Compare Easter Island by Birdwatching Chile vs Best of Easter Island with Easter Island Option 2021 With 3 Day Easter Island Option, Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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0 | Poor
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Best of Easter Island with Easter Island Option 2021 With 3 Day Easter Island Option, Classic Group
by
Insight Vacations
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 4 days | 14 days |
| Price From | Check price | $ 8,593 |
| Price Per Day | Check price | $ 614 |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included |
All Meals as indicated |
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| Description |
Easter Island is famous for its 887 extant monumental statues, called moai, created by the early Rapa Nui people. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with much of the island protected within Rapa Nui National Park. Easter Island is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world.The nearest inhabited land (50 residents) is Pitcairn Island at 2,075 kilometres (1,289 mi), and the nearest continental point lies in Central Chile, at 3,512 kilometres (2,182 mi). The Tangata Manu (bird-man), was the winner of a traditional competition on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). The ritual was an annual competition to collect the first Sooty Tern (Manu Tara) egg of the season from the islet of Motu Nui, swim back to Rapa Nui and climb the sea cliff of Rano Kau to the clifftop village of Orongo. Easter Island had vast seabird colonies containing probably over 30 resident species, perhaps the world's richest! Such colonies are no longer found on the main island, but they are coming back!!! and on the motus we´ll be able to find up to 5 species (possibly 6) of Pterodroma Gadfly Petrels and other seabirds including at least 7 species, plus the chance to see some landbirds (all introduced) on the island including the Chilean endemic Chilean Tinamou. All this in an island that is "supposed to have no birds." |
Journey across Chile on an immersive two-week adventure, from Santiago set against the snow-capped Andes to the UNESCO protected sites of Valparaíso and the llama farms of Torres del Paine. Wine connoisseurs will be in their element at the Kingston Family Vineyard where a private Casablanca Valley Wine Tasting uncorks the finest local tipples—including regional Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In Torres del Paine, join the Patagonia Ranch cultural experience and see the world through the eyes of your local baqueano guides—the cowboy descendants of horsemen who came to work the ranches over a century ago. In Atacama, journey 14,000 feet up into the Andes for a dip in the Puritama Hot Springs before an evening of stargazing under the crystal-clear skies of the Chilean desert. |
Day 1
Fly to Rapa Nui. In the afternoon we shall visit our first Moai. In the evening Boat trip to the Motus to see our first petrels. Night in Hanga Roa.
Day 2
Visit to amazing archaeological sites. Then visit to more spectacular Moai places and Birdwatching. Night in Hanga Roa.
Day 3
More culture and archaeology, then visit Rano Raraku, Anakena and Ahu Akiviri. Boat trip in afternoon to see more seabirds. Night in Hanga Roa.
Day 4
Museum and shopping. Fly to Santiago.
Day 1: Arrive in Santiago
Welcome to Santiago. A picturesque city back dropped by the spectacular, snow-capped Andes, it offers a metropolitan world of museums, top restaurants and historic finds. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel and enjoy a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Valparaiso and the Casablanca Wine Country
Begin your day with a visit to the coastal city of Valparaiso. Explore the UNESCO protected site with a Local Expert as you discover its church-dotted hillsides and unique ampitheatre-like layout.After lunch, visit the Kingston Family Vineyard for a private wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley. Recognised as one of the best wineries in Chile, its varieties have been featured on the wine lists of top restaurants including Aureole in New York.The evening is yours at leisure to relax or have a night out on the town.
Day 3: On to Atacama
Take a transfer to the airport for your flight to Calama, a city based in the Atacama Desert. On arrival you'll head to San Pedro.You’ll then be driven to the Moon Valley for a guided visit. A nod to its name, this moon-like area is made up of dunes, caves and caverns. Learn more about its history and the land formations from a Local Expert.
Day 4: Explore Atacama
This morning, take a guided visit to the Atacama Geysers known as El Tatio Geysers, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in the Andes Mountains, you'll be 14,170 feet (4,230 metres) above sea level. Enjoy a visit to the Puritama Hotsprings before taking a scenic drive back to your hotel.
Day 5: Atacama Salt Flats
Explore the Atacama Salt Flats, the largest in Chile. One of the driest parts of the world, the area stretches for over 40,000 square miles (103,600 kilometres). Keep your eyes open for species of wild birds including the Andean and James flamingos on the shores of the Chaxa, Miscanti and Minque Lagoons. This afternoon, make your way to Toconao, a traditional colonial village known for is volcanic rock architecture. Take a stroll through the main square and visit the handicraft stands that sell alpaca textiles.
Day 6: Atacama to Santiago
Wake up for your transfer and flight back to Santiago.Enjoy lunch at El Galeon restaurant, located in the heart of the Central Market.Continue to the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral, traveling to the heart of the city along the famous Alameda, Santiago's vibrant main avenue. Continue your tour by crossing the Mapocho River to reach the bohemian Bellavista district on your way to the San Cristobal Hill.
Day 7: On to Puerto Natales
Fly to Punta Arenas where you'll then drive to Puerto Natales, a port city, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and starting point for explorers in search of the Patagonian fjords. This afternoon, you’ll have leisure time in the day to rest and rejuvenate before heading to dinner.Famous for its spiced meat and seafood dishes, tonight's meal will have you savouring typical Patagonian dishes.
Day 8: Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Excursion
Wake for a scenic breakfast before starting your day. Torres del Paine National Park boasts jaw-dropping landscapes filled with turquoise lagoons, glaciers, and towering granite horns. Head out on a Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier Cruise to view these majestic ice formations. On return, the rest of your day is at leisure.
Day 9: Torres del Paine National Park
Join your local expert on an excursion of the Torres del Paine National Park. Situated in Chile's Patagonia region, this park is famous for its glaciers, grasslands, imposing mountains and the three granite towers it is named after.This afternoon, explore Torres del Paine with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Patagonian Ranch Cultural Experience and learn about the baqueano (cowboy) way of life. During your time with them, you will learn about their special clothing, saddles and other horse tack. You'll also be shown how to properly saddle a horse, nail a horseshoe and of course how to ride. Alternatively, choose to join a tour of the region's oldest gardens at Resrva Cerro Paine which produces seasonal fruits and vegetables using bio-intensive sustainable methods.Tonight, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you enjoy dinner at your hotel. All the ingredients are produced onsite utilizing sustainable farming techniques.
Day 10: Sightseeing in Torres del Paine
Today you'll spend the day sightseeing in Torres del Paine as you keep a look out for the park's guanacos, a rare creature similar to the llama, as well as Andean condors. Witness the sharp peaks of Cuernos del Paine and marvel at the emerald waters of the park’s lakes. These include Dickson Lake, Lake Pehoé, Sarmiento Lake, Del Toro Lake and Nordenskjöld Lake.After a day exploring, join your Travel Director and new friends as you toast to your travels at a Celebration Dinner with wine.
Day 11: Back to Santiago
It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end. Head to Punta Arenas where you'll fly to Santiago International Airport for your flight home.
Day 12: Arrive Eastern Island
Arrive on Easter Island, the cradle of an enigmatic culture that persists to this day. Be greeted by your local expert, followed by an organised transfer to your hotel. Afterwards, embark on an excursion to Orongo. Start by driving up to Rano Kau, an extinct volcano that offers stunning views of the island and Crater Lake. Then continue onwards to Easter Island's southwestern tip to the stone ceremonial village of Orongo. End your tour at the Ana Kai Tangata cave, where you'll observe the intricate rock paintings as you hear stories about the Birdman culture.
Day 13: Easter Island and Anakena Beach
Uncover more of Easter Island's mysteries with a visit to the bay of Hanga Te'e and the unrestored Ahu Vaihu where the toppled "moais" are surrounded by spectacular views. From there, you'll visit Akahanga, the burial site of King Hotu Matua. Afterward, visit the Rano Raraku, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to almost 900 moais. Your exploration of the island continues to Ahu Tongariki and its impressive 15 moais that stand tall overlooking the land and at Ahu Te Pito Kura where the largest carved moai stands at 33 feet (10 metres). End your tour at Anakena beach to enjoy some sun and the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Day 14: Depart Easter Island
Drive inland to see the restored Ahu Akivi, where seven identical "moais" were built in the center of the island. According to legend, they represent the seven explorers who were sent to the island by King Hotu Matua. Afterwards, you'll be able to admire the impressive masonry skills of these carvings when you view the unrestored, tumbled "moai" at Ahu Hanga Poukura and visit the Puna Pau volcano quarry. You'll end your tour at Tahai, a ceremonial site and the only place on the island where eyes were re-instated into a statue. This afternoon you'll be transferred to the airport where you'll fly back to Santiago (flight not included).
