Itinerary Details
Independent Santiago City Stay With Easter Island
Day 1 ARRIVE IN SANTIAGO, CHILE
• Welcome to Santiago, Chile’s scenic capital between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. With a coastline over 2,650 miles long, Chile is more than 10 times longer than it is wide. With a distinctly European style accented with Latin flair, Santiago is one of South America’s most sophisticated and modern cities.
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Day 2 SANTIAGO
• Located in the center of the country, Santiago has evolved as the country’s political, commercial, and cultural capital. Step back into the 16th century on your private tour, as your Local Guide traces the city’s history and heritage.
• Start at La Moneda, the official Government Palace, and nearby San Cristobal Hill with its landmark statue of the Virgin Mary. Your tour ends at the Plaza de Armas, the main square, with a visit to the 18th-century Cathedral.
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Day 3 SANTIAGO
• Today is at leisure to explore Santiago as you please.
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Today’s I-Time Tips
Perhaps take a trip to the beautiful coastal region west of Santiago and the cities of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, or head into Chile’s famous wine country to visit some of its renowned wineries.
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Day 4 SANTIAGO–EASTER ISLAND
• Fly to Easter Island, considered the largest open-air museum, boasting over 400 moai, ruins, and temples. Located 2,200 miles off the coast of Chile, this island is a territory of Chile but, feels more like Polynesia.
• Upon arrival, meet your Local guide who will take you to your hotel.
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Day 5 EASTER ISLAND
• Your first stop on your tour will be Ahu Vaihu, where eight large moai lie in ruins.
• Continue on to Ahu Akahanga. According to legend, this is the burial site of the first king of Easter Island (Hotu Matu’a).
• Next, at the Rano Raraku quarry, you find 394 statues in various stages of completion. It appears that the moai production was abruptly abandoned, leaving us a frozen snapshot that reveals how the moai were carved out of volcanic rocks.
• At Ahu Tongariki, see 15 beautifully restored moai, and at Ahu Te Pito Kura, see the largest moai ever transported and erected.
• Last stop is the beach of Anakena, where King Hotu Matu’a first landed on Rapa Nui.
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Day 6 EASTER ISLAND
• This morning, your tour visits the Rano Kau volcano, with a caldera that contains one of the island’s freshwater lakes.
• At the nearby ceremonial village of Orongo, see the restored houses and remains of an ancient ahu.
• Head to Ana Kai Tagata, an ancient cave with wall paintings on the rock.
• This afternoon, visit Ahu Akivi, with seven restored moais in the middle of the island. According to legend, the statues represent the seven scouts sent to Easter Island by King Hotu Matu’a.
• Finally, visit the Puna Pau topknot quarry with its red scoria stone, where the pukaos on top of the moai were made.
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Day 7 EASTER ISLAND–SANTIAGO
• Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Santiago.
• Transfer to your hotel for your final night in Santiago.
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Day 8 SANTIAGO
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.
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