Discovering Chile: Traveling Within a Country, Not Just Through It
When I was choosing among the many IFSA programs, one factor I considered was how easily I could travel to other countries. In many programs, students often try to visit as many countries as possible, almost as if there’s a competition. Santiago, my host city, is a major hub for travelers, with trains, buses, and airports that connect the city to all corners of Chile. With an international airport only 28 minutes from my homestay, there was more excitement to travel to other countries. As I prepared to leave for Chile, I made a list of all the countries I wanted to visit: Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. However, on my flight to Santiago, I noticed that Chile was a very long country, and Santiago was in the center.
When I met the rest of my group at the airport, we decided to get some fresh air. We were all stunned by the enormous Andes Mountain Range, known in Chile as the Cordillera. As we drove to our new homestays, we couldn’t stop admiring the breathtaking views. Each of us was filled with excitement to explore this incredible country.
Sound advice from my host mom
My homestay was in the beautiful municipality of Santiago, Las Condes, surrounded by large palm trees and the surrounding Andes Mountain Range. I was soon introduced to my host mom, who I would live with for the next four and a half months. She gave me a tour of her apartment, starting with her kitchen. The fridge was covered in magnets from her travels—some from Chile and others from different countries around the world. As we talked, I mentioned my desire to travel throughout South America. But my host mom gently advised me, “You are studying in Chile; you should get to know Chile before any other country.” These words would guide my decisions in the months that followed.
“You are studying in Chile; you should get to know Chile before any other country.” These words would guide my decisions in the months that followed.
In mid-August, my friends and I from the IFSA program planned our first trip to San Pedro, in the Atacama Desert, in northern Chile. Initially, we thought we could drive there, unaware of just how far away it was. We soon learned that the drive would take 17 hours. Instead, we chose a three-hour plane ride. Once we arrived at our hostel, we were amazed by the landscape: vicuñas (a relative of alpacas), towering mountains with salt reservoirs at their bases. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before and completely different from Santiago.
New landscapes, new memories
As the semester progressed, my friends and I traveled to various regions of Chile, north, central, and south. We learned about the unique cultures that flourished in each region. Yet, we also had easy access to the metro and buses, allowing me to explore Santiago and learn about the different municipalities and their histories and culture.
Each region of Chile I visited had its own distinct food, music, and scenery. In the north, places like San Pedro and Valle Elqui, moving to the center, Santiago and Cajón del Maipo showcased a blend of urban energy and natural beauty. Further south, the lake regions of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas, then traveling to the breathtaking National Park of Torres del Paine in the far south. I’m so glad I took my host mom’s advice to prioritize exploring Chile rather than rushing off to other countries. It gave me the opportunity to experience the diversity and beauty of this incredible nation. While I feel there is still so much more of Chile to explore, I will always cherish the places I visited during my time there.
Marin Ackermann | Bates College | IFSA Chilean Universities Program, Santiago | Fall 2024