Bariloche, Brazil and the Caribbean: the destinations leading study trips in Chile

Bariloche has been the classic destination for Chilean school trips for decades. But in recent years the geography of student travel has widened considerably: Camboriú, the Iguazú Falls, Cancún and San Andrés have come onto the map in force, and today they compete on equal terms with the Patagonian snow. What explains that shift?

Three factors that redrew the map

The answer has several layers. The first is connectivity: there are more direct flights, more group transport options and better fares than five years ago. The second is cultural: Instagram, TikTok and YouTube have planted beach and tropical adventure destinations in teenagers' imaginations at a speed more traditional destinations cannot match. And the third is economic: operators have developed payment schemes that let families finance an international trip in monthly instalments over 18 or 24 months, making possible what once seemed out of reach.

For Marcelo Rollandi, founder of Vivencias Travel, "the growth of international destinations comes down to a combination of emotions, experiences, connectivity and social media. Students want to live something unique before they finish school, and today that is possible with the right planning."

"Classes that start 18 to 24 months in advance get lower instalments, better promotions and greater price stability. The difference between planning early and waiting can be several hundred thousand pesos per student." — Marcelo Rollandi, founder of Vivencias Travel

How much does an international trip cost?

Current price ranges are a starting point for families weighing up their options. The figures vary with the destination, length, type of transport, hotel and services included. For reference: trips to Camboriú start at CLP 1,350,000 per student, while Caribbean destinations — Cancún, San Andrés, the Dominican Republic — can exceed CLP 3,500,000.

In most cases these figures include accommodation, transfers, excursions, coordinators and medical assistance insurance. What makes them sustainable for families is long-term planning: monthly instalments over 18 to 24 months that spread the cost instead of hitting the family budget all at once.

More than a trip: an experience that gets built

According to Rollandi, "a well-designed trip does not just move passengers to a destination: it builds experiences, emotions and memories. The difference lies in the planning done beforehand with the class, the coordination with parents, the clear protocols and the constant support. Students are people, not numbers. And that calls for personal attention at every moment, not only when something goes wrong."

Safety: the factor families underestimate

One element families often underestimate when comparing operators is safety. On an international trip with minors, protocols are not an administrative detail: they are the difference between a memorable experience and a crisis. The minimum standards any family should insist on include group coordinators providing constant supervision, international medical assistance insurance, documented emergency protocols, authorised transport and open communication with parents throughout the trip.

"The difference is not only in the price, but in the overall value of the experience: the organisation, the safety and the backing we give families. We have our own presence in the destinations Chilean schools ask for most, which gives us a capacity to respond to the unexpected that an operator outsourcing everything simply cannot have. When something happens at 2am in Camboriú, you need someone there." — Marcelo Rollandi

Vivencias Travel is a tour operator founded in Bariloche with a presence in Chile, Brazil and Mexico, specialising in group and individual travel experiences. Its main focus is study trips, experiential travel, adventure activities, excursions and tailor-made programmes. It offers 24/7 support and professional guides with deep knowledge of Patagonia and international destinations.