School expedition in Chile

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Overview

Expand your students’ love for the great outdoors with a life-changing school expedition in the iconic Andean peaks of central Chile.

Students are taught traditional ways of life by local indigenous communities while discovering first-hand how climate change is affecting locals and threatening the region and its epic biodiversity.

This rugged adventure through some of the country’s lesser-known landscapes enhances students’ leadership skills, mountaineering skills and community building skills through specially-designed outdoor activities in the Malalcahuello National Reserve

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impacted

Trip highlights

Hike Andean peaks

Trek in dense forests

Outdoor teamwork workshops

Cook with native Mapuche community

Camp under the stars

Visit pristine glacial lakes

From $1,899 per person

Stay in forest cabins, hostels, or camping.

Carbon Footprint: 72 kg CO₂e per person (not including international flights)

Example Itinerary

Day 1: Arrivals

Your dedicated Kagumu tour guides will meet you at Araucanía Airport and take you by private transfer to Lonquimay.

Expert guides will give students a brief introduction on Chile, its geography, its history, and its culture as well as safety and sustainable traveler trips.

Overnight: hostel/cabin

Day 2: Volcano hike & cooking experience

In the morning the group heads to Malalcahuello National Reserve before a hike to the majestic Lonquimay volcano.

After a local lunch, the group heads out into the Andean forest, exploring the beautiful local fauna and flora. Students meet local Mapuche people before learning how to make their own traditional Mapuche-style bread…cooked in ashes!

Overnight: hostel/cabin

Day 3: Intercultural exchange & mountaineering skills

After breakfast, students enjoy a unique intercultural exchange with local school students, as we facilitate games and fun activities.

The group then heads out into the Andean forest to learn how to survive in the mountains by learning navigation skills and how to make a fire.

After a delicious local dinner in Lonquimay, students enjoy some downtime in the town.

Overnight: hostel/cabin

Day 4: Hike to lake & artisanal snowshoe making

After breakfast, the group travels south to the border with Argentina to hike to a pristine lake. Here students will learn about the geologic (glacial) history of this delta and the interesting, rare fossils that have been found here.

In the afternoon, the group enjoys a workshop led by a mapuche-pehuenche artisan who will teach students how to make a traditional “maullo” (snow-shoe).

Overnight: hostel/cabin

Day 5: Native community cultural immersion

This morning the group will visit a mapuche community and learn about the effects of climate change on this forest and the people living here.

As a real treat for lunch, students dine like a local in a traditional mapuche home. After the group heads out into one of the last remaining ancient forests in the region.

Overnight: hostel/cabin

Day 6: Geological site visit & wool workshop

Today students will visit a geologic site of glacial origin, marvelling at the massive red-toned walls of sedimentary rocks.

After lunch, students learn from local women how to make garments from local.-sourced wool as well as being able to taste locally made treats.

The program comes to a close with a traditional barbecue and ancient music and dancing!

Overnight: hostel/cabin

Day 7: Departures

After enjoying our last breakfast and a final reflection, we take the group to the airport in plenty of time for their flight home.

Essential information

Your students will:

  • Learn essential hiking techniques and safety measures when journeying on diverse hikes.
  • Gain a better understanding of the native communities in the Malalcahuello National Reserve
  • Learn about the geology of these Andean mountains and the effects of climate change.

  • All meals (we chose varied dishes to offer a real taste of Chile)
  • Accommodation (rooms are shared but privates are available on request and at an extra cost)
  • Transport – private buses
  • All scheduled excursions, activities, visits
  • Local guides and translators
  • Safety documents – risk assessment, safety protocols
  • Two Kagumu guides for every 12 students

  • International flights
  • Any activities not mentioned
  • Travel insurance
  • Any snacks or souvenirs

Book this itinerary or tailor one to suit your curriculum by contacting us.

Carbon Footprint: 72 kg CO₂e per person = The full life-cycle emissions of an iPhone 11**

Includes: Accommodation, meals, local transport, guides & activities
Not included: International flights

*Based on a 9-day trip for an average meat eater
**Source: CO₂ Everything

Daily emissions:

  • Meat eater – 8 kg CO₂e
  • Vegetarian – 6 kg CO₂e (-18%)
  • Vegan – 5 kg CO₂e (-27%)

Flight comparison (return):

  • London – 3,115 kg CO₂e (×43 the trip)
  • Mexico City – 1,569 kg (×22)
  • Miami – 1,494 kg (×21)

Learn more on our Impact Page and Sustainability Policy.

Fully Customizable

Remember we customize every itinerary to your curriculum. If you have a specifc academic focus in mind, allow us to tailor a trip for you.

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