Explore Chile and Easter Island, venture into the eerie landscape of moai statues and the candy-hued buildings of seaside Valparaíso. During this 10-day private expedition, delve into the intriguing lost culture of the early Rapa Nui people, and encounter artisans in the villages of northern Chile. Discover diverse landscapes that range from soaring geysers to salt flats, rock canyons and lava caves, experience Chile & Easter Island with National Geographic.

Trip highlights

Come face to face with the mysterious moai statues of Easter Island and hike to the volcanic quarry where its famous stone statues originated.

Explore the fascinating capital of Santiago and the sparkling Chilean coast with a private guide, and spend time in the “jewel of the Pacific”: the UNESCO World Heritage site of Valparaíso.

Get immersed in the surreal, windswept landscapes of the Atacama Desert during a stay at Tierra Atacama

Itinerary - 10 Days

1 Santiago, Chile

Land in Santiago and take a private transfer to your hotel in the restaurant-filled El Golf district. This afternoon, set out on a private tour of the capital city. Explore centuries of history—and take in views of the surrounding Andes—while exploring the bustling main plaza, the ornate cathedral, the presidential palace, and other sites. Walk along the pedestrian streets of the historic centre and continue to a leafy manicured park, the art museum district, or to an urban green space with sweeping views.
The Ritz Carlton, Santiago

2 Valparaíso/Casablanca Wine Valley/Santiago

Join a private guide on a day trip along the Chilean coast. Begin in seaside Valparaíso, the “jewel of the Pacific,” and discover its colourful old quarter, a World Heritage site. This afternoon, head to the lush hills of the flourishing Casablanca Valley wine region. Meander among its picturesque vineyards, sampling local vintages along the way. Return to Santiago this evening.
The Ritz Carlton, Santiago (B/L)

3 Santiago/Easter Island

Fly to Easter Island, a World Heritage site famous for its colossal moai—the mysterious legacy of a long-lost culture. During your stay on the island, you’ll have your choice of excursions from our hotel. The activities outlined here are a sample of what’s possible. Join an excursion to a quarry, where you can see statues that were never erected at Ahu Hang Tetenga; then walk in the footsteps of the ancient Rapa Nui people along the path they took to transport the stone behemoths. Explore Rano Raraku National Park, and walk inside the volcanic crater where almost all of the moai stone originated. Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.
Explora Rapa Nui (B/L/D)

4 Easter Island

Set off on a morning excursion to Mahatma Ovahe, where 15 restored moai stand sentinel with their backs to the ocean. Begin with a stop at Ahu Tongariki, a platform overlooking stunning moai and ancient stone petroglyphs. As you trace the coast, enjoy sparkling views of the cobalt South Pacific. Encounter villagers fishing; stroll along pristine beaches; and explore the island’s archaeological sites, including a notorious stone known to make compasses malfunction due to its high iron content. Back at the lodge this afternoon, explore your surroundings as you choose, whether by sea or land.
Explora Rapa Nui (B/L/D)

5 Easter Island

Continue your island explorations with your choice of lodge activities. Join an excursion to Ahu Akivi, the only spot on the island where the moai are inland, facing the sea, and continue on to the Ahu Te Peu platform. From here, hike along steep cliffs with jaw-dropping ocean views. Step into a tube-shaped lava cave at Ana Kakenga, and see the unique moai at Hanga Roa—the only statue with white coral eyes still in place.
Explora Rapa Nui (B/L/D)

6 Easter Island/Santiago

Set off on a final morning walk to soak up the wonders of Easter Island, then transfer to the airport. Fly to Santiago and spend the evening relaxing at the airport hotel.
Holiday Inn Santiago-Airport Terminal (B/L)

7 Santiago/Calama/San Pedro De Atacama

A morning flight brings you to Calama in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. Take a scenic drive to San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis village. Check into Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa and set out on your choice of guided excursions over the next three days. Visit the salt flats of the Atacama, and meet a local artisan family in the charming village of Toconao to discover their unique handiwork. Linger to watch flamingos gather on the vast, shimmering salt flats as the sun sets over the Andes.
Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa (B/D)

8 San Pedro De Atacama

Join a guide for a morning amid the surreal, wind-sculpted landscapes of Moon Valley. Explore its dunes, deep canyons, and lunar-like rock formations. Return to the lodge for lunch, then take a van or hike along a river gorge to natural hot springs, where you can bathe in one of the driest places on Earth. Or opt to explore the highland lagoons or go on a nature or birding walk to learn about the rich local flora and fauna.
Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa (B/L/D)

9 San Pedro De Atacama

Go on an excursion to the El Tatio geysers, a high-altitude geothermal field where huge steam columns billow some 20 feet in the air. On the way back, watch for native wildlife, including vicuñas, foxes, vizcachas, and the Andean ostrich. Pay a visit to the unusual alpine village of Machuca, where roofs are made of cactus and straw. Or discover the desert on an Atacameñan horse or mountain bike, following a local guide to the salt-encrusted Cejar Lagoon.
Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa (B/L/D)

10 San Pedro De Atacama/Depart

Transfer to the airport and fly to Santiago to connect with your international flight home. (B)

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