2020 Chile & Easter Island Solar Eclipse

Welcome to Santiago. Please check-in to our hotel. Overnight in Santiago.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from hotel to Santiago Airport to take flight to Rapa Nui. Arrival and transfer from Rapa Nui Airport to the hotel. Half day tour in the afternoon to Tahai Ceremonial Complex, one of the most interesting places on Rapa Nui due combination of archaeological remains of great historical importance with a landscape of great beauty located in front of the Pacific Ocean. The archaeological site of Tahai is one of the oldest settlements on the island whose earliest remains date back to 700 AD. It seems that these lands were occupied by the Marama clan, and perhaps the Miru clan, to raise its political and religious center. According to tradition, Tahai was the last place of residence of Ngaara, the last ariki mau or high-ranking ruler, who died and was buried here. The occupation of Tahai by the first settlers was not fortuitous. In this place they had comfortable access to the sea to go fishing and a regular supply of fresh water from underground springs. The site of Tahai is a wide area extended a little over 250 meters from north to south and about 200 meters from east to west. In this section, the terrain descends in a gentle slope from the interior until reaching the coast, where a small inlet called Hanga Moana Verovero is formed. This site is a good example of how the ancient inhabitants modified natural environment to adapt it to their needs. To achieve the final result that is now observed, they had to level and fill the land with thousands of cubic meters of earth and stone. Back to hotel and overnight.

After breakfast, departure for a half day tour to Akivi. This Archaeological Center Roihi district was the first scientifically restored in the 60s, is a ceremonial place, particularly interesting not only for its location but also for its legend known about its seven moai. Then visit Puna Pau, site located east of the town of Hanga Roa, in a small crater of red scoria. From there he got the pukao or hats that crowned the moai. On the way,we can see the path by which the carrying, finding some of these hats inconclusive. “Ancestral Curanto” for lunch, either in continental Chile and in Rapa Nui, the curanto is a traditional food which consists of cooking food using hot stones and in this specific case (Rapa Nui) banana leaves are used to keep the heat and take care of the food. This exotic dish, besides being a delicacy for the palate, is an experience that is lived with locals whith an unique atmosphere created around the fire. This dish can carry fish, meat, sweet potato, banana and sorted vegetables.

After lunch, we’ll travel toward Ahu Ahu Vinapu comprises (two temples) in ruins, one of them appreciating the extraordinary similarity in the carving of the stones with the ruins of the Inca people. Scholars have reinforced the theory that the first inhabitants of the island may have come from the Americas. The trip continues along the coast to the Rano Kau. Next to the crater, this ancient Orongo where the largest concentration of petroglyphs. There are images of the birdman Tangara Manu, the creator god Make Make and Komari, fertility symbols. From the edge of the cliff you can see the three islets Motu Iti, Motu Nui and Motu Kao Kao. Return to hotel and overnight.

After breakfast, tour will take us to village of Hanga Roa, along the coast, to the ruins of the temple of Vaihu, which is preserved as it as was after successive wars of the past. Notable red hats of the moai, which were thrown overboard. Continuing Akahanga archaeological center, with several moai face down, abandoned during transportation. Then the volcano Rano Raraku and its quarry where the moai were carved all that exist on the island. Here are more than 300 moai in various stages of construction. On a hike climb to the crater of the volcano can be seen inside a small lagoon and other moai. Continue to the Ahu Tongariki recently restored, with the largest group of moai that had been destroyed by a large earthquake in 1960. Finally Anakena beach with her two beautiful temples or ahu. After lunch, there will be an option to take a swim or explore the magnificent surrounding landscape. Returning in the afternoon to the town of Hanga Roa. Back to hotel. Overnight.

After breakfast transfer from hotel to Rapa Nui Airport. Flight from Rapa Nui to Santiago. Arrival and transfer from Santiago Airport to your hotel. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Santiago.

Let us introduce you to the classic city we know and love on this 6-hour tour exploring the city’s most popular sites along with some of our personal favourites. Chile´s rich cultural heritage comes to life as we visit the iconic symbols of the city, including La Plaza de Armas (the main square), La Moneda (the government palace), the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and the spectacular Cerro Santa Lucia, where the city was founded in 1541.
We continue to the bohemian area of Bellavista and climb the San Cristobal hill for a panoramic view of Santiago with the Andes Mountains in the background. We’ll also visit the Orient Sector, the most modern area of the city, with its impressive high-rise buildings and classy boulevards before we offer you a choice of the activities designed to enhance your Santiago experience.
Later we take a walking tour through the Mercado Central, Chile’s largest fresh seafood market where you can try some of the local cuisine on offer. On completion of the tour you’ll be returned to your hotel and have free time to further explore the city at your leisure. Overnight in Santiago.

After breakfast departure for Valparaiso. The historic city of Valparaíso is Chile’s oldest port. It is also home to the country’s Senate and Chamber of Deputies, which moved here from the capital in 1989, when Chilean democratic governance was re-established. The city’s many hills are covered with a multi-colored panorama of painted houses crowding every nook and cranny, ensuring a spectacular backdrop to your visit. During your tour, you will see the historic city centre, whose fine 19th-Century architecture provides good reason for its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Then, you will travel to a view-point overlooking the city via one of Valparaíso’s signature funicular elevators, two dozen of which were built at the turn of the 20th Century to connect the upper and lower sections of the city. You will also visit the parliamentary building and Plaza Sotomayor’s memorial to the heroes of the War of the Pacific, before you continue to Catrala Boutique Vineyard, located in the way back to Santiago.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch we will visit the La Sebastiana Museum. La Sebastiana is Pablo Neruda’s house in Valparaíso, now open to the public as a museum. High up on Cerro Florida, it offers a marvellous view of the sea and an interesting insight into the life and work of this eccentric poet and diplomat. Pablo Neruda bought this place in order “to live and write in peace” and furnished every corner according to his taste and preferences. He sometimes celebrated New Year’s Eve here. Pablo Neruda called La Sebastiana “a house that seems to be floating in the air, but stands firmly on the ground”.
Our last stop will be at the idyllic Catrala Boutique Vineyard which was recently founded in 2003 and is among Chile’s youngest vineyards. It is a perfect location to close the day. You will learn about wine growing with bio-dynamic and organic farming in a relaxed and familiar atmosphere. The “Peñuelas” nature reserve, which is full of endemic tree species, surrounds the vineyard and lends the area a spicy scent. In this wonderful environment it is easy to forget about daily life and to enjoy Catrala’s quality wines. Overnight in Santiago.

After breakfast, depart from Santiago, sit back and relax during the scenic drive to Santa Rita Winery. Boasting a dramatic backdrop of the Andes Mountains, the sculpted gardens and verdant splendor of the winery prove a spectacular sight. Greet your knowledgeable guide and begin your tour of the sprawling vineyards, learning about the 19th century origin of the vineyard as you wander. Explore the fermentation cellars and bottling plant to enrich your knowledge of traditional production methods, and then stand before the historical structure of Bodega 1 for a glimpse of typical colonial construction. Venture to the legendary landmark of Don Paula Restaurant, an establishment declared a national monument due to its colorful past. Hear about the 120 battle weary rebel soldiers who sought refuge in the restaurant, and how the courageous owner accommodated the revolutionaries. Sample the three varieties of the signature 120 wine, dedicated to this historical legend. Spend your remaining time at Santa Rita strolling the gorgeous gardens or observing the intriguing artifacts in the on-site Andean Museum. We will have lunch at the facilities. Transfer top the Santiago Airport for your short flight to Temuco. Overnight in Temuco.

In the morning we will depart from Temuco and start heading east towards Villarrica National Park, a protected area boasting 63,000 hectares. Once in the park, our trekking adventure will begin bordering one of the most important lagoons of the area: Quillelhue. This is where we can find the majority of avifauna in this park including black-necked swans, red-gartered coot and a variety of ducks.
After lunch, we will continue following a different trail passing through the northern slope of the imposing Lanín Volcano. There we will have the chance to experience direct contact with nature as we discover the Andean Lagoons and the biodiversity they encompass. If lucky, we might spot skunks, Andean condors, woodpeckers and even cougars while walking through lush forests of coigües and monkey puzzle trees.
After this great experience, we will return to our starting point to admire a nearby waterfall and then head back to Temuco. Overnight in Temuco.

After a relaxed breakfast, get ready for the journey to your unique eclipse-viewing site in Villarica, where you’ll will enjoy a cocktail while standing in the moons shadow and observing the total Solar Eclipse. This evening we will celebrate great eclipse in our hotel followed by dinner. Overnight in Temuco.

Total solar eclipse visible (100.00% coverage of Sun)
Magnitude: 1.0125
Duration: 2 hours, 49 minutes, 54 seconds
Duration of totality: 2 minutes, 11 seconds
Partial begins: Dec 14, 2020 at 11:41:06 am
Full begins: Dec 14, 2020 at 1:02:48 pm
Maximum: Dec 14, 2020 at 1:03:52 pm
Full ends: Dec 14, 2020 at 1:04:59 pm
Partial ends: Dec 14, 2020 at 2:31:00 pm
Times shown in local time (CLST)

After breakfast transfer from hotel to Temuco Airport. Flight from Temuco to Calama via Santiago. Arrival and transfer from Calama Airport to San Pedro de Atacama located 100 km far at almost 2 hours ride. Arrival and rest of the morning for leisure. Lunch in the hotel. In the afternoon half day tour to Moon & Marth Valley. Trekking clothing and shoes, lots of unscreen, and a windbreaker jacket are required. This valley is one of the most distinctive attractions of San Pedro de Atacama. Before returning our hotel we will stop at a beautiful vista point watching the sunset. Cocktail service and entrance tickets are included on this tour. Back to hotel. Dinner and overnight.

After breakfast enjoy a half day tour to High Plateau Lagoons. One acclimatization day is required, warm clothing, sunscreen. Located in the Andes mountain range and over 13.780 ft. average, the high Andean lagoons Miscanti, Miñiques and of the red stones in the salt fat of Talar, gives to us an spectacular view of the Andean life. Lunch and entrance tickets are included. After lunch, we’ll travel towards Toconao town, to visit its church, markets and local handicraft shops. we will continue to the core of the Atacama Salt Flat. Cocktail service and entrance tickets are included. Back to hotel and overnight.

Early in the morning (around 05:30 hs) we will depart to Tatio Geysers. 2 acclimatization days are required for this tour. Also warm clothing, sunglasses and swimsuit. Tour at dawn by the geothermal field where we visit the 4 largest and most representative place geysers. After breakfast, we will be able to take a bath in a rustic hot springs pool, to continue the tour to the village of Machuca. Buffet breakfast and entrance tickets are included. Back to hotel around 13:00 hs. Lunch in the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to walk around or enjoy hotel facilities. Dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, transfer from hotel to Valdivia Airport for our short flight to Santiago. End of our services. (Additional nights in Santiago available upon request)