Latin America Journeys Guru | Travel Design
Chile is nature on a colossal scale, amazing landscapes and a land of extremes, travel however is surprisingly easy.
Chile stretches from the belly of South America to its foot, reaching from the driest desert on earth to vast southern glacial fields. Diverse landscapes unfurl over a 4300km stretch: parched dunes, fertile valleys, volcanoes, ancient forests, massive glaciers and fjords.
Chile is a long narrow country which extends like a ribbon down the west coast of South America. While the coastline is over 4,000 miles (6,437 kilometers) long, it is only about 61 miles (91 kilometers) wide. Cape Horn is the southernmost tip of South America. In the past, ships had to round the horn to sail from Pacific to Atlantic ports and to Europe before the Panama Canal was built. Cape Horn is known for high winds and treacherous waves.
Today only about 5 percent of the population is native Mapuche and other indigenous groups. Nearly 95 percent of Chileans have a mixture of native and European roots. There are areas in the south where the Mapuche live, speak their language, and practice their own religion. About 40 percent of the population lives in the area around the capital of Santiago. Children in rural areas need to wake up at 5:00 - 6:00 a.m. to walk to school or meet the bus. Their journeys sometimes take two hours each way. After school, they help their parents in the fields and do their homework.
The region is rich in natural beauty and plant and animal life. The long coastline is home to penguins, pelicans, and sea lions, and migratory whales can be seen in the waters as they journey to and from feeding and breeding grounds. Puma, alpacas, vicunas, foxes, condors, and flamingos are all found on the diverse landscapes of Chile. The Atacama Desert is one of the driest areas on the Earth. There are many species of reptiles and cacti. The country's rich supply of copper is also found in the desert region.
The northern part of the country was ruled by the Inca before the Spanish took control in the 16th century. Native Mapuche people lived in the southern and central regions before the country became a Spanish colony. The country gained independence from Spain in 1810. Toward the end of the 1800s, many Europeans began to settle in Chile, including Germans, French, British, and Italians. Many Chinese moved to Chile to help build the railroad.
Wine Culture. Before wine became an export commodity for the luxury set, humble casks had their place on every Chilean table. Grandparents tended backyard orchards. Now, Chile has become a worldwide producer catering to ever more sophisticated palates. Rich reds, crisp whites and floral rosés, there is a varietal that speaks to every mood and occasion.
Private / Group
Valparaiso and the Wine route, Chile 4 days
DAY 1: SANTIAGO – VALPARAISO (approx. 115 kms – 1h30)
Reception at Santiago airport and transfer to Valparaiso (in private service with your English speaking guide who will be with you during the 4 days). We pass through varied landscapes: fertile valleys such as Curacavi and Casablanca (the latter known for its wine production). We arrive at Valparaiso where we can observe the amazingly colourful houses clinging to the hills. Building a natural amphitheatre overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the town was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Day tour of Valparaiso and is historic buildings surrounding the port.
Night at hotel Manoir de Atkinson (or similar category according availability),
DAY 2: VALPARAISO – ISLA NEGRA – VALPARAISO (approx 140 kms – 3h de route environ)
Day trip to visit the house of the Chilean writer and politician Pablo Neruda in Isla Negra, facing the Pacific. Forty years after his death, it recounts a life of travel and fighting before the Pinochet era. Perched atop a small hill crowned with a clump of pines, the house made of granite and wood, with a tower and windows, is one of the most beautiful houses of the writer.
Afterwards we continue on road back to Valparaiso via Quintay along the coast. Then back to the hotel.
Night at hotel Manoir de Atkinson (or similar category according availability), breakfast included.
DAY 3: VALPARAISO – VIGNOBLES – MARCHIHUE (approx 200 kms – 3h30)
Day visit to the vineyards in the Cachapoal valley. This valley is different from others in its agricultural tradition and the fertile land ideal for the cultivation of vine. Our tour begins in the vineyard Anakena, whose wines are exported to over 40 countries around the world and constantly appreciated by the most demanding experts. We will tour the gardens of the vineyard and winery where we tasted three wines premium of the ONA line before continuing to the small and exclusive vineyard Altair, also located in the upper Cachapoal valley at the foot of the hills. Wine tour and discover the winemaking process throughout the year. Visit the modern winery and its vintage tanks, barrels and labelling process by hand. We end the tour with a tasting of their wines Sidereal and Altair. Then we head to Marchihue to spend the night.
Night in Las Majadas vineyard Bisquert (or similar category according availability), breakfast, lunch and wine tasting included
DAY 4: MARCHIHUE – SANTA CRUZ – SANTIAGO – END (approx 250 kms – 4h)
Day tour of Santa Cruz and its surroundings. We will visit the Colchagua Museum and the Santa Cruz vineyard with tastings. Transfer back to Santiago. Breakfast included.
Private / Group
Easter Island roundtrip, Chile 5 days
Visits to Moai statues, hiking, horseback riding, biking and diving are all options on this tiny island.
Travel to the world's most isolated bit of land - Easter Island. A tiny pinprick in the great Pacific, the island is actually a mound of consolidated lava and ash from three submarine volcanoes. Fly from Santiago, Chile, and spend 5 days discovering the ancient history and traditions of Easter Island.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Easter Island. You take the morning plane to Easter Island (the natives call their island Rapa Nui or Te Pito o Te Henua, "the navel of the earth") from either Santiago, Chile, or Lima, Peru. You'll be met at the local airport and transferred the short distance to your family-style hotel minutes from Hanga Roa, a small township where Easter Island's 2,500 inhabitants live. Or send your luggage ahead, and stroll to the hotel on foot, enjoying your new tropical home for the next few days.
Day 2: Ahu Vaiha - Rano Raraku - Anakena. Early this morning you start your tour of the island by driving along the southern coast. Your first stops are at Ahus Vaihu and Akahanga. Ahu, which means "sacred place," refers to the rectangular stone platform on which the famous Moai (enormous, 100-ton basalt statues) were often erected. Next you head to the volcanic crater of Rano Raraku. This might be the most impressive site on the island. Seventy standing sentinels, embedded up to their shoulders in grass on the south slope of the volcanic crater Rano Raraku, lead the way to the quarry or "nursery" inside of the impressive crater rim. This is where the Moai were cut from volcanic tuff, and some 150 figures remain here in all stages of completion. They are mute witnesses to the mystery that suddenly stopped all work. You visit the Ahu of some of the nearby Moai, and check out the holes in the crater rim that were used to maneuver the statues. You drive to Ahu Te Pito Kura on the northern coast and visit the Anakena beach, the legendary landing place of the island's founder Hota Matua. After swimming and relaxing in this piece of South Pacific paradise, you'll return to the hotel for the evening.
Day 3: Orongo - Ahu Vinapu - Ana Kai Tangata Cave. You drive to Rano Kau volcano, the biggest on the island, whose enormous crater is now a fresh water lake with floating green fields of totora reeds. This site offers an exceptional view of three tiny and craggy off-shore islands: Nui, Motu and Kao-Kao. Perched 400 meters above the lake on the crater wall is the ceremonial village of Orongo, where the bizarre "bird man" ritual took place. The partially restored village has 48 oval buildings built out of overlapping stone slabs. Over the cliffs you can see an amazing string of "bird man" petroglyphs. The Ana Kai Tangata cave sits at the end of a beautiful little bay. A rocky trail leads you to the cave entrance, and venturing inside you see a few paintings relating to the birdman culture. Once you've explored the cave, you'll return to your hotel and have the afternoon free.
Day 4: Ahu Akivi. At the ceremonial center of Ahu Akivi there are seven standing Moais who unlike most others, look out at the sea. It is said they represent the sons of a Maori sorcerer sent to search for Rapa Nui, the home for King Hotu Matua. However, Georgia Lee states "their function was to look out over the ceremonial area... the ocean just happens to be out there in the distance." Approximately a week after the spring equinox, the seven statues all look directly at the setting sun. This inland ahu was restored in 1960, and all around the site are volcanic caves which you are free to explore. The most impressive caves are called "Two Windows" and the "Cave of the Banana." Before returning to your base, you'll visit Ahu Tepeu and the quarry Puna Pau, where topknots - hats or hairpieces for the Moai, in essence - were carved from the soft volcanic scoria. Return to your hotel in the afternoon and explore on your own!
Day 5: Fly to Santiago. Enjoy a relaxing morning in Hanga Roa before taking the flight back to Santiago, Chile.
Private / Group
Brasil, Argentina and Chile, 21 days roundtrip
When To Go: Sep – Apr
Length: 21 days – 20 nights
Itinerary : 3n Rio de Janeiro/ 2n Iguazu/ 2n Cafayate/ 1n Cachi/ 2n Purmamarca/ 3n El Calafate/ 2n Santiago de Chile/ 5n Easter Island
Day-By-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Rio de Janeiro
Arrival in Rio and transfer to hotel. Free day.
Overnight in Rio de Janeiro
- Included: Private transport to hotel, accommodation with breakfast
- Not included: Other meals, personal charges and extras
- Accomodation: Tulip Inn Copacabana - www.tulipinncopacabana.com
Days 2 & 3: Rio de Janeiro
Free day to visit this magical City, wander through the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana and visit the city´s icons.
Optional at extra cost: private or group guided tour to visit the Christ Statue, Sugar Loaf, Santa Teresa Bohemian Neihgbourhood. Other possibilities: Rio´s Cultural Tour, Maracana Stadium Tour, Favela Tour, Botanical Garden, Open Air Fruit Market, Hangliding (Delta Flight), Helicopter tour and Niteroi City Tour.
Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.
- Included: Accommodation with breakfast.
- Not included: Excursions, other meals, personal charges and extras
- Accomodation: Majestic Rio Palace Hotel
Day 4: Rio - Iguazu
Breakfast. At appropriate time transfer to airport to board your flight to Foz de Iguazu.
Pickup at Iguazu Airport and private transfer to visit the Brazilian side of the Iguazu waterfalls. This tropical rainforest attraction is located on the far western side of the Parana River, in Iguazu National Park, an UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site for being one of South America’s largest forest reserves and a habitat to an immense diversity of wildlife. Free time to wander and walk through the balconies and enjoy beautiful views of the waterfalls.
In the afternoon enjoy the Poco Preto trail excursion with bicycling & canoeing if opted for. This tour lasts 3 to 4 hours.
The excursion begins on a 320-meter suspended footbridge in the heart of the National Park followed by a 9 km one-way trail that can be covered on foot, by electric cars and wagon or by bicycle. On this stretch, perfectly beautiful specimens of flora and fauna native to the Iguazu National Park can be seen.
At the end of the trail there will be a short break to rest. At this point, a suspension bridge leads to a rustic 500-meter trail, at the end of which exists a 10-meter high observation tower. From the tower a panoramic view of the forest can be had, especially of Lagoa do Jacare (Alligator Pond), in which a great diversity of aquatic animals are concentrated. In succession, navigation of the upper Iguazu River is made, passing by the Arquipelago das Taquaras (Bamboo Archipelago), with the option of an excursion in ducks (inflatable kayaks) to observe aquatic vegetation. The entire excursion is made with the accompaniment of skilled guides.
The return is made via the rapids passing Ilha dos Papagaios (Parrot Island), where at sunrise and sunset the flight of thousands of parrots can be seen.
Later in the afternoon transfer to the hotel in Argentina. Overnight in Iguazu.
Optional at extra cost: Helicopter flight over de waterfalls - it is possible to have a unique experience by flying over the famous Iguazu Waterfalls at a prudent distance. These flights offer a majestic view of this geographical wonder of waters and falls.
- Included: Private transport to airport & Iguazu Park, group excursion Poco Preto in the Brazilian side of waterfalls and transfer to hotel, accommodation with breakfast
- Not included: Other meals, personal charges and extras
- Accomodation: La Cantera Lodge - www.hotellacanteraiguazu.com
Day 5: Iguazu
After breakfast you will embark in an adventure in the argenitnean side of the falls visiting the park for approximately 6 – 7 hours.
With a total area of 55,500 ha, Iguazu National Park is named after the river that marks its northern boundary. There, in the midst of a lush sub-tropical jungle, is majestic Iguazu Falls, one of the planet’s largest and most spectacular on account of the river’s powerful flow and its more than 275 drops. You will venture into the midst of its drops and falls, following a pathway of raised footbridges, thereby being able to appreciate this wonder from many different angles. The lower circuit puts you so close to the water that you will feel a part of nature and the constant mist will cool you off. At the top circuit, you will stop at different lookouts, climbing until you reach the incredible “Garganta del Diablo”, Devil’s Throat, undoubtedly the most spectacular of all the falls, whose waters drop more than 80 meters.
Overnight in Iguazu.
Optional at Extra cost:
River Adventure (12 minutes) – departing from the docks at the end of the lower circuit a powerful speed boat will take you into the lower canyon of the Iguazu River and to circle the island until you reach the base of Tres Mosqueteros Drop, where you will be able to see drops on both the Brazilian and Argentine side, as well as the Garganta del Diablo. The icing on the cake is a visit to the Argentine side of the falls, where you will “baptized” at the bottom of the San Martin Drop, the largest a boat can approach.
The Great Adventure (1 hour) - in a ride that combines rainforest and falls, you will enter the lush jungle vegetation in trucks accompanied by experimented guides. After the ride, you will walk to the docks to board a boat that will take you to the lower Iguazu River. As you shoot the rapids, you will get a great view of the drops from the haven of San Martin Island to Tres Mosqueteros Drop, including a panoramic view of the Garganta del Diablo. The boat will then circle the island until reaching the most exciting part of the trip: San Martin Drop, the largest a boat can approach.
- Included: group excursions with bilingual guide and accommodation with breakfast.
- Not included: Other meals, personal charges and extras
- Accomodation: La Cantera Lodge
Day 6: Iguazu - Cafayate
Breakfast. At appropriate time, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Salta.
Pickup at Salta Airport and transfer to Cafayate.
Located at 1,660 m above sea level , Cafayate is well known because of its famous torrontes wine product of the exquisite combination of temperature and humidity that provides the ideal environment to the growth of the sweet and deep fruit flavor. One cannot miss to observe the unique architecture of the Cathedral, the flowery main square, the picturesque stone mill or the wine museums.
Overnight in Cafayate.
- Included: Private transfers to airport & hotel and accommodation with breakfast.
- Not included: Other meals, personal charges and extras.
- Accomodation: Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort - www.cafayatewineresort.com
Day 7: Cafayate
Free time to relax and enjoy the place. Overnight in Cafayate.
Suggested activities:
• Wine-tastings in important wineries
• Mountain bike rides.
• Hikes and trekking.
• Horseback riding.
• Visit Quilmes Ruins.
- Included: One of the above activities privately, bilingual guide and accommodation with breakfast.
- Not included: Other meals, personal charges and extras.
- Accomodation: Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort
Day 8: Cafayate - Cachi
After breakfast, begin the journey through the high roads of Salta, towards Cachi. On the road visit Molinos, a beautiful and peaceful traditional town set in the confluence of two rivers. Estimated travel time 4/5 hours.
Cachi is a legendary town, whith white buildings, adobe houses, paved streets and impressive architectural and cultural constructions that make the tourist admire and contemplate the scene.
Overnight in Cachi.
- Included: Private transfer and excursion to Cachi, bilingual guide and accommodation with breakfast.
- Not included: Other meals, bar, personal charges and extras.
- Accomodation: Hotel Sala de Payogasta - www.saladepayogasta.com
Day 9: Cachi - Purmamarca
After breakfast, begin the scenic journey through the high roads of Salta and Jujuy, towards Purmamarca. Estimated travel time 7 hours.
Purmamarca - meaning "Town of the Virgin Land" in Aimara language- is settled at the foot of the polychromatic " Cerro de los Siete Colores" ( Seven Colors Hill ) which provides the village with the ideal touristic contrast since it delights the senses of all the tourists that visit it.
In the central square , there is a crafts fair where you can get regional products such as pottery, carpets made with looms, ponchos, musical instruments and typical clothes from the Quebrada ( Narrow path).
In the surroundings of Purmamarca, you can enjoy the landscapes by means of going hiking, horse riding or on excursions of contemplative tourism along the bed of the homonimous river or in the Colorados Tour which has wonderful views with rock formations that have been naturally carved.
Overnight in Purmamarca.
- Included: Private transfer and excursion to Purmamarca, bilingual guide and accommodation with breakfast.
- Not included: Other meals, personal charges and extras.
- Accomodation: Hotel La Comarca - www.lacomarcahotel.com.ar
Day 10: Purmamarca
Full day excursion, to visit the Big Salt Plains, a vast desert of salt, and after visit to Tilcara and its markets. This town of low adobe buildings with steep streets offers you all the magnificence of the quebrada of Humahuaca view which is decked out with the live cultural life of its inhabitants.
- Included: Private excursion Big Salt Plains and Tilcara, bilingual guide and accommodation with breakfast.
- Not included: Other meals, bar, personal charges and extras.
- Accomodation: Hotel La Comarca
Day 11: Purmamarca – El Calafate
Transfer out to Jujuy Airport.
Pickup at Calafate airport and transfer to the lodge.
Free time to wander and explore Calafate town and lodge environs.
- Included: Private transports to airport & hotel and accommodation with breakfast.
- Not included: Other meals, personal charges and extras.
- Accomodation: Hosteria La Estepa - www.hosterialaestepa.net
Day 12: El Calafate
Visit to Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, 85 kilometers of a scenic road from El Calafate. Enjoy spectacular view points of the glacier, This enormous ice mass covers a 14,000 square kilometer area, the third in size after Antarctica and Greenland.
Optional at extra cost:
Big Ice Adventure - the excursion begins in the embarking pier located in “Bajo de las Sombras” port, about 6 km before the glacier Balconies- where you embark for a 10 minutes navigation across the Rico Arm, enjoying breathtaking views of the Perito Moreno glacier’s front walls. After checking the gear, you pick up the crampons and walk following the lateral moraine, for an hour and a half, until you reach the access to the glacier. After fitting harnesses and crampons on your footwear you start the ice trekking. There is a breathtaking view of the immense plateau of ice. During the walk you will be introduced to a number of features within the ice., huge moulins, crevasses, caves, and above all the special feeling of exploring the middle of the ice. Expert bilingual mountain guides will always lead you, looking after your safety and teaching you the “ways of the ice”. You will hike for about 3 hours and a half, and spend some time having lunch somewhere on the ice. Back on the moraine you start our descent back to the port, to take the boat and navigate for 20 minutes, very close to the southern wall.
Glacier Mini Trekking – The excursion begins in the embarking pier located in “Bajo de las Sombras” port, about 6 km before the glacier Balconies- where you embark for a 20 minutes navigation across the Rico Arm, enjoying breathtaking views of the Perito Moreno glacier’s front wall. You disembark on the opposite shore, where specialized bilingual mountain guides welcome you and lead you to a small shelter. After checking the last details, groups of not more than 20, follow their guides along the lake’s shore towards the edge of the glacier. Once on the ice the guides put each participant a pair of crampons on, and explain how to use them. The two hours circuit that follows introduces you to the fascinating landscape of the glaciers: streams, small lagoons, gullies, cravasses and plenty of ice formations of the most incredible blues. The trekking is moderate. The ice surface over which you walk is irregular, but firm and safe. You will receive explanations about flora, fauna and general glaciology of the region and also about the particular phenomenon that happens in the Perito Moreno Glacier and eventually produces its rupture. After the walk, a stroll through the forest brings you back to the shelter.
- Included: Group excursions to Perito Moreno, bilingual guide, lunch, and accommodation with breakfast.
- Not included: Other meals, personal charges and extras.
- Accomodation: Hosteria La Estepa
Day 13: El Calafate
Full day excursion to Upsala Glacier, Estancia Cristina, 4x4 Upsala Viewpoint and Museum.
Sail for three hours among icebergs and stunning scenery overlooking the western front of the Upsala glacier and then through Cristina Canal to the point of disembark at the Estancia for 6 hours. Enjoy a guided visit to the Costumbrista Museum (old shearing shed). Then Ascent in all-terrain vehicles, travelling 9.5 km through mountainous roads and arrive to the Continental ice shelter and enjoy a 30 minute walk. Then Visit the oriental front of Upsala Glacier. Lake Guillermo, Southern Patagonian Ice and Andes. Return to the farm house of the Estancia navigate back for one hour and a half to Puerto Banderas.
- Included: Group excursions to Upsala Glacier and Estancia Cristina, bilingual guide, lunch, and accommodation with breakfast.
- Not included: Other meals, personal charges and extras.
- Accomodation: Hosteria La Estepa
** POSSIBLE EXTENSION TO EL CHALTEN, See details at the end of the document **
Day 14: El Calafate – Santiago de Chile
At the appropriate time transfer out to Calafate airport.
Flight from Calafate to Santiago de Chile. Reception at Santiago airport and transfer to hotel.
By the afternoon city tour discovering the contrasts of the colonial legacy and the modern city.
Overnight in Santiago de Chile.
- Included: Private transfer to airport and hotel. Group city tour in Santiago, bilingual guide and accommodation with breakfast.
- Not included: Other meals, personal charges and extras.
- Accomodation: Hotel Best Western Marina Las Condes
Day 15: Santiago de Chile
By the morning visit to Concha y Toro winery with tasting included.
Overnight in Santiago de Chile.
- Included: Group tour to Concha y Toro winery and wine tasting, bilingual guide and accommodation with breakfast.
- Not included: Other meals, personal charges and extras.
- Accomodation: Hotel Best Western Marina Las Condes
Day 16: Santiago de Chile – Eastern Island
At the appropiate time transfer to Santiago airport to board the flight to Easter Island.
Reception at the Airport with flower necklace and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Easter Island.
- Included: Private transports to airport & hotel and accommodation with breakfast.
- Not included: Other meals, personal charges and extras.
- Accomodation: Hotel Manutara - www.hotelmanutara.cl
Day 17: Easter Island
Excursion to Orongo.
Begin your tour at about 8:30 am from Hanga Roa to Tahai's Archaeological Complex, ceremonial center. From this site the visitors can appreciate wonderful landscapes. Then, you will go to Orongo's ceremonial city, ancient ceremonial city located in the west summit of the volcano Rano Kau. It is composed by approximately 53 houses of elliptical shape with flagstone walls and a small square access looking at the sea. In this place were realized the most important ceremony of the second period of the island, the Tangata Manu (“the bird man”). It was carried out until approximately 150 years ago, with the arrival of the first Christian missionaries. In addition, you will visit the Ana Kai Tangata sector.
Return to Hanga Roa, total duration 3,5 hours.
- Included: Group excursion to Orango, bilingual guide and accommodation with breakfast.
- Not included: Other meals, personal charges and extras. Park entry fees
- Accomodation: Hotel Manutara
Overnight in Easter Island.
Day 18: Easter Island
Full day excursion. Departing from Hanga Roa's town at about 9:30 am, going to the southeast and northeast coast of the Island visiting the Ahu Vaihu temple. Then visit Ahu Akahanga. Towards the interior of this Ahu, it is possible to see the best preserved village of the island.
Later,you will go to Ahu Tongariki, with 15 moais being the biggest Ahu of the island. Then, you will meet Ahu Te Pito Kura, which possesses the highest statue of the island raised in an Ahu, the moai Paro (10 meters of height and 85 tons with a Pukao of 11,5 tons). Close to this ceremonial temple is the great spherical stone that is identified as the center of the universe (Te Pito o Te Henua), as the legend tells, it was brought to the island by Hotu Matua'a in his craft.
Later, you will arrive to Ahu Nau Nau, temple of a complex construction due to its different levels. There, you will see petroglyphs in the backs of the statues. You will continue our excursion to the volcano and quarry Rano Raraku, where there was carved most of the moais of the island using the volcanic rock of its hillsides.
To finish your adventure, you will go to Anakena's wonderful beach. It is a beach of white sands chosen for the arrival of the Ariki Hotu Matua'a and his sister Avareipua.
Overnight in Easter Island.
- Included: Group excursion to Ahu Vaihu, Ahu Akahanga, Ahu Tomgariki, Rano Raraku and Anakena, bilingual guide and accommodation with breakfast.
- Not included: Other meals, personal charges and extras. Park entry fees
- Accomodation: Hotel Manutara
Day 19: Easter Island
Excursion to Ahu Akivi . Initiate the tour about 3 pm from Hanga Roa's settlement visiting Ahu Vinapu. It was used for the islanders in the year 1.200 A.C.: it includes 3 Ahu. Continue your way to the quarry Puna Pau, archaeological site to the east of Hanga Roa. It is a small crater of red dross, from where were obtained the Pukao or hats with which were crowned the moais. Later go on towards Ahu Akivi, the first Ahu restored by the science in the island in the year 1960. Your adventure takes you to the cavern of Te Pahu, a place used as housing and as temporary refuge in war times.
Then, return to Hanga Roa, total duration 3,5 hours.
Overnight in Easter Island.
- Included: Excursion to Ahu Akivi. bilingual guide and accommodation with breakfast.
- Not included: Other meals, personal charges and extras. Park entry fees
- Accomodation: Hotel Manutara
Day 20: Easter Island
Day at leisure.
We recommend to do the City Tour Hanga Roa (not included).
Overnight in Easter Island.
- Included: Accomodation with breakfast.
- Not included: Other meals, personal charges and extras. Park entry fees
- Accomodation: Hotel Manutara
Day 21: Easter island – Flight back
At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport and farewell.
From San Pedro de Atacama to La Paz, or the other way around...
Individual tailor made tours with private or group transfers. Sample itinery of 14 days from San Pedro de Atacama to La Paz including Bolivian Amazon rainforest & Titicaca lake.
Day 01
• Transfer-In Calama Airport – San Pedro de Atacama
• Valle De La Luna
• Departure: 16 hrs from San Pedro. Return: 20.30 hrs.
On this tour we visit the wonderful Cordillera de la Sal wonderful, the viewpoint of Cari Canyon, and the most attractive places in the Valle de la Luna, where we await the sunset.
• Hotel Dunas, Explora, Katarpe etc, hotel according to your choice
Day 02
• Private Excursion Geisers del Tatio and Puritama Thermal Baths (Breakfast)
• Departure: 04.00 hrs., From your hotel Return: 12 hrs. Approx. From San Pedro we travel directly to the geothermal point, located on the 4,300 m.a.s.l. At the site visit the field of geysers, fumaroles and where you will see water sources, also visit the thermal baths, while enjoying breakfast with the views of the geysers. Back to San Pedro we visit the village of Machuca, where you can taste the local cuisine. At end we visit and enjoy the thermal baths at Puritama.
• Hotel Dunas
Day 03
• Lagunas Altiplanicas and Salar de Atacama (Breakfast)
• Departure: 07 hrs., From the hotel Return: 15 hrs.
In this tour we will visit the Laguna Chaxa, located in the Salar de Atacama, where you can find flamingos and other birds in a landscape where you can see the salt crust up to 70 cm. height. Miñiques and Miscanti lagoons are a magnificent setting, these lagoons, located at 4,200 meters, are surrounded by hills and volcanoes that make them a wonderful landscape. Also visit the villages of Socaire, located approximately in the 3,600 meters, and Toconao, thanks to their freshwater environment allows a unique vegetation. Includes: Breakfast
• Hotel Dunas
Day 04
• Day 01 Excursion San Pedro de Atacama – Uyuni
• San Pedro de Atacama – Ojo de Perdiz (Box Lunch, Dinner)
Transfer from San Pedro de Atacama Hito Cajon and start the journey to Ojo de Perdiz, visiting Laguna Verde, the desert of Dali, the Polques Hot Springs, the Geysers, Laguna Colorada, the Arbol de Piedra in the Siloli Desert. Box lunch on route. Dinner in the Desert Hotel Ojo de Perdiz
Day 05
• Day 02 Excursion San Pedro de Atacama – Uyuni
• Ojo de Perdiz – Tahua (Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner)
Breakfast at the hotel and start the journey to Tahua, visitagainacrossthe salar, visit to the desert of Siloli, small lagoons: Cañapa, Honda, Chiarkhota, Ramaditas, the Mirador de Ollague, the cave of theGalaxies, the cave of the devil. Box lunch on route. Fixed menú, dinner and overnight at the Hotel de Sal in Tahua.
Day 06
• Day 03 Excursion San Pedro de Atacama – Uyuni
• Tahua – Salar de Uyuni - Uyuni (Breakfast, Lunch) Breakfast at the hotel and start the journey to Uyuni, visit around the Thunupa volcano, Isla Pescado. Lunch at a restaurant. In the afternoon we continue to Uyuni, on the route we visit the montones de sal, the handcrafts of salt, Ojos de Agua. Arrival to Uyuni and transfer to your hotel.
• Hotel Luna Salada (SALT HOTEL)
Day 07
• Transfer-Out Hotel Luna Salada – Airport
• DOMESTIC Flight Uyuni – La Paz
• Transfer-In Airport – Hotel
• City Tour
• Pick up from your hotel for a 03 hours tours approximately, visiting the city, observing: the Moon Valley, the residential neighborhoods, the district of Miraflores, the replica of the Semi-subterraneous Temple of Tiwanaku, the Killi Killi viewpoint, the Plaza Murillo (Government Palace, Congress and the Cathedral), the Jaen street, the Gold Museum, the area of the Black Markets and the Witches Market. Ending the tour at your hotel.
• Hotel Naira, in the middle of colonial center La Paz
Day 08
• Private Excursion Tiwanaku
• Pick up from your hotel for a tour of approximately 05 hours tovisit the ruins of Tiwanaku. On the way visit the Apacheta of Lloqo Lloqo from which we'll see another side of the Bolivian highlands, arriving at the ruins after 01 hour and a half. Visit to the Museum of Tiwanaku. Then we start the tour of the archaeological site to see the sacred religious precints, stone carved monoliths and the famous Puerta del Sol. Return to La Paz.
• Hotel Naira
Day 09
• Transfer-Out Hotel - Airport
• Flight La Paz - Rurrenabaque
• Day 01 San Miguel del Bala, or Chalalan (Lunch, Dinner, Soft Drinks)
FIRST DESCRIPTION CORRESPONDS TO SAN MIGUEL DEL BALA
• In your first day of your three-day adventure your guide will take you back in time as he leads you through the rainforest and shows you the ancient trapping methods of the Tacana. Learn how the Tacana outfoxed their prey with unique and interesting traps that helped them catch dinner. Your guide will show you how each trap works, as well as the medicinal plants the hunters would collect as they checked their traps. After returning to the lodge you can go wash up and sit down to a delicious lunch (vegetarian options included with advance notice), which includes all locally grown ingredients. Go rest in a hammock after lunch and enjoy the tranquillity of the river and sounds of the jungle. After you are recharged your guide will take you to visit the community of San Miguel, a Tacana village, to experience how tourism and your money has helped the San Migueleños improve their day-to-day lives. Take a stroll through the village as your guide explains how the community is organized. Visit the school, your guide's home, learn how to weave, make a thatched roof, squeeze sugar cane yourself and enjoy a sweet and refreshing drink (best served with some lemon). Your visit to the community of San Miguel will give you a look at how the Tacana villagers live day-to-day as well as let you see the great things your money is doing as a client of the community owned lodge! Enjoy your dinner and relax the rest of the evening in your cabin or in the hammock hut.
• Rurrenabaque – Chalalán Ecolodge
The guide will pick you up to take you to the river Beni to take the boat to Chalalán. The boat trip is an opportunity to appreciate the Bala Canyon on the Rio Beni to Madidi, then enter the river Tuichi observing wildlife and spectacular scenery of the Bolivian Amazon. Box lunch or tapeque halfway. Arrival at Chalalán. After lunch we have the ability to swim in the lake or relax in hammocks or chairs of your cabin or room. Short walk along the path where the guide will do an explanation of the construction plants, woodtools, palm trees and the traditional and sustainable use of resources. Dinner in the dining room of the hostel. Activity: Observing amphibians, reptiles, insects, spiders, rodents, birds and nocturnal monkeys. Ideal for listening to the sounds of the jungle. All meals included.
Day 10
• Day 02 San Miguel del Bala, or Chalalan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Soft Drinks)
• Your day starts with tropical bird songs and a nice breakfast by the river. Once you are done your guide will sit with you and explain the day's activities. Today you have the option of staying in San Miguel for the morning to enjoy some of the other activities offered in the area (canyon, natural pools/waterfall, or medicinal plant walk). If you want to spend more time inside Madidi National Park you can choose to leave early after breakfast to go up to the cabins inside the national park. The trip to San Miguel's cabins inside Madidi National Park is a wonderful 1 ½-hour boat right up the Beni and then into Madidi National Park by way of the Tuichi river, a smaller, more intimate body of water that allows for more animal and bird sightings. Once you have arrived at the cabins in Madidi and are settled into your rooms, your guide will open your eyes to the magic of Madidi, one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the world. There are 7 trails leading away from the cabins of varying levels and distances. Your guide will consult the group and determine how long and what level of treks the group wants to do. Take walks by day and night to see how the forest changes with the setting of the sun. Enjoy the same quality meals you had in San Miguel during your stay in Madidi. Relax and enjoy being in the middle of the amazing Madidi National Park in between your adventures into the park.
• Chalalán Ecolodge – Parque Nacional Madidi
The schedule can be adjusted in coordination with the guide according to your interests. (Eg birdwatching, breakfast at 5:30 am). During the morning walk along the path Tapacare, where you can observe and learn about the forest and wildlife. Optional Subjects: natural interpretation of the forest, animal behavior and observation of birds and mammals. Cultural and historical themes. Return to the lodge for lunch. After lunch time to rest or swim in the lake (optional). During the short afternoon walk by the system of thematic trails where visitors can learn about medicinal plants and discuss the themes or activities of interest in the forest. Dinner of catfish wrapped in leaves o rfish tacuara in bamboo from the Bolivian Amazon. * The traditional dinner is subject to the availability of fish. Brief night time activity at the lake or along the path Paraba. All meals included.
Day 11
• Day 03 San Miguel del Bala, or Chalalan (Breakfast, Soft Drinks)
• Your final morning in Madidi National Park starts off with a breakfast that will get you ready for your morning activities and the journey back. On your last day you will receive lunch as well as you return to your cabin and pack everything up. On your way back to Rurrenabaque you will stop off to observe the magnificent macaws that make their nests in the cliffs along the TuichiRiver. You will get back to Rurrenabaque.
• Chalalán Ecolodge – Rurrenabaque
We walk the Path Jaguar or may be adjusted according to the interests of our visitors in coordination with the guide. Return trip to Rurrenabaque, takes only 3 hours. Arrival in Rurrenabaque and transfer to the airport.
• Flight Rurrenabaque – La Paz
• Transfer-In Airport – Hotel
• Hostal Naira
Day 12
• Private tour Copacabana + Isla del Sol 02 days/01 night (Lunch, Dinner)
• We pick you up in the morning from your hotel and departure by private transport for a 02 days tour with destination to Copacabana and Sun island. We continue our journey towards the Tiquina Strait and then to Copacabana. Lunch. We embarked on a private boat towards the island of the Sun. Later we visited Pilcokaina, a former pre-Inca palace ruins. Then we walk to the Inca stairways. Return to Copacabana in private boat. Dinner and overnight in a hotel of your choice.
• Hotel Las Olas
Day 13
• Private tour Copacabana + Isla del Sol 02 days/01 night (Breakfast, Lunch)
• After breakfast, we visit the sanctuary of the Virgin of Copacabana and ascend to the Cerro Calvario, an ancient pre-Hispanic pilgrimage place and we will visit the surroundings of the village. Lunch. Return to La Paz. Transfer to your hotel.
• Bus Copacabana – Puno (in the afternoon).
• Hostal Naira
Day 14
• Transfer –Out Hotel – Airport
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