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We've just returned home and wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed Peru. This was the most flawless trip we've ever taken - everything you suggested from hotels to the folkloric dinner was far beyond our expectations. And the guides and greeters, from Eduardo to Rosa and her husband, Lucio and Da ... more Judie and Rich Hoeppner
This tour includes accommodations for 8 nights (2 nights in Santiago, 3 nights in Atacama, and 3 nights in Easter Island), and 12 meals (9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner). 4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodations include 17 meals.
Elevations: Santiago is 1,700 feet (above sea level), Atacama is 8,005 feet, and Tatio Geyser is 14,107 feet.
Santiago, Atacama, and Easter Island
You will experience three of Chile's most popular destinations on this tour. Santiago is one of South America's most modern cities, with excellent restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. San Pedro de Atacama is a small oasis village in the middle of the Atacama Desert, the driest desert on Earth. It offers an excellent base to view Chile's archaeological sites and artifacts, and explore the moonscapes, lagoons and geysers of the region. And, Easter Island is one of the most isolated places on Earth, and is known for its colossal stone Moai statues that stand up to 33 feet tall, and whose origin is still a mystery.
Activities: Cultural/historical sightseeing and hiking.
Day 1: Santiago
Depart to Santiago. Overnight flight.
Day 2: Santiago/City Tour
After passing through immigration and customs, proceed to the reception area, where our inbound services representative will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you will have a panoramic city tour of Santiago, which will include Parque O'Higgins, Plaza de Armas (the city's historic center), Palacio de la Moneda, ex-National Congress, Mapocho Station Cultural Center, Santa Lucia Hill, the place of Santiago's founding in 1541,and the Bohemian district of Bellavista. Overnight in Santiago. (B)
Note: Check-in time in Santiago is typically between 2:00 and 3:00 PM. We can request early check-in for you but cannot guarantee it.
Day 3: Santiago/Vineyard/Folkloric Dinner Show
Today you can choose to visit one of the following vineyards around Santiago (included in price): Concha y Torro, Cousino Macul, and Undurraga. In the evening, you will have a folkloric dinner show with typical Chilean dishes, dances, music, and costumes. Overnight in Santiago. (B,D)
Day 4: Santiago/Atacama/Moon Valley
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Calama. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.
In the afternoon, you will have a half-day excursion to the 'Moon Valley', which will include visits to the Valle de Marte, overlook of the Salar de Atacama, Valle de la Muerte, and Tres Maria. The Highlight of this excursion is a view of the sun setting over the desert valley. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
Day 5: Atacama/Quitor/Tulor/Atacama Salt Lake/Toconao
The Atacama Desert is the driest place on Earth, and is considered to be the archaeological capital of Chile. The dryness of the climate has preserved relics of the various cultures inhabiting the region. You will visit the Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum, which displays a large collection of artifacts unearthed by Father Gustavo Le Paige, a Belgian priest and archaeologist, and local villagers. After the museum, you will visit the Pucara de Quitor, an Atacama Fortress from the 12th century, and Tulor, one of the oldest human settlements of the region, known for the circular construction of its houses.
In the afternoon you will have a half-day excursion to the Atacama Salt Lake and the oasis town of Toconao. The Lake is an important nesting site for three species of flamingos, and contains 40% of the world's lithium reserves. Toconao is known for its Liparita (volcanic) stone houses and the Church and bell tower of San Lucas, which dates to the mid-18th century. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
Day 6: Atacama/Tatio Geysers/Puritama Hot Springs
Early morning (4:00 AM) you will depart for an excursion to the Tatio Geysers, the world's highest geyser field at 14,107 ft. above sea level. The steaming fumaroles, which reach a height of 160 ft., are a sight to behold, especially at sunrise, against the backdrop of the altiplano.
In the afternoon you will visit the Puritama Hot Springs, which will be much appreciated after an early rise and day of exploration. The mineral rich waters are 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B,L)
Day 7: Atacama/Santiago/Easter Island
Early morning transfer to Calama for the flight to Santiago and Easter Island. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Easter Island. (B)
Note: The connecting flights from Calama to Easter Island are only available on Wednesdays and Sundays, and there are no flights from Santiago to Easter Island on Mondays and Thursdays.
Day 8: Easter Island/Rano Raraku/Anakena Beach
Full day excursion visiting the archaeological center of Akahanga and the quarry at Rano Raraku volcano, where all of the moai on the island were carved. You will see over 300 statues in various stages of completion, and one giant moai, 21 meters (69 ft.) tall. You will also visit Ahu Tongariki, the largest ahu (burial site), whose moai were re-erected after a tsunami flattened the statues, Ahu Te Pito Kura, site of the largest moai moved from the quarry, and the ahu Nau Nau at Anakena Beach. Picnic lunch at Anakena Beach. Overnight in Easter Island. (B,L)
Day 9: Easter Island/Orongo/Ahu Akivi
Half day tour to the Rano Kau crater, the Orongo ceremonial village, with its birdman petroglyphs, and Vinapu with its two ahu. Half day tour to Ahu Akivi with its seven moai facing the sea, the caves of Ana Te Pahu, and Puna Pau, the volcanic crater where the pukao (reddish stone hats/headdresses) that some moai wear were carved. Overnight in Easter Island. (B)
Day 10: Easter Island/Santiago
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Santiago and your final destination. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Santiago, Atacama, and Easter Island
Single
Double
Triple
3 Star
$3,199
$2,039
$1,729
4 Star
$3,939
$2,619
$2,299
5 Star
$4,459
$3,069
$2,719
Deluxe
$5,369
$3,689
$2,839
All prices are in U.S. Dollars. Click here to see our prices in your currency.
NOTES:
The above prices are valid until December 31, 2010.
4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodations are all-inclusive in Atacama.
Santiago, Atacama, and Easter Island
The Price of This Tour Includes
South American Vacations' expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
Airport/hotel transfers including baggage handling.
Hotel accommodations including taxes and service charges.
Excursions as indicated on the itinerary including all applicable entrance fees.
Meals as indicated on the itinerary.
Local, English-speaking tour guides.
The Price of This Tour Does Not Include
International airfare.
Domestic airfare.
Chilean reciprocity tax ($131).
Meals not indicated on the itinerary.
Gratuities to tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
Gifts and personal items.We will be happy to quote the cost of international and domestic airfare and travel insurance, and to make these arrangements for you.
