. An afternoon food tour through Mercado Central introduces us to Chilean flavors—empanadas de pino (meat turnovers), pastel de choclo (corn pie), and freshly caught seafood from the Pacific. We end the day with a cable car ride up San Cristóbal Hill, where panoramic views of Santiago stretch to the mountains beyond.
Day 2: Valparaíso – Street Art, Poets & Coastal Flavors

A scenic drive takes us to Valparaíso, Chile’s vibrant port city, where colorful houses cling to the hillsides, and murals tell stories of resilience, revolution, and artistic expression. Wandering through its winding alleyways and staircases, we meet local artists who share insights into the city’s legendary street art scene. A visit to La Sebastiana, the home of poet Pablo Neruda, offers a glimpse into his eccentric world of inspiration. For lunch, we indulge in Chilean ceviche and chorrillana (a loaded plate of fries, beef, onions, and egg) before heading to the coast, where we observe sea lions basking on the docks and fishing boats unloading their catch.
Day 3: Flight to Calama & San Pedro de Atacama

We journey north to the Atacama Desert, the driest desert on Earth. Arriving in San Pedro de Atacama, we settle into our eco-lodge before exploring Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), where wind-sculpted dunes and salt flats create a lunar-like landscape. As night falls, we head to an astronomical observatory, where crystal-clear skies reveal the Milky Way, distant galaxies, and constellations used by the Atacameño people for centuries.
Day 4: Salt Flats, Flamingos & Indigenous Traditions

A sunrise drive takes us to the Atacama Salt Flats, where pink flamingos wade in shimmering blue lagoons. We visit Toconao, an indigenous village where artisans craft llama wool textiles and volcanic stone sculptures. After lunch, we soak in the Puritama Hot Springs, where warm mineral-rich waters offer a moment of relaxation amid the desert’s stark beauty.
Day 5: Flight to Punta Arenas & Journey into Patagonia

Flying south, we land in Punta Arenas, the gateway to Chilean Patagonia. A scenic drive takes us along the Strait of Magellan, where we visit a penguin colony on Magdalena Island, watching Magellanic and Humboldt penguins waddle along the shores. That evening, we settle into our lodge on the edge of Torres del Paine National Park, preparing for the wilderness adventures ahead.
Day 6: Torres del Paine – Hiking Among the Peaks

We embark on a guided trek to the Base of the Towers, where jagged peaks rise dramatically above glacial lakes. Along the way, we spot guanacos grazing in the steppe, soaring condors, and possibly even a puma in the distance. After our hike, we visit a local estancia (ranch), where Patagonian cowboys (huasos) demonstrate their sheep herding and wool-spinning traditions. A rustic asado barbecue by the fire offers a taste of Patagonian hospitality.
Day 7: Kayaking & Ice Hiking on Grey Glacier

A morning kayaking expedition on Grey Lake takes us through floating icebergs, where we paddle close to the towering Grey Glacier, witnessing its deep blue ice formations up close. In the afternoon, we embark on a glacier trek, where expert guides teach us how to traverse the ice using crampons, exploring deep crevasses, ice caves, and meltwater streams.
Day 8: Travel to Chiloé – A Land of Legends

Leaving Patagonia, we journey to Chiloé, an island known for its mystical folklore, palafitos (stilt houses), and maritime culture. We explore Castro’s wooden churches, UNESCO-listed sites that blend indigenous and Spanish colonial influences, before learning about Chilote myths of ghost ships and shape-shifting creatures. Dinner features curanto, a Chilote feast cooked underground with seafood, potatoes, and smoked meats, reflecting the island’s rich traditions.
Day 9: Conservation & Wildlife Encounters

We spend the morning with marine conservationists, assisting with local efforts to protect sea lions, whales, and migrating seabirds. A boat excursion takes us to Puñihuil Islets, where we observe penguins, sea otters, and dolphins in their natural habitat. That evening, we share stories around a cozy firelit lodge, reflecting on the connections between Chile’s landscapes and its people.
Day 10: Return to Santiago – A Farewell to Chile

A morning flight brings us back to Santiago, where we enjoy a free afternoon exploring the Lastarria district, known for its bookstores, cafés, and artisan markets. A farewell dinner at a vineyard in the Maipo Valley offers one last taste of Chilean cuisine, featuring grilled meats, fresh seafood, and a final toast with world-class Carménère wine.
Day 11: Departure – Carrying Chile’s Spirit with Us

As we board our flights home, we reflect on the vast landscapes, the warmth of the people, and the lessons in conservation and tradition that have shaped our journey. This experience has been more than a trip—it has been an exploration of Chile’s wild beauty, cultural depth, and the delicate balance between history and nature. With memories of glaciers, deserts, mountains, and coasts, we leave with a deeper connection to the land, the stories, and the traditions that define Chile.