Atacama & Easter Island Explored

Marvel at the mysterious Moai up close and navigate the moon-like landscapes of the Atacama Desert

Embark on a journey through Chile's extremities with this 11-day vacation to some of South America's most remote destinations and cultural highlights. On Easter Island, travel through this small yet diverse island home to nearly 1,000 stone monoliths carved by ancient Rapa Nui people. Venture north to the otherworldly Atacama Desert, a surreal expanse of salt flats, geysers, and colorful valleys that offers a unique encounter with nature's extremes.

Who is Atacama & Easter Island Explored best for?

Travelers who are interested in Chile's cultural and archaeological highlights, and those who are looking for an itinerary that works year-round.

Day-to-day itinerary

Atacama & Easter Island Explored trip highlights

This 11-day itinerary begins in Santiago, the modern and metropolitan capital of Chile. Catch a few city views and some great food before continuing to explore Chile's extremities.
Fly to Rapa Nui, a journey of about six hours, where you will spend three nights on this volcanic island, home to the imposing and mysterious moai. You'll arrive in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel, then head out to see the sunset before dinner. For the next two days, explore some of the island's most unique and surprising landscapes on land and sea with your private guide. Scuba dive in the Pacific Ocean, wander the untouched North Coast, where you can find petroglyphs, caves, and archaeological remains, or hike the rim of the Rano Raraku Volcano.
Fly back to Santiago and spend a quick night in the airport hotel to ready yourself for a morning flight north to the Atacama Desert. Spend your days hiking the dunes of the Moon Valley, floating in the Puritama Hot Springs, and sipping a pisco sour while watching the sunset over the lagoons and salt flats. By night, head out with your guide to take in some of the clearest dark skies in the world, and learn more about how the Indigenous Atacameños navigated using the stars and constellations.
Fly back to Santiago once more and enjoy a short transfer through the Casablanca wine valley to the coastal port city of Valparaíso. Known for its steep funiculars and colorful, clifftop homes, Valparaíso has been an inspiration to artists all over Chile and the world. Enjoy a private walking tour of the various viewpoints and graffiti art, and don't miss a visit to the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda's home-turned-museum, La Sebastiana.

Price

Starting at $7,700 per person based on two people sharing in 2024

Best time to go on a trip to Chile

In contrast to Patagonia, Easter Island and the Atacama Desert can be visited year-round. We recommend visiting in March, April and May, or September, October and November for the best weather.

Atacama & Easter Island Explored Map

Easy Extensions

Cap your trip with a restful visit to a vineyard hotel in the central Andes, or fly south to explore the old-growth forests of the Chilean Lake District.

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