Chile: Rivers of Life
This immersive study abroad experience explores how healthy rivers support communities and economies while examining the impacts of dams and development. Students engage with local communities, families, indigenous folks, and organizations to learn about their struggles and triumphs. Using packrafts and rafts to experience local rivers in various communities and remote regions, we learn how rivers of life have shaped and are shaping the socioecological and economic landscapes of Chile.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Rafting and packrafting multiple rivers near Pucón, Chile S.A. including a remote overnight trip with stunning vistas of mountains, volcanoes, and rivers.
- Cultural experiences with various local and Mapuche communities.
- Scenic hikes to volcanoes and remote hot springs.
Trip Dates:
December 4 - December 17, 2026
Courses:
- SUS-2001 Issues in Sustainability, 3 credits
- OUT-1330 River Orientation, 2 credits
- 5 classes prior to field session:
- October 13
- October 27
- November 10
- November 17
- December 1
Watch our trip highlights from our last trip to Chile.
Let us know you're interested!
Trip Leaders:
John Saunders
Having been a professor at Colorado Mountain College’s Steamboat Campus for 26 years, I love teaching students in a wide range of environments and disciplines, from Outdoor Education to Sustainability, Psychology, Leadership, and Ethics. My personal passions include family, teaching, bike packing, pack rafting, reading, herbal and medicinal plants, philosophy, mythic storytelling, and trying to learn to play at least one musical instrument well!
Matt Jost
As a teacher, guide, and administrator, I have had the pleasure of helping students at Colorado Mountain College and other organizations from a variety of perspectives for many years now. My teaching passions include Avalanche Science, Emergency Medicine, and anything to do with rivers like Swiftwater Safety and River Orientation! I have a long history of paddling and rafting, do a variety of recreational activities, and enjoy taking my family on adventures down rivers!
Trip Cost:
Program Fee: $4330.
There are Scholarship Support funds available to reduce the cost to for credit bearing students.
What’s Included: This course charge covers all onsite and program expenses while in Chile with Puco n Kayak Retreat & Multi-day Adventures. This included meals and lodging while in Chile.
What’s Not Included: Airfare, CMC tuition, extra snacks, and personal shopping expenses at markets/stores.
Scholarship Application Deadline: Connect with Diana Scherr (dscherr@coloradomtn.edu) from the CMC Foundation to determine the trip scholarship application deadline.
Tuition:
See current in-district, in-state, and out-of-state CMC Tuition Rates.
Registration Deadline:
September 1, 2026.
Payment Deadline:
$1,000 Deposit, due September 1, 2026.
Watch our trip highlights from our last trip to Chile.
Let us know you're interested!
Contact our trip leaders,
