Wonders of Easter Island & Santiago

Upon arrival to Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. As most flights arrive early morning, you will likely have some time to freshen up before heading out on a city tour. In the early afternoon, set out on a captivating half-day tour of Santiago de Chile. Your knowledgeable guide will reveal a perfect combination of history, panoramic views, and cultural landmarks. Among your first activities is a ride aboard the picturesque cable car, we will reach the top of the iconic Cerro San Cristóbal to enjoy Santiago's stunning views. You will then continue the tour in the emblematic Main Square (Plaza de Armas), surrounded by architectural wonders such as the Cathedral and the Municipality, and then move to the Constitution Square (Plaza Constitución) that houses the famous Palacio de la Moneda (Palace of the Mint) - the presidential seat of the government. While exploring the city's most charming streets and neighborhoods, full of history that coexists with the most modern side of Santiago, you will taste one of its most typical flavors, such as “mote con huesillo”, a sweet and refreshing drink. Finally (time permitting), you may extend the tour to go through the Paris-Londres neighbourhood and enjoy the views of its streets and churches. Before long, you will be returned to you hotel to enjoy the evening at leisure. Please note, the cable car does not operate on Mondays.

Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago – Vitacura (or similar)

Today you will set out to experience a coastal route of Chilean traditions in iconic Valparaiso, and more specifically, at the Casas del Bosque vineyard, one of the most recognized in the country. After an approximate two-hour journey through the vineyards of the Curacaví and Casablanca valleys, you will arrive in Valparaiso, a city recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Known for its history and cultural movement, take a panoramic tour through emblematic locations and colorful streets with the ocean in the background. The adventure continues to the renowned Viña Casas del Bosque, a name inspired by the ancient pine and olive forests that surrounded the local adobe houses. Upon arrival to the 230-hectare estate in the Casablanca Valley, the Cúneo family will welcome you to share their legacy and passion. You will walk through the vineyards and taste their Reserva and Gran Reserva wines, carefully made from cool climates grapes. Indulgence will then reach its peak, eating at the Tanino restaurant, where each bite will remind you of the variety and quality of the ingredients and flavors of the local cuisine. Before concluding, you will make one last stop at the wine shop that offers a curated selection of products and gifts to take a little piece of this experience home. After a day exploring the incredible countryside, you will be returned to your hotel in Santiago. 

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport ahead of your onward flight to Easter Island. Upon arrival to Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, you will be processed through tourism control, then be met by a local representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Once you have checked-in at the hotel, get set to delve into the mysteries of this enigmatic island. You’ll join like-minded travellers to explore Rano Kau, Orongo and Vinapu; three quintessential archeological sites on the island. Along the way, you’ll marvel at the Make-Make ceremonial village and Tangata Manu, as well as the impressive crater of Rano Kau, the largest and deepest on the island, and visit the platform (ahu) with the best carved rocks, where you can also see moai and pukao remains.

Accommodation: Hotel Altiplanico Rapa Nui (or similar)

Today you’ll set out on a shared adventure to follow into the steps of the first King of the island, Ariki Hotu Matua. It is said the destiny was determined by a dream which took him to Easter Island to begin the colonization period. On this tour, you and fellow travellers will visit five archeological sites. During the morning, you will have the honour of visiting Akahanga, Rano Raraku and Ahu Tongariki, important places for the Rapa Nui culture, located in the south coast. At the end of the first tour, you will be invited for lunch at the home of a Rapa Nui Family, the company here will be the garden and the experience of sharing and knowing the local gastronomy. Once refuelled, you’ll begin the second tour, with your guide leading the way to Te Pito Kura, an archeological site known as the navel of the world, where a platform has maintained intact with its moai. This Moai is the biggest sculpture ever to have been transported from the Rano Raraku quarry and lifted over its ahu. The last visit is reserved for Anakena, one of the most important beaches in the history of Easter Island, since according to tradition it was here that the first king of the island, the Ariki Hotu Matu´a, disembarked with his men and established the first settlement that gave rise to Rapa Nui culture. In this same place you will find two ahus and their respective moais. A unique scenery that you cannot miss. After a day of discovery, you and your fellow travellers will be returned to your accommodations. 

Easter Island is a destination that invites you to get to know its history through both traditions and science. On today's shared tour, you will focus on seeing and understanding how the ancient islander connected with celestial and astronomical events. This tour visits three archeological sites: the beginning of the tour starts with a 20-minute trek to Ana te Pahu. This large underground cave is one of the most visited, and it is located in the interior of the island, on the Roiho area. This cavern once served as a tribal residence, since it contained a source for fresh water and diversity of cultivated plants. Its name “Te Pahu” means drum in Rapa Nui, and it was given this name due to its layer of petrified lava that resounds when jumped on, just like a drum would. The tour will continue to Ahu Akivi; this location is one of the most majestic on the island, since it has a great platform decorated with seven restored statues which represent the seven explorers that arrived on the island to open the way to Ariki Hotu Matu´a. This place was built around the 15th century, with a special atronomical orientation, which was important not just for the daily functioning of the tribe, but also for the spiritual ceremonies of the ancient Rapa Nui. You may also find the crematorium remains, where there were human bones found alongside small statues. Later, you and the group will continue to the Puna Pau quarry, the crater of an old volcano located 15 kilometers (roughly 9.5 miles) northeast of Hanga Roa, next to Ahu Akivi. This place harbours the raw material to build the pukaos (hat like head dress) that would later be used to crown the moais. At the end of the tour, you will be returned to your accommodations on Easter Island.

After spending the last few days exploring the history, traditions and landscapes of Easter Island, today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps you’ll simple wish to relax at your accommodations, or perhaps you’ll set out on an independent hike. There are also a host of Spa treatments and additional activities available for purchase on-site. If there are any unique activities you would like to arrange for this day prior to your arrival to Easter Island, please speak with your Destination Specialist.

Following breakfast and arranged to coincide with your onward flight, you will be transferred to the airport on Easter Island. Here you will board a flight to Santiago. Upon arrival to Santiago, make your own way to the nearby airport hotel. Here you will spend your final evening in Chile ahead of your onward travels.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Santiago Aeropuerto Hotel (or similar)

This morning, please make your own way to Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport ahead of your onward flight.