Chilean Frontiers: Patagonia and Rapa Nui

Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Santiago.

Upon arrival this morning at Santiago International Airport, we'll meet our guide and transfer to the hotel with an early check-in time to rest. At mid-day, have lunch with a welcome orientation and an introductory lecture on Chile, past and present. Explore the historical sites of Santiago on a walking tour this afternoon, ending our first day in Chile with a light dinner of tapas.

Today explore the Pacific coast cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso. Valparaíso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and funiculars along sloping hills. Viña del Mar is a popular coastal resort town with stunning beaches. Visit Museo Fonck, a small but well-curated archaeological and natural history museum with comprehensive exhibits on the Rapa Nui and other pre-Columbian cultures. Along the way, stop at a vineyard to learn about and taste Chile's award-winning wine. Dinner is on your own to explore the tasty local fare.

Return to the Santiago airport this morning for the flight to Punta Arenas in Patagonia. We continue with a 3-hour drive to Puerto Natales, with a stop midway for lunch at a Estancia. Along the way, admire Patagonia's breathtaking vistas, snow-capped mountains, and rolling plains dotted with guanacos. Check in at the hotel, then gather for a talk on Patagonian geography, flora, and fauna. Dinner at the hotel.

This morning, journey to the majestic Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers, part of the southern ice fields in the Magallanes Region. Our excursion starts on the dock of Puerto Natales, with a cruise through the dramatic landscapes of Seno de Última Esperanza ("Last Hope Sound"). Upon arrival, disembark on the dock in front of the Serrano Glacier and take a short walk to observe the impressive glacier walls. Our navigation proceeds to the massive Balmaceda Glacier before returning to Puerto Natales. Next, begin the road trip to Torres del Paine. En route, and if time permits, visit the massive prehistoric Milodón Cave, where the remains of a giant ground sloth were discovered in the 1890s. The site is located in a transition zone where forests and arid plains meet and is home to a large number of bird species. Continue to the hotel, settle in and then have dinner.

After breakfast, listen to a lecture on Torres del Paine's flora, fauna, and morphology to prepare us for the landscapes that lie ahead. Drive through Torres del Paine National Park, with views of Paine Grande and Los Cuernos, the famous mountain with black granite, horn-like spires. Walk along the shores of stunning Lake Pehoé and visit the furious Salto Grande Falls, which pour the waters of Lake Nordenskjöld into Pehoé. Continue over the gentle Nordenskjöld Trail until reaching its picture-perfect lookout point. Return to our vehicle and drive south to a beach along the shores of glacial Lake Grey for a box lunch. We'll have time to walk around Lake Grey for more views of the glacier before returning to the hotel.

Today explore the scenery along the route to Laguna Azul on the northeastern side of the park. Admire the local flora and fauna and the picturesque landscapes, including the beautiful Paine Waterfall. Upon arrival at Laguna Azul, hike to a lookout point for a magnificent view of the lagoon and the granite towers that give the park its name. On the shore of Laguna Azul, we will enjoy a picnic lunch, and then walk to Paso Las Corneas for views of Rio Paine, Lake Pehoé, and the Paine Massif. Continue by bus along the eastern side of Lago Sarmiento to the calcium formations on the shores where guanacos are frequently seen.

Say farewell to Torres del Paine and return to Punta Arenas, with a stop at Rio Rubens en route to pick up boxed lunches. Continue to the airport for this afternoon's flight to Santiago. Transfer to our hotel, with this evening free to rest and have dinner on your own.

We depart early for the flight to Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island. Rapa Nui is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the archaeological treasure of more than 1000 Maoi stone statues that were created roughly between 800 and 1200 by the Maoi people. Upon arrival, we encounter a very different landscape from the mainland, taking in the sights as we head to our hotel for lunch and check-in. The afternoon is at leisure to rest or explore the surroundings; the Hanga Roa town center is within walking distance. Dinner is on your own with time to explore.

This morning after breakfast enjoy a walking tour of the town including the Anthropological Museum Sebastian Englert, ending at the Ahu Tahai Ceremonial site. Return to the hotel, time at leisure to explore on your own.

Today's full day iconic excursion is to the amazing Rano Raraku Moais quarry, the famous quarry of the moai. Ascend the steep terrain on foot to view the quarry where the massive moai were carved from hard basalt. The moai are in all phases of construction here, with many incomplete statues still fixed in stone, including a massive one at 70 feet tall. Explore the inspiring Ahu Tongariki and the scenic white sand Anakena Beach. Dinner on own.

After breakfast, take a morning field excursion to Parque Nacional Rapa Nui to study the Orongo Ceremonial Village and mysterious Ahu Vinapu. Orongo is on the edge of Rano Kao crater lake, containing a bog filled with totora reeds floating on fresh water. The park, located on the island's southwestern point, provides remarkable views of the entire island. Lunch on own. Later this afternoon optional, guided, non-private visit to the archeological sites of Ahu Akivi and Puna Pau. This evening farewell dinner experience Polynesian style at the joyful UMU dinner show.

After breakfast, head to the airport and board the flight back to Santiago, with lunch during the flight. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in, and then this evening dinner will be determined by flight schedules.

Set out for a day in the city. Begin with a visit to the Metropolitan Park of Santiago. Then take the funicular or ecological bus to the top of the hill, with amazing and commanding views of the sprawling city below. Have some time to walk around the area before a farewell lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel, with time at leisure to get some rest, do some last-minute packing, and get ready for the flight back home. Enjoy a late afternoon refreshment before heading out to the airport to catch international flights to the U.S.

Arrive home.