Tours for Santiago, Chile
USAC encourages you to participate in the tours; however, they are optional and have an additional fee. Destinations may change at the discretion of the Resident Director. The following are possible destinations, view term calendars for specifics.
Northern Chile
The tour itinerary includes excursions to the village of San Pedro, near the Atacama salt flats and the Andes mountains, as well as the oasis towns of Toconao, Camar, and Socaire; visits to the archaeological museum and sites of the native Atacama culture, with its Inca and Spanish influences; guided excursions to the magnificent national parks of Moon Valley, Flamingo Lagoons in the Atacama salt flats, and the Andean Lakes; a night astronomical session in the Atacama Desert; an exploration of the protected ecological area of the Cactus Valley; and a refreshing visit to the Puritama thermal baths.
Southern Chile
The tour itinerary includes visits to Puerto Montt and the fishing port of Angelmó with its traditional markets; the famous ferry crossing to Chiloé Island, the second biggest island in South America with traditional mixed European and native culture; tours of the famed wooden churches of Chiloé, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the magical little island of Aucar and the attractive Puñihuil Natural Penguin Reserve; Puerto Varas and the lakes, rapids, and rain forests of the Llanquihue Region with its stunning volcanic panorama. The trip also introduces you to the typical small towns of the German colonization and a refreshing visit to the Aguas Calientes thermal baths.