Captivating Chile & Easter Island tour with epic excursions

Bucket-list Santiago, Chile round-trip adventure with an Easter Island escape, includes optional & included excursions, breakfast, flights & transfers

Please note that your itinerary will vary depending on your chosen offer and choice of optional excursions

Day 1: Overnight flight

Arrive at your UK departure airport ready to check-in for an overnight flight to Chile’s striking capital city of Santiago.

Day 2-3: Santiago

Touch down in Santiago before transferring to your comfortable hotel to spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Depending on what time you arrive, you could familiarise yourself with the city’s infectious energy and cosmopolitan charm. Sample the local cuisine or enjoy cocktails in the trendy neighbourhood of Bellavista before getting a good night’s sleep.

The next day, wake to a delicious breakfast at the hotel before kicking your Chilean adventures off with a guided tour of the city. Begin with a stroll along the main avenue where you’ll visit the cobblestoned streets of Lastarria, get lost in the beauty of Santa Lucia Hill, and eventually stop by a panoramic viewpoint to gaze out across Santiago’s breathtaking cityscape. From here, you’ll get to see the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Santiago, the former national congress, the imposing government house La Moneda and the Plaza de la Constitución. Finally, visit the Central Market, a key gastronomic point, and stop by a Lapis Lazuli store.

For those seeking to delve even deeper into the region, you could also opt to take part in an optional excursion to the two coastal cities of Viña del Mar & Valparaiso.

Day 4: Santiago - Calama - San Pedro de Atacama

After tucking into breakfast, you’ll be able to hop into the organised transfer to the airport for your flight to Calama. After a two-hour drive through the region's red-dusted landscapes, you’ll arrive in the town of San Pedro de Atacama. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the town and it’s lunarlike surroundings at your own pace.

Day 5-6: San Pedro de Atacama

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and make your own morning plans before preparing to embark on an epic adventure. In the afternoon, venture into the Valley of the Moon, a breathtaking landscape that truly lives up to its name. Part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, The Salt Mountain Range is the best place to watch the sunset, with its Mars and Moon Valleys a natural product of the mineralogical folding, they resemble an extraterrestrial scene. As the afternoon passes, venture into the valley to enjoy views of the Andes Mountains and its volcanoes. Finally, at sunset, watch as golden and red tones spread across the sky and bleed into your spectacular surroundings - a truly unforgettable sight to behold.

During your time here, you could also take part in an optional full-day excursion to Tatio Geysers and the village of Machuca. Journey early to Altiplano and you’ll get to experience a breathtaking sunrise over the Tatio Geysers, a geothermal field with 70 fumaroles which emerge in jets of steam. Afterwards, explore the village of Machuca, known for its traditional Andean crafts.

The following day is yours to do with as you like. While away the hours marvelling at the region’s dramatic landscapes or take part in a full-day optional excursion to the Altiplanic Lagoons. Discover the Miscanti and Miniques lagoons, surrounded by volcanoes, as well as the vibrant Salar de Aguas Calientes, known for its red stones. Later, explore Chaxa Lagoon and the charming town of Toconao, where you can spot flamingos and other fascinating wildlife. You’ll also be able to enjoy a delicious lunch.

Day 7: San Pedro de Atacama - Calama - Santiago

After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to San Pedro de Atacama and transfer to Calama airport for your return flight to Santiago. Once arrived, relax at the hotel and spend the rest of the day soaking up Santiago’s vibrant culture as you see fit.

Day 8: Santiago - Easter Island

Pack your bags and hit the road as you transfer to Santiago Airport for the next part of your adventure! Land amidst the magic of Easter Island and take a moment to unwind at your inviting hotel.

For those who just can’t wait to start exploring, embark on an optional excursion to Ahu Akivi. Discover the ancient islanders’ celestial connection to the stars by visiting three archaeological sites. Begin with a 20-minute trek to Ana te Pahu, a large underground cave, before continuing on to marvel at Ahu Akivi, where seven restored statues representing the explorers who arrived on the island await. Finally, continue to Puna Pau Quarry, an old volcano crater 15 kilometres northeast of Hanga Roa.

Day 9-10: Easter Island

With the whole day laid out ahead of you, it’s time to embark on a full-day exploration of Easter Island. Follow in the footsteps of the first King, Ariki Hotu Matua, and visit five archaeological sites, including Akahanga, Rano Raraku, and Ahu Tongariki - all key places in Rapa Nui culture. Tuck into some lunch before continuing to Te Pito Kura, known as the navel of the world. This massive Moai is the largest sculpture ever transported from the Rano Raraku Quarry. Finally, relax on the pristine sands of Anakena, where the island’s first king is said to have landed.

The next morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast as usual before continuing your thrilling Easter Island escape. On an exciting half-day excursion, you’ll get to see the island’s beauty with a trip to the cliffs of the Rano Kau volcano and the ceremonial village of Orongo, where the BirdMan competition (Tangata – manu) used to be celebrated. Admire Pacific Ocean vistas from the freshwater crater and explore the spiritual village, where restored houses and ancient cave art and petroglyphs await. Next, visit Vinapu, a mysterious ceremonial centre with large basalt slabs perfectly fitted on the back of its ahu. Return to your hotel and get a good, final night’s sleep on Easter Island.

Day 11: Easter Island - Santiago

After an incredible stay on Easter Island, say goodbye to the region’s breathtaking landscapes and take a picture for the road as you catch your transfer to the airport after breakfast. You’ll then board your flight back to the capital before spending the night in Santiago.

Day 12: Santiago - home

Depending on your flight time, enjoy breakfast before wrapping up your Chilean adventure back in the capital. Transfer to the airport and wave goodbye to this beautiful city before flying home with memories to last a lifetime.

The following optional excursions can be arranged directly with the supplier after booking:

• Valparaíso & Viña del Mar excursion suggested on day 3: (Please note, if you choose this optional activity, your Santiago city tour will be moved to either the first or the third day of the itinerary depending on your flight schedule; £45 per person)
• Tatio Geysers and Machuca excursion suggested on day 5: (£55 per person)
• Altiplanic Lagoons excursion suggested on day 6: (£78 per person)
• Half-day excursion to Ahu Akiv suggested on day 8: (£78 per person)
• Upgrade: Early check in Santiago, Charm category: (£58 per person)
• Upgrade: Early check in Santiago, Superior category: (£62 per person)