Santiago and Easter Island Tour

Arrive at the heart and soul of Chile, the capital Santiago. Transfer from the airport to your hotel, take a brief rest and then explore the city on a half-day tour. Visit memorable highlights such as the statuesque La Moneda Presidential Palace, the imposing cathedral in the central square and various inner-city neighborhoods famous for shopping. Top off the tour with an ascent of Santa Lucía Hill and bask in the panoramic views of the city sprawl below. Afterward, return to your hotel for the evening.

Chile is world-renowned for its exquisite wines. Visit three wineries in the Casablanca Valley that specialize in cultivating white grapes for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines and experience their superior quality for yourself. Understand how organic wine is made and enjoy a wine tasting. Breathe in the different scents and sample the various flavours of their best vintages while learning about Chilean viticulture. Dine on a delicious lunch at a Winery and return to Santiago in the afternoon.

Get ready to explore the magical Easter Island today. Board a flight and travel some 3,800kms from Santiago before landing on this remote Polynesian island. Arrive in the main town of Hanga Roa and check into your hotel. Known as Rapa Nui in the local language, Europeans first discovered the island in 1722. The Polynesian civilization constructed incredible moai statues representing ancestors and powerful leaders and many have been mysteriously toppled over while others remain unfinished. Explore the rest of the 24km-long island over the next three days and see several towering moai statues scattered around the island. Wander through the small shops of Hanga Roa on the first day and gain a sense of this unique region.

Dig deep into the past of Easter Island and choose from a range of engaging historical tours today. One popular choice is a full-day tour to Anakena beach with stops at some time-honored landmarks. Anakena beach possesses clear turquoise waters overlooked by the moais of Ahu Nau Nau and is considered the most beautiful beach on the island. During today’s tour, visit the infamous ahu that have confounded archaeologists and historians for years. Visit Ahu Vaihu and be impressed by these downward-facing statues. Explore Ahu Akahanga, the burial place of the legendary king Hotu Matu'a, whose arrival marked the beginning of time for Rapa Nui. Continue to Rano Raraku and gaze up at one of the island’s three dormant volcanoes. Next, visit the largest ahu on the island, Ahu Tongariki, comprised of fifteen majestic moais along the southeastern coast. Then finish up where the tour began at Anakena beach, where Hotu Matu'a and his troop disembarked for the first time. After a day steeped in history and culture, return to the present and transfer back to your hotel.

Note: A packed lunch is included today.

Travel to the village of Orongo today to learn a few secrets of some ancient Polynesian rituals. Here the annual Birdman or Tangata Manu ceremony was held to determine the ruler of Rapa Nui, a competition that began after the construction of the moai. Each year, on the arrival of the migratory birds to the island, the fastest competitor to swim to Matu Nui islet, snatch an egg and return to shore would be crowned the winner. Next, take the opportunity to explore Ana Kai Tangata, an ancient cave that featuring petroglyphs and time-worn motifs and rock paintings. Finally, visit Ahu Vinapu to admire unique architecture that resembles that of the Incas in Peru. After the tour, head north to return to your hotel.

Continue to discover the island’s deep and fascinating culture today. Contrary to popular belief, all of the ahu statues were deliberately placed to face inwards towards the island, except for Ahu Akivi that looks out to the sea. Comprised of seven moai, Ahu Akivi represents each of the first explorers on the island according to local legend. After the tour, ponder the powerful rituals and beliefs of the ancient Polynesians and return to your hotel.

Take a few moments to record a few memories and say farewell to this fascinating island that maintains its roots in the ancient past. Then transfer to the airport to take a 6 hour flight back to Santiago and relax for the rest of the evening at your hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and continue your journey through South America or fly home with some unforgettable memories of this incredible continent.