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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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
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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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
Profile Image
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.

Profile Image of Claudio Le Roy
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.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
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Meals
52 Meals
17 Breakfasts
18 Lunches
17 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Oct 18, 2024 - Nov 06, 2024
  • Oct 18, 2024 - Nov 06, 2024
  • Oct 18, 2024 - Nov 06, 2024
  • Mar 21, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025
  • Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025
  • Oct 17, 2025 - Nov 05, 2025
4 nights
Santiago, Providencia
Diego de Almagro Providencia is well located in the bustling retail neighborhood of Providencia. The natural beauty of the area can be appreciated at Plaza Perú and Parque Bicentenario. It is walking distance from well known attractions such as Sky Costanera, Jardin Japones, Grand Santiago Tower, and multiple Metro lines. There are also multiple shopping centers and many popular restaurants throughout the neighborhood.
4 nights
, San Pedro de Atacama
Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama is well located in the heart of San Pedro de Atacama. The hotel's colonial-style construction is built from volcanic rock. It is walking distance from several restaurants, bars, and local markets.
4 nights
Iquique
Diego de Almagro Iquique is located approximately 1.9 miles from the city center in a quiet, developing environment. It is one block from Playa Brava (Long Beach) and close to some if the city's most well known landmarks such as Terminal Agropecuario de Iquique - Region de Tarapaca and Oficina Salitrera Santiago Humberstone.
5 nights
Hanga Roa
Well located hotel close to down town, post office, church and shops
4 nights
Santiago, Providencia
Diego de Almagro Providencia is well located in the bustling retail neighborhood of Providencia. The natural beauty of the area can be appreciated at Plaza Perú and Parque Bicentenario. It is walking distance from well known attractions such as Sky Costanera, Jardin Japones, Grand Santiago Tower, and multiple Metro lines. There are also multiple shopping centers and many popular restaurants throughout the neighborhood.
4 nights
, San Pedro de Atacama
Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama is well located in the heart of San Pedro de Atacama. The hotel's colonial-style construction is built from volcanic rock. It is walking distance from several restaurants, bars, and local markets.
4 nights
Iquique
Diego de Almagro Iquique is located approximately 1.9 miles from the city center in a quiet, developing environment. It is one block from Playa Brava (Long Beach) and close to some if the city's most well known landmarks such as Terminal Agropecuario de Iquique - Region de Tarapaca and Oficina Salitrera Santiago Humberstone.
5 nights
Hanga Roa
Well located hotel close to down town, post office, church and shops
4 nights
Santiago, Providencia
Diego de Almagro Providencia is well located in the bustling retail neighborhood of Providencia. The natural beauty of the area can be appreciated at Plaza Perú and Parque Bicentenario. It is walking distance from well known attractions such as Sky Costanera, Jardin Japones, Grand Santiago Tower, and multiple Metro lines. There are also multiple shopping centers and many popular restaurants throughout the neighborhood.
4 nights
, San Pedro de Atacama
Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama is well located in the heart of San Pedro de Atacama. The hotel's colonial-style construction is built from volcanic rock. It is walking distance from several restaurants, bars, and local markets.
4 nights
Iquique
Diego de Almagro Iquique is located approximately 1.9 miles from the city center in a quiet, developing environment. It is one block from Playa Brava (Long Beach) and close to some if the city's most well known landmarks such as Terminal Agropecuario de Iquique - Region de Tarapaca and Oficina Salitrera Santiago Humberstone.
5 nights
Hanga Roa
Well located hotel close to down town, post office, church and shops
4 nights
Santiago, Providencia
Diego de Almagro Providencia is well located in the bustling retail neighborhood of Providencia. The natural beauty of the area can be appreciated at Plaza Perú and Parque Bicentenario. It is walking distance from well known attractions such as Sky Costanera, Jardin Japones, Grand Santiago Tower, and multiple Metro lines. There are also multiple shopping centers and many popular restaurants throughout the neighborhood.
4 nights
, San Pedro de Atacama
Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama is well located in the heart of San Pedro de Atacama. The hotel's colonial-style construction is built from volcanic rock. It is walking distance from several restaurants, bars, and local markets.
4 nights
Iquique
Diego de Almagro Iquique is located approximately 1.9 miles from the city center in a quiet, developing environment. It is one block from Playa Brava (Long Beach) and close to some if the city's most well known landmarks such as Terminal Agropecuario de Iquique - Region de Tarapaca and Oficina Salitrera Santiago Humberstone.
5 nights
Hanga Roa
Well located hotel close to down town, post office, church and shops





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