Itinerary Details
1 Arrive Santiago, Chile
Nestled in a valley embraced by the Andes, Santiago is a captivating city, a panorama of ochre rooftops, verdant parks and the distant, shimmering cordillera, all bathed in the brilliant sunlight of the Chilean high desert. Set out on a walking tour with your expert guide, strolling the streets and neighborhoods of Santiago, marveling at the architecture, art and culture on display. Finish at San Cristobal Hill, where you board a cable car to the top and take in panoramic views of the city and the stunning Andes Cordillera.
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2 Easter Island – Mysterious Rapa NuiSituated 2,300 miles from the nearest populated point, Easter Island is considered the world’s largest “open-air museum.” This 64-square-mile island is renowned for its moai, or human-like stone statues, which remain mysterious even to archaeologists. Known as Rapa Nui in the language of its indigenous people, Easter Island never fails to fascinate. Visit Ahu Vinapu, its incredible stone walls reminiscent of those built by the Incas, and ascend Rano Kau to the ceremonial village of Orongo, the center of the Birdman Cult until the 1860s. See the village meticulously restored, soft-stone houses and the petroglyph-adorned cliff.
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3 Easter Island – Moai And The Navel Of LightTour the island today, viewing moai on beautiful Anakena Beach and the ceremonial center of Te Pito Kura, site of a lone moai that lies face down. After lunch, drive along the southeastern coast of the island, viewing more moai and stopping at the Rano Raraku volcano, which houses a quarry where 95% of the moai were carved. Continue to Ahu Tongariki, a magnificent ahu (platform) holding a row of 15 moai.
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4 Easter Island – Wonders Above And Below GroundVisit Ahu Akivi, the only one where the moai face the sea, then proceed to the Puna Pau crater, where the red stone for the pukao was quarried. After lunch, the afternoon is free for you to choose from activities available from your hotel, some for additional cost, or to simply relax and reflect on your experiences in this remote locale.
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5 Santiago – A Relaxing StopoverAfter some time to yourself at your hotel, fly back to Santiago and settle into your convenient hotel.
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6 Atacama Desert – Bohemian Oasis In The DesertSituated in the driest desert in the world, the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama makes an ideal hub for exploring the area. Ancient cultures and travellers from all over the world intermingle here, and the streets lined with charming adobe buildings, reveal a pleasant bohemian character. Relax at your lodge and dream of the two days of adventure to come, filled with active geysers, lagoons renowned for their intense colors, and breathtaking salt flats.
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7 Atacama Desert – In The Dazzling Rainbow ValleyExplore the heart of the Atacama Salt Flats and discover Laguna Chaxa in the National Reserve of the Flamingos, a habitat where it is possible to spot up to three different species of the elegant wading birds. Visit the town of Toconao, a bastion of masonry and architecture typical of the area and learn about its agricultural heritage. After lunch at the hotel, ride with your guide to the Rainbow Valley, named for its multicolored hills and stream beds, the results of a buildup of various mineral deposits that reflect sunlight to dazzling and vivid effect.
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8 Atacama Desert – Sunrise Hot Air Balloon RideLift off by dawn’s early light on a hot air balloon ride over the Atacama Desert, a soothingly calm and refreshing adventure. Witness the Andean sunrise and watch as its rays paint the rugged slopes of the Cordilleras gold. Celebrate upon landing with a champagne breakfast in the desert. Should weather conditions prohibit the flight, visit the dynamic Tatio Geysers instead. This afternoon is free for you to take advantage of activities available at your hotel, some at an additional cost, or to simply relax.
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9 Uyuni, Bolivia – Among The Geothermal WondersToday, drive across the border into Bolivia at Hito Cajón to continue your exploration of the stunning and surreal landscapes of the high plateau. Venture into the National Park Eduardo Avaroa, where the scenery embraces you with its unique salt pans, volcanoes, snowcapped peaks, thermal springs and rivers. Visit the Green Lagoon, looking as a giant emerald, and take in an impressive view of Licancabur Volcano. Continue to the out-of-this-world Sol de Mañana Geysers, to view fumaroles and volcanic craters of spectacular formation featuring intense geothermal activity, evoking a landscape that dates to the beginning of the earth. Next comes the Red Lagoon, characterized by the red tone of its waters and inhabited by flocks of flamingos. Later, pass the Rock Valley and the Dali Desert en route to Uyuni, watching for vicuñas, llamas and vizcachas that may be roaming the otherworldly landscape. Finally, cross the Salt Lake Uyuni and arrive at your campsite by Jirira.
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10 Uyuni – Another Day Of Pure ExplorationEnjoy another full day at the Uyuni Salt Lake, coordinating with your guide to choose from a range of available activities, perhaps viewing the mirrorlike surface of the salt flat by day or the starlight-saturated sky by night.
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11 La Paz – Immersed In A Mystical HistoryJourney overland to La Paz, where you embark on a tour of the city and its surroundings — a setting that can transport you to a mysterious past where any corner, any street, can hold a hidden treasure — encountering a living history filled with traditions dating to pre-Hispanic times. Visit the indigenous, colonial and modern areas, taking in the Indian Market, Witch Doctor's Market and breathtaking panoramas all framed by the majestic Illimani mountain. Proceed to the Moon Valley, a clay formation resembling the face of the Moon and ride a 21st century cable car that offers you a unique bird’s-eye view of beautiful La Paz.
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12 Depart La PazMeals:
