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Chile (North)

Program Overview

Spend four incredible weeks adventuring in El Norte Grande --the Great North--a land of ancient cultures and breathtaking natural beauty. The extraordinary landscape of the Atacama Desert, with its wide salt flats, dramatic volcanoes, and tiny unspoiled villages, will astound you--and the generous warmth of the Chilean people will touch your heart.

Orientation in Santiago
Get to know Chile and its vibrant culture during a three-day orientation in Santiago. Stroll through Santiago's quaint old town and bustling, modern downtown to the impressive government palace. Your Spanish skills quickly improve as you go to local markets and speak to Chileans at street-side cafés. Your orientation concludes with a fascinat¬ing exploration of the old country town of San Felipe on the outskirts of Santiago.

Homestay and Community Service
From Santiago, head north to begin your two-week homestay. Explore the vineyards of Elqui Valley, spend the afternoon in the Recova artisans' market, enjoy the gorgeous northern Chilean beaches, and take part in a community service project, helping to make a difference in the lives of the people of your host community.

Sample host communities: La Serena, Copiapo.

Ecological Adventure
You and your group journey to the land of the Incas, the Atacamenos, and the Diaguitas to explore the beauty of the North--from the world's driest desert, the Atacama, to the northernmost tip of the Chilean Andes. Indigenous cultures and colonial history come together as you explore oasis towns, visit an Aymara community, and take part in a colorful festival in the small town of La Tirana. You also work on an important community service project before heading into the town of San Pedro in the heart of the Atacama Desert.

Sample activities: Visit an archeological museum to see the remains of ancient Andean cultures; hike the Andes to explore the Tatio geysers; visit the oldest colonial church in Chile; explore the world's largest open-pit copper mine; observe dormant volcanoes, nesting colonies of flamingos, and the Chaxa lagoon; watch the sunset over "Moon Valley"; find a quiet spot to gaze at the millions of stars that light the cool desert night.

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