Easter Island and Machu Picchu

Experience a completely different culture from the Spanish-influenced mainland. Found 3,800 kms off the coast of Chile in the midst of the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island is a truly unique discovery. Arrive at Mataveri Airport, be greeted by your guide and transfer to your hotel. Spend the day exploring this intriguing island and get acquainted with the ancient Rapa Nui culture. Boasting natural wonders such as dormant volcanoes and pristine beaches that offer idyllic conditions for snorkeling and surfing, the island is also a sanctuary for traditional Polynesian art and the mysterious and ominous moai statues. Feel at home amongst the friendly Polynesian community while sauntering along the streets of this seaside town.

Try to uncover the hidden histories of the moai statues on a guided tour today. These colossal sculptures carved in volcanic rock are scattered throughout the island. Visit the ahu or ceremonial platforms starting with Ahu Vaihu, an iconic monument comprised of moais that curiously lay face down on the ground. Next, discover Ahu Akahanga, the burial place of the first ruler of the island, King Hotu Matu'a. Extending over 81m long and 3m wide, the majestic platform is decorated with red stones and features eroded petroglyphs. Next, dig deep into the island’s geological past and explore the Rano Raraku Volcano, located near the southern coast at the foot of Poike volcano. One of the island's most esteemed archaeological sites, it possesses a crater lake some 50m deep and its open quarry was once a source of rock used to craft the moai. Then marvel at the Ahu Tongariki, the grandest ahu on the island made up of an astounding fifteen moais. Although it was destroyed in May 1960 by a tsunami, it has since been restored due to the generosity of Japanese donors. Continue on to see Moai Paro, the largest statue on the island at Ahu Te Pito Kura. Finally, take a break from the past and relax at Anakena, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Return to the hotel in Hanga Roa.

Note: A packed lunch is included in the tour.

Visit the ceremonial village of Orongo and spy the isles of Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao Kao from a distance. Learn about the customary Birdman or Tangata Manu annual competition established by the Rapa Nui people after the arrival of the Europeans. The first man to retrieve a bird's egg from one of the islets without breaking it and scale the cliffs of Orongo was crowned Birdman. Continue on to see Ahu Vinapu, a basalt altar weighing an astonishing two tons. End the tour by venturing into the cave dwelling of Ana Kai Tangata to observe detailed and ancient rock carvings and paintings representing the Birdman tribe. Then return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day as you wish.

It’s time to experience some contemporary culture in the lively capital city of Chile, Santiago. Transfer to the airport for the return flight to Santiago and check into a hotel nearby. Fly to Lima the following morning and stay at a luxurious hotel in the upmarket Miraflores district next to the ocean. Spend some free time to explore Lima on your own, and take a leisurely walk through the parks or shop for souvenirs. Have a rest at one of the many fine restaurants and enjoy some famous fresh ceviche or order a tasty Pisco Sour at the bar.

Head to the Lima airport for your flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival, a tour guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel, just a few blocks from the famous Plaza de Armas. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure and acclimatize to the higher altitude. In the afternoon, explore the city on a tour that includes visits to the Cathedral and Korikancha as well as the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay and Qenqo. Shop for souvenirs from the many handicraft shops that line the streets and absorb the atmosphere of this stunning mountain hideaway.

Anticipate an adventurous full-day excursion to the magnificent Machu Picchu today. Early in the morning, board the train for a leisurely 4 hour trip to Aguas Calientes, then take a shuttle bus ride to the entrance of Machu Picchu. This ancient Incan city was never discovered by the Spanish conquistadores and remained virtually unknown for centuries until 1912 when locals showed the site to an American adventurer. Enjoy a guided tour to understand its significance and discover its highlights. After lunch, return by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes and take a rest or browse for souvenirs in town before catching the train to Cuzco in the afternoon. After disembarking, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a good night’s sleep after an active day outdoors.

Reflect on the past few days discovering ancient worlds and cultures before making your way to Cuzco airport for your return flight to Lima. Upon arrival in the Peruvian capital, your guide will take you on a Lima City Tour. Head to the historic district to experience the lively Main Square enclosed by the Cathedral, the stately Government Palace and the striking Monastery of San Francisco. Stroll through the residential areas of Lima until you reach the modern district of Miraflores on the Pacific coast. Indulge yourself with a late lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants, then transfer to Lima airport to continue on to your next destination or a board a flight home.