Chile/Rapa Nui
The Atacama Desert and Easter Island: Different Worlds
Program No. 3892RJ
The moai structures of Easter Island and the geoglyphs of the Atacama Desert have puzzled and delighted mankind for centuries. Come see why as you unravel the mysteries for yourself.
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20 days
19 nights
52 meals
17B 18L 17D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
3
Valparaiso City
Santiago
4
San Pedro de Atacama, Tulor Archaeological Village
San Pedro de Atacama
5
Pukara de Quitor
San Pedro de Atacama
6
Salt Mountain & Magical Moon Valley
San Pedro de Atacama
7
Atacama Salt Flat, Flamingoes & Toconao Village
San Pedro de Atacama
13
Flight to Easter Island
Easter Island
At a Glance
Journey through two of the world’s most enchanting and mysterious locales: the Atacama Desert and Easter Island. Explore the varying differences between the civilization that thrived in the Atacama salt flat and the mysterious cultural phenomenon known as Easter Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embrace Chile’s natural beauty as you immerse yourself in the history and culture of this ancient land.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to one hour over uneven terrain; some stairs. Elevations up to 9,000 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Visit the pre-Inca fortress of Pukara de Quitor in Atacama.
- Explore the Atacama Salt Flat, where flamingo colonies nest.
- Discover the significance of the Orongo Ceremonial Village on Easter Island.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Claudio Le Roy
Claudio Le Roy has been leading Road Scholar adventures in Chile and Peru for more than 20 years. He has also designed and carried out a number of personal volunteer initiatives in these areas with a focus on the most needed, especially children. He holds degrees in second language teaching and a bachelor’s in English language and literature. Besides his career as a language teacher, Mr. Le Roy worked for ten years as a professional dancer for the National Folkloric Ballet of Chile.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Claudio Le Roy
View biography
Claudio Le Roy has been leading Road Scholar adventures in Chile and Peru for more than 20 years. He has also designed and carried out a number of personal volunteer initiatives in these areas with a focus on the most needed, especially children. He holds degrees in second language teaching and a bachelor’s in English language and literature. Besides his career as a language teacher, Mr. Le Roy worked for ten years as a professional dancer for the National Folkloric Ballet of Chile.
Suggested Reading List
(13 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Atacama Desert and Easter Island: Different Worlds
Program Number: 3892
Easter Island
In this mesmerizing novel, Vanderbes spins parallel stories of two young women on Easter Island, one an archaeologist with a 1913 expedition and the other an American botanist who visits 60 years later.
The Statues That Walked, Unraveling the Mystery of Easter Island
Drawing on archaeological evidence and their own work, Hunt and Lip challenge Jared Diamond's view of eco-catastrophe in this convincing new history of Rapa Nui.
Easter Island, the Essential Guide
Sanger covers the history, archaeology, people and practicalities in this authoritative guide, published by the Easter Island Foundation.
Chile Map
This National Geographic Adventure map includes a clear view of Chile from Laguna San Rafael south to Cape Horn (1,1,750,000).
Rapa Nui, Island of Memory
Full of anecdote and incident, Lee's lively memoir of fieldwork on Rapa Nui celebrates the people and life on the island since the 1980s.
Dry, Life Without Water
A generously illustrated survey of the people, cultures and habitats of the world's deserts, ranging from Sudan and the Burkina Faso to the Skeleton Coast in Namibia, China, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Oman and the deserts of North and South America, including the Atacama.
Birds of Southern South America & Antarctica
With color plates, range maps and brief descriptions, this is a compact regional guide.
San Pedro de Atacama Map
A detailed road map of San Pedro de Atacama and surroundings at a scale of 1:500,000.
Easter Island Map
A colorful topographic map (1:30,000).
A Wildlife Guide to Chile
Chester's splendid guide, featuring 120 color plates, covers the wildlife, plants and natural history of Chile from the Atacama Desert and Patagonia to Easter Island and Antarctica.
A Desert Bestiary, Folklore, Literature, and Ecological Thought from the World's Dry Places
From the ant to the wolf, this is a lively, informative tribute to desert animals and their place in literature, folklore and ecology.
Desert Memories, Journeys Through the Chilean North
A quest for national history, personal memories, and family origins in the Atacama by the noted playwright, novelist and essayist. The legacy of mining, Pinochet, and the author's own history are woven into this meditative account.
Insight Guide Chile
This glossy guide provides a full-color introduction by a team of experts to the land, people, history and attractions of Chile. Brief background essays highlight important topics. With many local and regional maps.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
20 days
19 nights
What's Included
52 meals (
17B, 18L, 17D
)
11 expert-led lectures
19 expert-led field trips
4 flights during the program
5 hands-on experiences
3 performances
An experienced Group Leader
17 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Santiago
Meals:
L,D
Stay:
Hotel Diego de Almagro Providencia
Activity Note
This day includes an afternoon program orientation after lunch followed by a Santiago city excursion by private bus with some stops that will require getting on and off the bus and walking of short distances on even terrain to explore city highlights.
Morning:
Airport transfers for scheduled passengers from Santiago's International Airport (SCL) to the Hotel. Check in at hotel if available and time to rest until lunch. (Standard Check out at 12:00 pm and Check In time is at 02:00 pm)
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
After lunch complete program introduction will be given to program participants that will cover what to expect in Chile (money issues, safety, detailed program itineraries, domestic travel, etc) which is reviewed item by item. A Santiago city excursion will be the next activity that will give participants a first site impression of a dynamic South American capital and a city of contrasts.
Dinner:
At a local eatery
Day
3
Valparaiso City
Location:
Santiago
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Diego de Almagro Providencia
Activity Note
Day trip will be done on a bus with some stop overs that will require getting on and off the bus. The day also includes a short boat ride around Valparaiso harbor and bay that could be done in or out of the boat cabin. Walking of short distances is also part of the overall experience. Upon return to Santiago, you will be introduced to Chile and its current affairs by a lecturer.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Day trip to Valparaíso city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, crossing the coastal mountain range from Santiago to Valparaiso through the Casablanca wine valley. Experience a 30 minute boat ride to see Valparaiso harbor and hills from the ocean. Learn of the pioneer history of Valparaiso city and explore some of its hills.
Lunch:
At a local eatery.
Afternoon:
Set out on foot to continue exploring the city. We will walk the Alegre and Concepcion Hills to discover the history of its inhabitants and how people were able to adapt to the geography of the place. The drive back to Santiago is approximately 2 hours. After returning to Santiago, you will have some time to rest before the next activity: a lecture that will introduce Chile and its different aspects that include geography, economy, politics, education among other topics.
Dinner:
At a local eatery.
Day
4
San Pedro de Atacama, Tulor Archaeological Village
Location:
San Pedro de Atacama
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama
Activity Note
Walking excursion around San Pedro de Atacama village (dirt road) on even flat terrain, no climbing or hikes. 50 minute walk app. to get familiar with the town. Tulor exploration is on even terrain covering a distance of app. 0,62 mile to view point.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Introduction to site. Check out from Santiago Hotel, Transfer to airport to check in for flight. Domestic flight to Calama is approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival in Calama, transfer by coach to San Pedro de Atacama (2 hour drive) with stop over to admire the landscape and photo options. The highest point on the road is a pass at 9,700 ft.(Domeyko mountain range) after which we will rapidly descend to San Pedro village at 7,900 ft..
Lunch:
At a local eatery.
Afternoon:
Field trip to El Tulor Village, one of the oldest settlements in Northern Chile dated between 800BC-100AC. Buried in the sand and discovered in 1958 by the founder of San Pedro de Atacama archeological museum, father Le Paige. Best example to understand human settlement and landscape of the first Atacameño people. Walk from visitor's center of approximately 0,62 mile on even terrain to view point and replica of old dwelling.
Dinner:
At a local eatery.
Day
5
Pukara de Quitor
Location:
San Pedro de Atacama
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama
Activity Note
Hiking and climbing of the hsitoric and panoramic Quitor Pukara. Two climbing options available. First, easy climb to 360° viewpoint of the area. Second, walk up through the fortified complex of the Pukara. Hiking shoes or shoes without flat soles are recommended, walking stick (if necessary).
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Lecture: Anthropological development of the Atacameño people. Local Archeological museum visit will be subject to updates on the date for the reopening of museum due to major restoration project.
Lunch:
At a local eatery.
Afternoon:
Depart for the Pre Inca Fortress Pukara de Quitor. Hiking and climbing to explore this defensive labyrinth set on the side of a hill by the Atacameños.
Dinner:
At a local eatery.
Day
6
Salt Mountain & Magical Moon Valley
Location:
San Pedro de Atacama
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama
Activity Note
Explore the salt mountain range and climb a sand dune to wait for sunset in the moon valley.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Lecture: Atacameño culture, Religion and Family life.
Lunch:
At a local eatery.
Afternoon:
Half Day excursion to visit the Moon Valley and geological formations located in the salt mountain range nearby San Pedro de Atacama town (40 Mins). Hiking of a sand dune to experience the sunset and light reflection over the Andes range and salt mountain range. Return to hotel after sunset.
Dinner:
At a local eatery.
Day
7
Atacama Salt Flat, Flamingoes & Toconao Village
Location:
San Pedro de Atacama
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama
Activity Note
Walk on the Atacama Salt Flat on even terrain to experience salt crust formations and admire flamingo colonies and other bird species. Walking is done on marked pathways and may take an hour app. Binoculars and comfortable walking close shoes are suggested. A hat, sun screen, sun lotion and sun glasses are recommended. Water will be available.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Lecture: Flora & Fauna of the Atacama region, Free time for optional suggested activities by group leader, such as, death valley walking excursion, biking or car ride to the the devil's gorge, etc.
Lunch:
At a local eatery.
Afternoon:
Trip to Chaxa Lagoon in the heart of the Atacama Salt Flat to observe flora and fauna, flamingo colonies and other birds. Stopover in Toconao village to learn from local people of the agricultural work and use of water resources.
Dinner:
At a local eatery.
Day
8
Cross the driest section of the Atacama desert
Location:
Iquique
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Diego de Almagro Iquique
Activity Note
Transfer by private coach from San Pedro de Atacama to Iquique city with stop overs in Calama city and other places on the way. Crossing the driest section of the Atacama desert.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Transfer by private coach to Iquique city crossing the driest section of the Atacama desert through plains and hills, salt flats and abandoned ghostly towns. Stop over in Calama City, viewpoint next to Chuquicamata copper mine, world's largest open pit mine and Quillagua town on the way to Iquique.
Lunch:
Picnic-style lunch during bus ride from Calama to Iquique city.
Afternoon:
Site orientation during bus ride. Arrival in Iquique city. Time to rest or to explore city on your own.
Dinner:
At a local eatery.
Day
9
Iquique's History, Festival of La Tirana Virgin
Location:
Iquique
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Diego de Almagro Iquique
Activity Note
Bus ride around Iquique city that includes getting on and off the bus plus walking and standing during visits.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
City exploration by coach and on foot with stopover at local museums, theater, etc. to discover Iquique's history and people.
Lunch:
At a local eatery.
Afternoon:
Lecture on Iquique's history to discover its impact on Chile's political and social development. Introduction to Religious festival of La Tirana Virgin with hands on experience with locals.
Dinner:
At a local eatery.
Day
10
Pintados Geoglyphs & the Aymara Ethnic Group
Location:
Iquique
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Diego de Almagro Iquique
Activity Note
Walking on even and uneven flat terrain to eye witness the Pintados geoglyphs that extend for 2.5 miles on the hill sides. Hat, sun screen and sun glasses are necessary.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Field trip to Pintados hills (59 miles from Iquique) covered by more than 300 geoglyphs that were made between the year 500 to 1450 AC. Display of geoglyphs that extend for 2,5 miles on the hill sides of the coastal mountain range.
Lunch:
At a local eatery.
Afternoon:
Embrace the Aymara Culture of northern Chile and its shared widely spread cosmovision in neighbor countries such as Peru, Bolivia and Argentine Lecture: Aymara Culture of Chile Free time
Dinner:
At a local eatery.
Day
11
Santa Laura, Humberstone towns, Pica & La Tirana.
Location:
Iquique
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Diego de Almagro Iquique
Activity Note
Bus ride to the pampa salitrera (nitrate plains) to walk around the nitrate towns. Walking on even terrain that resquest standing in some parts of the excursion. Hat, sun screen and sun glasses are necessary. Walking on even and uneven terrain duirng visit to Pica Oasis town, Matilla and la Tirana towns. Paved streets and some dirt paths.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Guided trip to explore Santa Laura and Humberstone (World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO) mining towns Discover life and mineral extraction process in the old days. After the exploration of these nitrate mining towns, cross the Pampa (plains) towards the oasis towns of Matilla and Pica located on the foot of the Andes.
Lunch:
At a local eatery.
Afternoon:
After lunch explore the orchards of Pica with its Mango trees and limes, try the traditional mango cakes or simply walk to the Cochas, spring water pools. On the way back, a stop in La Tirana town, place that hosts the most important religious festival in the country.
Dinner:
At a local eatery.
Day
12
Iquique to Santiago, Introduction to Easter Island
Location:
Santiago
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Diego de Almagro Providencia
Activity Note
Flight from Iquique to Santiago takes app. 2hours 30 mins.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Lecture to introduce Easter Island: from the Continent to Rapa Nui. Transfer to Iquique airport and check in for flight to Santiago.
Lunch:
Lunch during flight
Afternoon:
Arrive in Santiago. Depart airport and check in to hotel. After arrival, free time to get settled.
Dinner:
At a local eatery.
Day
13
Flight to Easter Island
Location:
Easter Island
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel O'tai
Activity Note
Non stop flight from Santiago to Easter Island (app 5 hours) Local time time in Easter Island is two hours back from main land Chile.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Depart hotel for Santiago Airport for flight to Rapa Nui. Arrive Rapa Nui in the afternoon and transfer to the hotel to check in.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
Free afternoon to rest or explore Hanga Roa town on your own.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Day
14
Padre Sebastian Englert Museum, Ahu Tahai, Dance Performance
Location:
Easter Island
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel O'tai
Activity Note
Walking and standing during study trip to ahu Tahai, uneven terrain. Hat, sun screen and/or umbrella suggested.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
Class on the Settlement of Polynesia & Rapa Nui Human History followed by a guided visit of the Padre Sebastian Englert Archaeological Museum.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
Field Study of Tahai for an introduction to the famous monoliths of Rapa Nui. The three ahu (platforms) with moai (statues) that you will see facing inland, are part of one ceremonial compound which was restored in the 1960s by the late archaeologist, William Mulloy. Return to the hotel. Dinner. Evening Performance by cultural group of the island (music and dance)
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Cultural Event: Rapa Nui folkloric traditional dance, featuring island dancers accompanied by musicians playing traditional instruments. A featured dance, the Hoko is an ancestral dance that represents the wars and confrontations between various tribes
Day
15
Optional Field Study to Ahu Vaihu & Rano Raraku,Tongariki
Location:
Easter Island
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel O'tai
Activity Note
Walking up and down the quarry of the moais. Tracks and stairs while climbing. Climbing shoes, no flat soles, are recommended. Walking sticks in case you need extra support.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
Class: History of Hangaroa Town, including the History of Christianity in Rapa Nui. Take an Optional Escorted Walking Excursion of Hanga Roa Village or explore the village on your own. Depart on bus for full day Field Trip of archaeological sites. Field Studies at Ahu Vaihu which is constructed of finely crafted stones and Tongariki the largest ahu (temple platform) on the island.
Lunch:
Picnic-style lunch in the National Park
Afternoon:
Field Study at Rano Raraku, the quarry of the moai. View the quarry from which the massive moai were carved out of the hard basalt. Moai in all stages of production cover its southern flank - unfinished giants still imprisoned in stone. If the path is open, those who wish can hike with the guide over a low point in the crater rim to view the lake inside and, from a distance, more moai in the process of being carved in the interior. From Rano Raraku, we drive down the South Coast past many collapsed ahu, toppled moai, and fallen stone fences built by the sheep company. Our goal is Tongariki, the largest ahu (temple platform) on the island. Demolished in 1960 by the tremendous force of a Pacific tsunami (tidal wave) generated by an earthquake in Valdivia (southern Chile), Tongariki was restored by Chilean archaeologists Claudio Cristino & Sergio Rapu, with the help of Japanese archaeologists and the Rapa Nui people, so it once again supports its 15 moai. Return to the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Day
16
Ahu Vinapu,Ahu Nau Nau & Poike Ditch,Rapanui Family Exchange
Location:
Easter Island
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel O'tai
Activity Note
Optional swimming at Anakena beach during lunch break. Study field trip demands some walking and standing to appreciate stone structures. hat, sun screen and/or umbrella suggested.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Class on the People of Old- Rapa Nui Ancient Culture Field Study at Ahu Vinapu, an archaeological site that has raised many questions over the years because of its similarity in appearance and construction to the pre-Columbian structures found in Cusco, Peru.
Lunch:
Barbecue lunch at Anakena, the largest beach in Rapa Nui. This is where Hotu Matu`a — the legendary first king-chief and settler — is said to have beached his canoe and lived in a cave while waiting for his boat-shaped house to be completed.
Afternoon:
Field Study at Ahu Nau Nau, a very complex archaeological site located on the hill overlooking the beach. This site includes seven finely carved moai with elaborately decorated backs and at least four levels of ahu construction. Field Study at Poike Ditch and then return to the hotel via a drive along the South Coast.
Dinner:
Home-Hosted Dinner with a local family.
Evening:
Meet and get to know a local family. A great opportunity to learn about life in Rapa Nui!
Day
17
Optional Church, Parque Nacional Rapa Nui & Orongo Village
Location:
Easter Island
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel O'tai
Activity Note
Excursion to Ana kai Tangata cave requires climbing even and uneven stone steps to reach and exit cave. Afternoon field trip to Orongo demands some walking on even and uneven terrain, also climbing few steps and standing during explanations. Light wind breaker recommended.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
Opportunity to attend a Church Service at Historic Rapa Nui Roman Catholic Church or enjoy Free Time before departing on a Field Trip
Lunch:
At the hotel
Afternoon:
Depart for a Field Trip to the Parque Nacional Rapa Nui to study Rano Kao crater and Orongo Ceremonial Village. Rano Kao's huge crater-lake contains a bog filled with native totora reeds and is the fresh water reservoir for the island. The ceremonial village, Orongo, is on Rano Kao’s seaward edge. Then, head to Ana Kai Tangata, which can be translated as place-men-eat,which could mean a place where men took shelter for meals.The cave is known for its ancient paintings of sooty terns flying across the roof. Please note - In inclement weather the Orongo site may be closed for safety concerns. Return to the hotel for Free Time before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a Rapa Nui umikai prepared in underground ovens. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Day
18
Depart Rapa Nui - Flight to Santiago
Location:
Santiago
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Diego de Almagro Providencia
Breakfast:
Light breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:
Free morning to prepare for departure and transfer to airport. Flight to Santiago.
Lunch:
Lunch during flight
Afternoon:
Arrival in Santiago, Transfer to hotel, check in
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Day
19
Program Wrap-Up, Craftmaker Artisan Village, Departure
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B,L
Activity Note
Excursion to craftmaket demands some walking on even terrain available seats to rest at the site.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Program summary, suggested optional activities, check out
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
Transfer to Santiago airport (SCL) to catch return flights to the US or on-going flights to other destinations. Visit Los Domenicos Artisan Market on the way.
Evening:
This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Day
20
In Transit From Program, Arrive back in US
Location:
In Flight
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
52 Meals
17 Breakfasts
18 Lunches
17 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025
- Mar 21, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025
- Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025
- Oct 17, 2025 - Nov 05, 2025
- Mar 20, 2026 - Apr 08, 2026
- Sep 25, 2026 - Oct 14, 2026
- Oct 16, 2026 - Nov 04, 2026
Participant Reviews
Based on 5 Reviews
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“The Atacama Desert and Easter Island: Different Worlds” was my first international trip since 2019. Given that, it was a great experience to fulfill a dream to be on the most remote island in the world, with a fascinating history,, and to be in the Atacama desert with its amazing sites and location. Our guide, Claudio, made this a 5 star journey, but overall I would give it 4 stars. Lectures and travel time made up a good portion of this trip, and it lacked offering the experience to be awed by the darkest and clearest night skies in the world. If you are an auditory learner, this trip is for you. The museums, music/dance performances, active sites visited, and our amazing guide certainly made this country a worthwhile travel experience in spite of the heavy emphasis on so many lectures and guides not willing to use the listening devices, when they would of added so much more to each site’s experience. One considering this trip should be aware that this trip focuses primarily on the indigenous cultures of each region, and not on the geology/geography and more recent cultural influences of this South American country.
— Review left November 4, 2023
An incredible adventure exploring earth, sea, and air (thinner at elevations :)). To be honest, I was unfamiliar with the Atacama Desert when I enrolled for this trip. But I am so glad I did the trip that included both the Atacama Desert and Rapa Nui. Different worlds is the perfect title for the contrasting environments. Who knew the desert could hold such beauty in its stark and rugged landscapes. And seeing the moai of Rapa Nui was a long held wish.
I can't say enough about our tour leader, Claudio Le Roy, who helped us understand and appreciate the differences and similarities of the cultures, geography, and economies that played a role in developing and that still help shape today's Chile. The local guides, Jorge and Oscar in San Pedro de Atacama and Christian in Rapa Nui, were exceptional.
Any complaints I might have about the itinerary are my own fault for not being in good enough shape. Keep up the pace is more than true. Nothing is middle of the road: the UV rays are intense, the winds can be strong, the desert is stark and dry, the humidity on the coast and on Rapa Nui is high, and the altitude will swing from 7900 at San Pedro de Atacama to sea level. Accept all of that and just do it. You won't regret it.
— Review left November 4, 2023
Though the Easter Island portion of the program didn't happen because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Atacama Desert portion was superb. Breathtaking scenery. Incredible rock formations, limitless vistas, salt flats, volcanoes, the Andes, the coastal mountain range, dry as a bone (though we experienced a very rare rain storm on two days!), geoglyphs, fascinating culture and history, real ghost towns. A glorious trip! You have to see it to believe it!
— Review left March 25, 2020
Checked off a Bucket List trip. The contrasts on this trip were mind-boggling....from the highest, driest place on earth, the Atacama Dessert, to the lush land of Maoi, flowers and isolation -- just amazing. Am so happy we took this fascintating, educating and fun trip.
— Review left March 22, 2019
This Atacama Deser/Easter Island trip is necessarily rather expensive but worth every penny. Unique sights and sites and a wonderful group leader.
— Review left March 22, 2019
