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We hit all the hot spots in the ultimate hot spot for studying alternative energy and climate change. From large-scale wind farms in the Elqui Valley to hydroelectric projects in Cajon del Maipo to geothermal hot springs in the salt flats of the Atacama Desert, Chile is where it’s happening. Put yourself right in the middle of the debate, starting off at a coal factory in the city of Valparaiso. Located in the Central Valley, chic Valpo completely envelops you into its bustling energy.

Get your politics on in Santiago, Chile’s booming capital, and meet all the renewable energy stakeholders. While you may not be ready to run for office, you’re ready to run for the snow-capped Andes in Cajon del Maipo. Three rivers converge in this stunning valley. You almost start to wonder how long beauty such as this can sustain itself. A big question to ponder as you make your way to hydroelectric projects in Maipo and to a water treatment plant on its outskirts.

“The adventure was professionally run and was the perfect combination of fun, work, accomplishment, and service.” — Melanie Cox, Bryn Mawr, PA

After visiting a small scale solar center in the Elqui Valley (500 km from Santiago), we travel higher, to the Far North region and the Atacama Desert to explore geothermal facilities. Chile may stretch 4,000 miles, but there's no limit to how far you can stretch your knowledge and curiosity.

What are my next steps?

Chile

It’s hot in January and cold in July. It’s dry and wet. It dips and soars. It baffles and enlightens.

Contemplate global climate change and get firsthand view of the forces of nature at work — in the desert, the valley and everywhere in between.

Atacama Desert
The driest desert in the world. If water does manage to find its way here, it simply dries up and adds to the huge salt deposits.

Cajon del Maipo
Just an hour southeast of Santiago, this canyon region is the place to hike, ski and snowboard amid the soaring Andes.

Elqui Valley
Said to be the Earth’s magnetic center, this sunny valley bordering the Atacama is mountainous and breathtaking.

Valparaiso
Bohemian. Brightly colored. Hilly. Cosmopolitan. This World Heritage Site is Chile’s main commercial port.