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Chile

Travel to Santiago, Chile: Streets, Service & Mountains

7 days | Ages 14-18 | Summer 2026 | Fully Supervised | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International flights not included

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A one-week journey into everyday life in Central Chile through cities, stories, service, and mountain air.

Spend a week experiencing daily life in Chile through Santiago, the Andes, and the Pacific coast. Meet local students, join small community projects, and share meals in family-run restaurants. From cable car rides on San Cristóbal Hill and mural painting in Barrio Italia to hikes in Cajón del Maipo and walks in Valparaíso, you’ll connect with people and places while learning about Chile’s culture and history.

Program Tuition

$3,290

Excluding flights.
Financial aid and scholarships available.

Summer sessions typically fill by March

No departures scheduled

Scott Ingram

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic since 2018

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 7-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Depart to Visit Chile

Meet your Flight Leader at Miami International Airport. Fly overnight to the Chilean capital. For travelers flying directly to Santiago, you will meet your Program Leader and fellow travelers at the airport.
2

Arrival and Orientation

Travel to Santiago’s city center and settle into a quiet neighborhood near Las Condes. Learn basic entry and exit requirements, exchange Chilean pesos, and get oriented. Walk to the metro station and take Santiago’s efficient public transportation system to Cerro San Cristóbal, where you’ll ride the cable car for panoramic views of the downtown Santiago with the Andes in the background.
3

Language, Art, and Exchange

Spend the morning at Plaza de Armas, the historic main square. Meet local students and compare experiences school life, slang, music, and more. Paint a mural together at a youth center in Barrio Italia, supported by local authorities. Cook pastel de choclo and sopaipillas. Evening walk to Cerro Santa Lucía to watch the city lights come on.
4

Valparaíso & Viña del Mar

Drive west past bus stations and through city limits toward the coast. Walk the hills of Valparaíso, learning how public art became a form of protest during times of civil unrest. Visit the beach at Viña del Mar before returning inland.
5

Craft, Farming & Natural Resilience

Send postcards from the central post office in Santiago before heading to Pomaire, a small artisan town in the Central Valley. Learn pottery from locals who’ve rebuilt after natural disasters, including major earthquakes. Visit a small sustainable farm to understand Chile’s agricultural challenges and climate realities including ozone vulnerability in the Southern Hemisphere.
6

Maipo Valley Adventure

Take a day trip into Cajón del Maipo, a beautiful mountain valley. Hike on marked trails, visit a glacial reservoir near active volcanoes, or try mountain biking with a guide. Return to the Mercado Central for a final group dinner.
7

Reflection and Departure

For the final morning, visit a house museum or small cultural site. Walk through art galleries near Parque Forestal. In the afternoon, participate in Rustic Ties, our ceremony for reflecting on the memories, new friends, and impact of your Chilean adventure. In the evening, your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your journey back home. A local Chilean notary public is available if needed for any last-minute travel documents. Staff will guide you through tourist card return and other exit requirements. Cell phones stay connected for parents until airport departure.

Total: 7 calendar days / 6 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Chile

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Chile offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

Included:

  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support

Not included:

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Chile Americas 2026
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