Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Introduce your students to the best of both worlds on this adventure from the vibrant streets of Santiago to the lush rainforest of Puerto Varas. Your students will sail across Lake Llanquihue, hike through the rainforest around Puerto Varas, and learn about Huilliche history and culture during a cooking demonstration with a local family. Your group will also visit the artisan city of Ancud, take in the scenery of Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, and explore Osorno Volcano.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Chile (Santiago)
Day 2
Arrive in Santiago
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Santiago guided sightseeing tour
Santiago, the capital of Chile, is home to the country’s main administrative, commercial, cultural, financial, and governmental institutions. Take a tour of the city’s most important historic and cultural sites, including Barrios Lastarria, La Moneda (the Presidential Palace), Plaza de Armas, Mercado Central (Chile’s largest fresh seafood market), and Cerro Santa Lucía, which marks the spot where Santiago was founded and offers a wonderful view of downtown.
Day 3
Fly to Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas Tour Director-led sightseeing
Puerto Varas, located on the southwestern shores of Lake Llanquihue, boasts breathtaking views of the snow-capped Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, both still active. The town is known for its traditional German-style architecture, exemplified by historic landmarks like the Kuschel House and Niklitschek House. Blending heritage with modern charm, Puerto Varas features beautifully maintained gardens and contemporary residential areas. Discover its architectural treasures before enjoying a leisurely walk through the lively Plaza de Armas.
Lake Llanquihue cruise
Sail through the crystalline waters of Lake Llanquihue, taking in striking views of Puerto Varas Bay.
Day 4
Hike through the rainforest
Take an easy hike through the beautiful temperate rainforest surrounding Puerto Varas.
Huilliche community visit
Spend an afternoon learning about the history, music, medicine, and cuisine of the Huilliche community of Quechalen Aitue. Enjoy a cooking demonstration with a local family and hear first-hand accounts of the Huilliche people's experiences.
Cooking demonstration with a local family
Cooking demonstration with a local family
Day 5
Sail to the Chiloé Island
From the town of Pargua, take a ferry across the Chacao Channel to the Island of Chiloé. Visit the town of Chacao before heading to Puñihuil. From there, sail to the islets to see Humboldt and Magellanic penguins, the only place in the world where both species nest together.
Wildlife cruise
Ancud craft market visit
Visit the city of Ancud and explore its local craft market, known for woven and carved woodwork.
Day 6
Los Riscos lookout point
Stop at the Los Riscos lookout point to take in views of Lake Llanquihue and Osorno Volcano, the nearly 9,000-foot peak known for its resemblance to Mount Fuji.
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park visit
Explore the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park with a tour guide, admiring the local flora and fauna along the way. See the Petrohué River waterfalls with its clear, green-tinted water, and walk along the Petrohué River to view the Todos Los Santos Lake.
Osorno Volcano
Enjoy lunch at glacier-covered Osorno Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Andes. Hike around the volcano and take a chairlift ride for panoramic views from above.
Day 7
Fly to Santiago
Travel to Valparaiso
Valparaiso Street art workshop
Day 8
Valparaiso guided sightseeing tour
Valparaíso was one of the first Chilean cities founded by the Spaniards. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 for its architectural and cultural significance, the city is considered one of the most fascinating in Chile. Begin in the downtown sector, learning about "Valpo" and its role in South American trade and commerce. Ride centennial elevators to the city's steep hills, where a maze of streets reveals brightly colored buildings, bohemian cafés, elegant restaurants, and spectacular harbor views. Your walking tour includes two of the city's most famous and eclectic neighborhoods, Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre. You’ll also visit La Sebastiana, one of Pablo Neruda’s three homes converted into museums.
Travel to Santiago
Fly home
Day 9
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Chile
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.