Best of Chile from Atacama to Patagonia - With Easter Island, 2022

Day 1: Arrive in Santiago.

Welcome to Santiago. A picturesque city back dropped by the spectacular, snow-capped Andes, it offers a metropolitan world of museums, top restaurants and historic finds. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel, the glitzy Singular. In the evening meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel and enjoy a private Welcome Dinner. (Dinner with Wine)

Day 2: Valparaiso and the Casablanca Wine Country.

Begin your day with a visit to Valparaiso. Explore the UNESCO protected site with a Local Expert. After lunch, visit the Kingston Family Vineyard for a private tasting in the Casablanca Valley. Recognised as one of the best wineries in Chile, its produce has been featured on the wine lists of top restaurants including Aureole in New York. The evening is yours at leisure. (Breakfast / Lunch with Wine)

Day 3: On to Atacama.

Take a transfer to the airport for your flight to Calama, a city based in the Atacama Desert. On arrival head to San Pedro. From there you’ll be driven to the Moon Valley for a guided visit. A nod to its name, this moon-like area is made up of dunes, caves and caverns. Learn more about its history and the land formations from a Local Expert. (Breakfast)

Day 4: Explore Atacama.

In the morning, take a guided visit to the Atacama Geysers, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, followed by the Puritama Hotsprings. Located in the Andes Mountains you’ll be 14,170 ft (4320 metres) above sea level. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Atacama. Ask your Travel Director for local recommendations or perhaps make the most of your hotel and its spa facilities. A serene space, the venue offers breathtaking views of the Andes mountain range and nearby volcanoes. Enjoy dinner before heading for your second evening of stargazing in the desert. The region is known for having the best dark skies on the planet. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 5: Atacama Salt Flats.

A short drive from San Pedro, explore the Atacama Salt Flats, the largest in Chile. One of the driest parts of the world, the area stretches for over 40,000 square miles. Later, visit the Altiplanic lagoons, part of Los Flamencos National Reserve. Explore the geology of the region with Local Experts and see huge sand dunes, natural amphitheatres, volcanoes and cloudless skies. (Breakfast / Lunch)

Day 6: Atacama to Santiago.

Wake up for your transfer and flight back to Santiago. On arrival, take a tour of the city with a Local Expert. Discover its Neoclassical landmarks including the 18th century Metropolitan Cathedral. Take in the city’s architecture, leafy parks and pretty cafes, before heading back to your hotel for leisure time. Later, enjoy lunch with wine near El Mercado Central. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please. Your hotel is walking distance from the parks, museums, restaurants, and bars of the historical Lastarria neighborhood. (Breakfast / Lunch with Wine)

Day 7: On to Puerto Natales.

Fly to Punta Arenas then drive to Puerto Natales, a port city and the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. It is also a starting point for explorers in search of the Patagonian fjords. You’ll have leisure time in the day to rest and rejuvenate. Famous for spiced meat and seafood dishes, tonight's dinner will have you savouring typical Patagonian dishes. (Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 8: Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Excursion.

Wake for a scenic breakfast before starting your day. Torres del Paine National Park boasts jaw-dropping landscapes filled with turquoise lagoons, glaciers, and towering granite horns. Head out on a Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier Cruise to view these majestic ice formations. On return, the rest of your day is at leisure. (Breakfast / Lunch)

Day 9: Torres del Paine National Park.

Take a scenic drive to Torres del Paine National Park. Keep your camera at hand as there will be plenty of scenic photo stops along the way. The park is situated in Chile’s Patagonia region and is famous for its glaciers, grasslands, imposing mountains and the three granite towers it is named after. It is part of UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve System and is known for its rare wildlife. This afternoon, join a Patagonian Ranch Cultural Experience and learn about the baqueano (cowboy) way of life. During your time with these local cowboys — the descendants of horsemen who came to work ranches in this remote region more than a century ago, you will learn about their special clothing, saddles and other horse tack. You'll also be shown how to properly saddle a horse, nail a horseshoe and of course how to ride. Enjoy a Yerba mate tea with them while chatting about Patagonian culture. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)

Day 10: Sightseeing in Torres del Paine.

Today you’ll spend the day sightseeing. Keep a look out for the park’s guanacos, a rare creature similar to the llama, as well as Andean condors. Witness the sharp peaks of Cuernos del Paine and see the emerald waters of the park’s lakes. These include Dickson Lake, Lake Pehoé, Sarmiento Lake, Del Toro Lake and Nordenskjöld Lake. After a day exploring, join your Travel Director and new friends as you toast to your travels at a Celebration Dinner with wine. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)

Day 11: Back to Santiago.

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your trip comes to an end. Head to Punta Arenas and fly to Santiago International Airport. Stay the night in Santiago before heading on to your Easter Island extension tomorrow. (Breakfast)

Day 12: Arrive on Easter Island.

Arrive on Easter Island, the cradle of an enigmatic culture that persists to this day. The language, music and many traditions remain alive among the island’s inhabitants, while the enormous carved stone Moai tell of a more remote past. Once you land in Hanga Roa, you'll be received by your local expert and transfer to your hotel. After checking in, enjoy an excursion. Drive up to Rano Kau, an extinct volcano with stunning views of Easter Island and see its distinct geological features, as well as Crater Lake. Then continue to Orongo, located on the island’s southwestern tip. At the stone ceremonial village, uncover the Birdman culture’s mysteries as you see the ancient petroglyphs. At the Ahu Vinapu archeological complex, learn about ancient carving and construction techniques that may have been influenced by the Inca culture. End your tour at the Ana Kai Tangata cave and observe the rock paintings and listen to stories about the island's past. (Breakfast)

Day 13: Easter Island Exploration.

Drive to the south end of the island to explore and uncover Easter Island’s mysteries. Start your journey in the bay of Hanga Te’e, at the unrestored site Ahu Vaihu, where the toppled moai are surrounded by spectacular views. Your next stop is at Akahanga, an important site where the famous king Hotu Matua was buried. Then, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater where almost 900 “moais” remain: some standing, laying, or buried. Continue your explorations at Ahu Tongariki. See its impressive fifteen moai that stand tall overlooking the land, as well as Ahu Te Pito Kura, where the largest carved “moai” ever erected stands 33 feet (10 metres) tall. End your day at Anakena Beach to enjoy the sun and the warm Pacific Ocean. (Breakfast)

Day 14: Bid Farewell to Rapa Nui.

Drive inland to see the restored site Ahu Akivi, where seven identical moai were built in the center of the island. According to legend, they represent the seven explorers who were sent to the island by King Hotu Matua. Afterwards, at Ahu Hanga Poukura, appreciate the impressive masonry skills at the unrestored, tumbled moai. Pay a visit to Puna Pau volcano quarry, where the pukao were carved; these are the large red cylinders, or topknots, placed on the moai’s heads. From here, they were transported across the island to all the other sites. End your adventure at Tahai, a ceremonial site where you can see several restored statues, boathouse remains, boat ramps, and more. This is the only site on Easter Island where eyes were re-inserted into a statue. As you get your last glimpse of the deep blue of the Pacific, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)