Â鶹´«Ã½

Chile

Trekking at the end of the world

Faculty: Aaron Sullivan and Heidi Pullmann-Lindsley
Class Meeting Time: Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Trip Dates: May, 2026
Cost: $2,400

Santiago, Chile

Highlights

Visit ‘where the land ends’, an expansive country of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural history, and unforgettable adventures. Join us on an extraordinary journey across Chile, from the museums and streets of Santiago to the glaciers and fjords of Patagonia. Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural wonders, human stories, and diverse ecosystems that define this incredible region. Whether you're hiking among the jagged peaks, cruising through fjords teeming with wildlife, or engaging with the culture and language of an incredible country, every day will bring a new and awe-inspiring experience.

Our trip will begin in the capital city, Santiago, where we will learn about the unique culture and complex history of the region through visits to the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art and the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos. From there, we will travel south to Puerto Montt to visit Volcán Osorno, whale watch, and see the penguin colonies of Chiloé. Next, we will head to Punta Arenas in Patagonia to hike in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. To round out our trip, we will visit the otherworldly Atacama Desert, to stargaze under the clearest night skies on Earth. 

This adventure is perfect for students passionate about geology, anthropology, natural history, and social justice. Walk through to learn about Chile’s complex past, witness the raw beauty of volcanoes and glacial landscapes, and visit cultural sites that reveal centuries of human adaptation, resilience, and reconciliation.

Tentative Itinerary

Day 1 Santiago: Travel (flight from PDX)
Day 2 Santiago: Cajon del Maipo, Museo de la Memoria y Los Derechos Humanos
Day 3 Santiago: Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, Museum Natural History
Day 4 Punta Arenas: Travel (flight from Santiago) + Museum Magellan
Day 5 Punta Arenas: Magallanes National Reserve
Day 6 Punta Arenas: Torres del Paine + Milodon Cave
Day 7 Punta Arenas: Isla Magdelana
Day 8 Puerto Montt: Travel (flight from Punto Arenas) + Ancud Regional Museum
Day 9 Puerto Montt: Alerce Andino National Park
Day 10 Puerto Montt: Fjordland Cruise
Day 11 Puerto Montt: Volcán Osorno
Day 12 Chiloé: Travel (bus from Puerto Montt) + Churches of Chiloé
Day 13 Chiloé: Whale Watching at Quellon
Day 14 Chiloé: Chiloé National Park
Day 15 Chiloé: Punuihil Penguin Colony
Day 16 San Pedro de Atacama: Travel (flight from Chiloé)
Day 17 San Pedro de Atacama: Valley of the Moon
Day 18 San Pedro de Atacama: Atacama Desert (stargazing)
Day 19 San Pedro de Atacama: Volcano Hike
Day 20 Santiago: Travel (flight from San Pedro de Atacama) + prepare for return
Day 21 PDX: Travel (flight from Santiago)