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Holidays To Easter Island, Chile (Moai Statues) + Santiago + Atacama + Valparaiso

Chile: Atacama + Easter Island + Valparaiso

14 NIGHTS FROM:

$3,589

Per person sharing

Scheduled flights quoted separately

CRN14S

• Holidays to Easter Island, Chile

• Santiago

• Atacama Desert

• Salt Flats

• Moon Valley

• El Tatio Geysers

• Easter Island

• Rapa Nui National Park

• Moai Statues

• Valparaiso

Holidays to Easter Island, Chile focus on its indigenous history & the astonishing Moai statues found on this remote Pacific island (there are nearly 900 of them). This holiday also explores vibrant Santiago & the spectacular Atacama Desert with its shimmering salt flats, geysers & moon landscapes. Complete your holiday relaxing at the old port of Valparaiso. English speaking guides, all transfers & specified sighseeing included.

Detailed itinerary ▶

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Days 1 To 2

You will be met at Santiago Airport and transferred to the capital of Santiago de Chile.

Check into your hotel in this sophisticated and cosmopolitan city, situated in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes Mountains and the beautiful Chilean Coastal Range.

Day 3

Today we suggest an optional full day shared tour, driving 1-hour to the beautiful Maipo Valley Winelands in the foothills of the Andes. Some of the finest red wines in Chile are produced in this region, which is home to famous wineries such as Cousiño Macul, Undurraga and Concha y Toro. There are also several thoroughbred studs here that breed race horses.

Discover the history of some of these 'New World' wines and learn more about their production, as we visit Concha y Toro Winery, one of the most famous vineyards in Chile and one of the largest wine exporters in all of South America. Tour the old mansion with its beautiful park and lagoon, view the vineyards and visit the wine cellar where the famous Casillero del Diablo is stored.

We also visit another winery, with wine tastings and lunch at a local restaurant included. There will also be the opportunity to purchase some wines, before returning to Santiago.

Note: Shared day tours have a maximum of 30 people.

Day 4

Transfer to Santiago Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Calama Airport and transferred 1.5-hours across the vast copper-rich plains of the desert and through the Salt Mountains to the small town of San Pedro de Atacama.

Extending for over 600 miles (1,000 km), this enormous plateau of salt lakes, sand, lava and stony terrain is situated between two high mountain ranges - the Andes to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west. As a result, the Atacama receives virtually no rain whatsoever - making it the driest and oldest desert in the world, with landscapes that will take your breath away.

Note: Your driver from Calama will only speak Spanish. If you are staying at a hotel that offers an all-inclusive programme of excursions, these will be discussed with you on arrival, as the order of these activities my change. There will also be the opportunity to make changes locally, if desired.

Day 5

This morning participate in a shared tour to one of the most important archeological sites of the region.

Pukará de Quitor is a pre-Colombian 17th century stone fortress that was the site of the Battle of Quitor in 1540 - one of the first clashes between the indigenous people and the invading Spanish conquistadors. We continue to the well-preserved ancient village of Tulor, probably the first settlement of the Atacama salt flats, to learn more about the local culture. We also visit the Church of San Pedro, before returning to our hotel.

In the mid-afternoon we head out again on another shared excursion, this time driving 20-minutes to the Salt Mountains (Cordillera de la Sal) situated in the National Flamingo Reserve. Here we walk for 20-minutes each way (the last section is quite steep) to view the dramatic lunar landscapes of Moon Valley, with many natural mineral sculptures formed by wind erosion. We also walk 10-minutes each way to see some unusual sculptured salt formations and a small cave.

At the end of the day enjoy a magical sunset at Kari Viewpoint, one of the highest points in the Salt Mountains. Seeing the colours of the hills changing as the sun sets, will be a memory that will last a lifetime.

Note: Shared day tours have a maximum of 30 people.

Day 6

Today enjoy a full day shared tour to the crystalline Atacama Salt Flats (Salar de Atacama), the largest in Chile and the third largest in the world.

We drive 1-hour to these astonishing salt flats, surrounded by the Andes to the east and the Cordillera de Domeyko to the west. Small lagoons have formed where water has broken through the crusted salt, with no drainage outlets, creating one of the largest lithium reserves in the world. We visit Chaxa Lagoon in the National Flamingo Reserve, where you can photograph this magnificent scenery and hope to see three different species of flamingo - Chilean, Andean & James’s - as well as other waterbirds that nest and feed on these mineral-rich waters, such as the puna plover and red-gartered coot. Most birding activity occurs at sunrise, when you may see a pinkish hue rising over the horizon. As the air warms up, this dissipates as the birds take flight over the lake.

We then venture 2-hours higher into the Andes, to view the amazing landscapes and dramatic blue waters of Meñique and Miscanti - two Altiplanic lagoons located at over 14,000 ft (4,300 m) at the foot of impressive volcanoes that were formed when these mountains rose from the sea. Take in the varying landscapes as we drive to these lagoons, travelling through stunning and ever-changing scenery. You may see wild vicuña and rhea along the way, as well as some birds on the lakes. On arrival enjoy a 20-minute walk down to one of the lakes, where you can observe the birds and any wildlife.

On the return journey we stop at the small village of Socaire, where you can observe local life and visit their small traditional church. We can also stop in the picturesque local village of Toconao, with its main square and classic Atacamenian bell tower built in 1750 from cactus wood, mud and straw. Here we visit the small church of San Lucas, before returning to San Pedro. Lunch is included today.

Note: Please be aware the Altiplanic Lagoons are at high altitude, so this excursion should not be undertaken by anyone with a heart condition. Dress warmly with thermal clothing, warm jacket, fleece, beanie, scarf and gloves - as the outdoor temperature at the lagoons will be very cold. Shared day tours have a maximum of 30 people.

Day 7

Depart before dawn today on a 6.5-hour shared excursion to the El Tatio Geysers, the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere and the third largest in the world.

We drive 2.5-hours to this astonishing geothermal field situated at over 14,000 ft (4,300 m) above sea level, with over 70 geysers that have steam fumaroles that can easily reach over 33 ft (10 m). We arrive at sunrise when these columns of steam condense in the cold air, set against a backdrop of the imposing Andes with its multiple colours. Walk around the geyser field before these steam plumes disappear as the air warms up, followed by a picnic breakfast.

On the way back to San Pedro, enjoy spectacular views of the Torcopuri y Sairecabur Volcanoes and the Putana Wetlands, where we make a short stop. Here you can see several species of birds that live in these high altitude wetlands that freeze overnight - including the giant coot, Andean flamingo, Chilean flamingo, Andean goose and a variety of coots, teals, gulls and ducks. You may also see vicuña (an elegant wild camelid) or rhea (a small ostrich), both of which have adapted to live in these harsh conditions, or even a viscacha (a rodent that looks like a long-tailed rabbit).

Our final stop is at the small village of Machuca, where you can see how the local people live and view the Altiplanic architecture of their small St. James Church. The rest of your day is at leisure in San Pedro.

Note: Please be aware the El Tatio Geysers are at high altitude, so this excursion should not be undertaken by anyone with a heart condition. Dress warmly with thermal clothing, warm jacket, fleece, beanie, scarf and gloves - as the temperature at the geysers will be below freezing at dawn. Shared day tours have a maximum of 30 people.

Day 8

Transfer 1.5-hours to Calama Airport for your onward flight.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.

Arrive at Santiago Airport and make your own way by free shuttle or on foot (depending on location) to your hotel situated close to the airport.

Check in and relax in the shadow of the Andes Mountains.

Days 9 To 10

Make your own way by hotel shuttle or on foot to Santiago Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Easter Island Airport - known locally as Rapa Nui - situated in the southern Pacific Ocean some 2,300 miles (3,700 km) west of the Chilean mainland.

Easter Island is famous for its nearly 900 gigantic stone Moai (carved human statues with oversized heads, often resting on a massive rock altar called Ahu), carved between the 10th and 16th century. Much of the island is now protected and Rapa Nui National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Check into your hotel in this far-flung volcanic island at the southeastern point of the Polynesian Triangle, and one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world.

Note: A Rapa Nui National Park entrance ticket must be purchased online in advance of your arrival: https://www.rapanuinationalpark.com/pages/compra-de-tickets.

An Easter Island entry form must also be completed - https://ingresorapanui.interior.gob.cl.

Days 11 To 12

This morning enjoy a private half day tour exploring more of the ancient archaeological sites found in the central part of the island, including the Seven Moai. During the last part of the Moai era these descendants of Polynesian navigators turned their eyes towards the heavens, as they sough to connect with celestial and astronomical events.

We start with a visit to Puna Pau Quarry, situated in the crater of one of the 70 secondary volcanic cones found on this island. The soil here has a distinctive red colour because of its rich iron deposits. This red scoria was easily carved by the Rapa Nui people, who used it to make pukaos (topknots) that crowned the heads of some moai and funeral casts.

We continue to Ahu Akivi, a majestic altar with a great platform decorated with Seven Moai, all of identical dimensions, that were restored in 1960 by Dr William Mulloy. These are one of the few platforms on the island where the Moai face the ocean and legend tells us they represent the seven explorers sent by King Hotu Matu’a before his epic colonisation voyage from Polynesia. They are believed to date back to around 1460 and have a special atronomical orientation that was important for spiritual ceremonies, as they align with the setting sun during the spring equinox. During the autumn equinox, at dawn their shadows create a mystical dance of light and shadow over the ocean. There is a crematorium here where human remains were found, as well as small statues.

We end our day with a visit to the Tahai Ceremonial Centre. Your afternoon is at leisure to relax at your hotel or explore independently.

Note: Wear good walking shoes and pack both sunscreen and rain gear.

Day 13

Transfer to Easter Island Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Santiago Airport and transferred 1.5-hours to the historic seaport of Valparaiso.

Check into your hotel in Valparaiso, the second largest city in the country and home to the Chilean Parliament (the Congress of Chile). Prior to the opening of the Panama Canal, this cosmopolitan city was the most important Pacific seaport on the crucial trade route that linked the American west coast with Europe, via the Strait of Magellan.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.

Day 14

This morning we suggest an optional 3-hour private Walking Tour of the lively and chaotic city of Valparaiso, with its quirky and eclectic architecture, many parks, historic monuments, bars and restaurants.

The homes around this natural harbour were built over 42 steep hills, two of which - Alegre ('Happy') and Concepcion - are now UNESCO World Heritage sites. Their many stairways, colourful houses, old funicular elevators and trolleybuses are a real feature. Walk along the promenades and climb the many staircases, viewing the amazing and colourful graffiti art that can be found on almost every street. The most important square is Plaza Sotomayor, which is situated on the sea shore. Also take in the views from the 21 May Lookout, reached by funicular.

Your afternoon is free to explore more of Valparaiso independently. You can take a taxi to La Sebastiana Museum, the hilltop house of Nobel prize winning poet Pablo Neruda, which features many of his personal effects and has stunning views over the city. Alternatively visit the Naval Museum or take a boat ride on the bay.

After a day of taking in the street life, you will be spoilt for choice as you relax in one of the city's numerous restaurants and bars.

Day 15

Transfer 1.5-hours to Santiago Airport for your flight home.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.

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