Chile

Arrive in Santiago, the capital and largest city of Chile. Settle into our luxurious hotel located in the chic neighborhood of Las Condes. On our tour of Santiago this afternoon, take in the city sights, including the Plaza de Armas, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago and the presidential palace. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner this evening. 

This morning depart Santiago on a flight to Easter Island. Upon arrival in the early afternoon, transfer to the Explora Lodge Rapa Nui, our home for the next three nights. The lodge was designed to have minimal visual and ecological impact on its surroundings, with each room boasting a prime view of the Pacific Ocean. After checking in, enjoy one of the lodge’s many afternoon activities.

After breakfast, choose from either a full day moderate hike on the Poike peninsula, or a half day of snorkeling in Motu Tautara.  The coastal hike option offers vistas of white rock domes and green hills; and includes a visit to archaeological remains of the only trachyte moai. If you choose to snorkel, enjoy colorful corals and diverse fish in addition to a spectacular archeological viewing aboard our boat ride.

Today choose from a half day bike ride or a hike in Rano Raraku, taking in huge carved statues. If you choose to bike, we begin in Ahu Akivi, the platform with seven moai facing the ocean, and end in the town of Tahai. Both groups return to our lodge for a relaxing dinner this evening.

Enjoy breakfast and a morning at leisure before we depart Easter Island and return to Santiago, arriving in the evening. Choose from one of the nearby award-winning restaurants for dinner on our own this evening.

After breakfast, head to the city center to visit the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.  The museum's permanent collection includes a diverse assemblage of pottery, sculptures and textiles from Mesoamerica, the Amazon, the Caribbean and Central and Southern Andes. Highlights of the museum include pieces from the Inca and Aztec empires and Chinchorro mummies. After the museum, drive to the Casablanca Valley for a winery visit and tasting. The climate and geological conditions results in intensely fruity wines with unique flavors.

Fly early this morning to San Pedro de Atacama, the entrance to one of the largest and most arid deserts: the Atacama Desert. Known as the archaeological capital of Chile, Atacama is both a mystic and ancient spot. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at our lodge using local and native ingredients such as chañar and cachiyuyo. Take advantage of the spa and lodge amenities this afternoon before our astronomy presentation. Learn about celestial bodies then head to the lodge’s observatory to look through the advanced optics telescope and see why the area is named the “Stargazing Capital of the World.” 

Today choose from an easy bike ride or a scenic drive south to Toconao. If you opt for the bike ride, discover the beautiful desert flora and fauna and take in the striking landscapes. The scenic drive includes a stroll through the village square of Toconao and a visit to the Chaxa Lagoon, a prime location for bird watching and a flamingo breeding site. Our groups rejoin this evening.

Enjoy a full day of exploration to either the Tatio Geysers or the high plateau lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques. Keep an eye out for vicuñas, flamingos, and foxes along the way. Take in the vast beauty of the land. Gather for a farewell dinner this evening.

Transfer to the airport to catch flights returning home.