2024 Annular Eclipse- BEST OF CHILE TOUR

Day 1: Sep. 29, SUN-               SANTIAGO/ EASTER ISLAND- Dinner

Morning, fly to Easter Island, which was declared by UNESCO in 1996 as `Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad’, home to old culture of Rapa Nui. Meeting assistance and transfer to the hotel. Join fellow tour members for a tour briefing this evening followed by welcome Dinner. HOTEL

Day 2: Sep. 30, MON-               RANO KAU-ORONGO/VINAPU- Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, travel to Rano Kao volcano bordering the coast. The route ascends its slopes to the summit, where we will observe the impressive crater 1.6 kilometers across and more than 200 meters deep. Along the crater is Orongo, a magnificent ceremonial city with a major concentration of enigmatic petro-glyphs depicting ancient deities of Easter Island’s culture. We will learn about Makemake, the namesake god of one of the dwarf planets comparable to Pluto. Overview of the 3 islets: Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao kao and sea birds. Next visit Vinapu, noted for its stone carvings, extraordinary resemblance with those found in the American Andean cultures. Return to the hotel for Lunch.

Afternoon visit Ahu Akivi (7 Moai), the Ana Tepahu caves and Puna Pau. HOTEL

Day 3: Oct. 1, TUE- FULL DAY TOUR RANO RARAKU / TONGARIKI / ANAKENA BEACH- Breakfast  & Dinner

Visit the ruins of Vaihu Temple; it is preserved just as it was left after the ancient wars. The highlights are the red hats of the Moais, which were thrown to the sea. Continue to the abandoned quarry of the Rano Raraku Volcano, construction site for all the Moais on the island. Next, visit the recently restored Ahu Tongariki including the largest group of Moais destroyed by tsunami in 1960.

This evening pre-eclipse briefing by our Astronomy experts. Followed by a special BBQ Dinner with local music and dance presentation. HOTEL

Day 4: Oct. 2, WED-     ECLIPSE DAY- Breakfast & Lunch

Breakfast at Hotel and time to prepare for the eclipse viewing. The eclipse begins at 11.23am local time with the Sun at an elevation of 56 degrees above the northeast. Maximum eclipse occurs at 1.07pm where the Sun is at 66 degrees elevation above the north. The partial phase ends at 2.52pm with the Sun 55 degrees above the west-northwest horizon.

ECLIPSE DAY! Observe Eclipse from our exclusive site where 6 minutes, 23 seconds of annularity can be seen. OR select your own eclipse viewing site at the beach, next to Moais or from hotel

Our afternoon is free to explore Easter Island on our own or to take an optional tour:

• Scuba Diving (could be for beginners or expert – PADI)
• Navigation to Motus (small islands)
• Trekking to Poike or Terevaka Hill
• Horseback riding to Terevaka Hill

HOTEL

Day 5: Oct. 3, THU-      EASTER ISLAND/SANTIAGO – Breakfast & Dinner

Fly to Santiago in the afternoon. Welcome at Santiago airport and transfer to the hotel. Encounter Santiago, Chile’s capital, nestled in the central valley, right below the imposing Andes. This city mixes the “Mapuche” legacy- (the natives that inhabited this land during the Pre-Columbian era), our Spanish colonial past and the modernity of any thriving city of the world. Walk its streets, visit its museums, engage with its architecture and become a part of it. Historical and contemporary features combined in the heart of Chile.  Rest of the day is at leisure. Meet your fellow tour members and briefing followed by welcome dinner at local restaurant this evening. HOTEL CUMBRES LASTARRIA (standard room)

Day 6: Oct. 4, FRI-       SANTIAGO CITY TOUR- Breakfast & Lunch

Begin our journey towards the city center, where we will get to know its main attractions. First, we will visit the Santa Lucia Hill, where the city of Santiago was founded in 1541. Continue to the Plaza de Armas, to see the Cathedral of Santiago, the Municipality, the Post Office Building and National History Museum. Later visit the Cerro San Cristobal, where we can enjoy a panoramic view of Santiago. The experience continues with a panoramic tour through the Providencia neighborhood and finally, along the Costanera Highway until reaching the elegant Vitacura neighborhood and the Alonso de Córdova Avenue. Lunch at local restaurant. Rest of the afternoon is free to explore the city and the sights or to shop on own. HOTEL CUMBRES LASTARRIA (standard room)

Day 7: Oct. 5, SAT-      TOUR OF VALPARAISO & WINERIES- Breakfast & Lunch

After Breakfast travel along the Pacific coast, crossing the Coastal Mountain Range and the Casablanca and Curacaví Valleys. Our first stop will be Viña del Mar, known as the Garden City; because of its great number of parks and nice gardens. We will visit the Quinta Vergara, Palacio Carrasco, and see an original Moai from Easter Island. Then, we continue along the bay, forming part of the most important central coastline, and get to know the city’s famous flower clock.  Next, we arrive at the city of Valparaíso, World Heritage Site and main commercial port and home to the Congress of Chile. During the tour, visitors are greeted by the multi-colored houses on the hills, parks and diverse historic monuments, traditional bars and restaurants. We will have lunch at a typical seafood restaurant and get to know the Plaza Sotomayor, the most important civic square of the city, located on the shore. Finally, we will sail across the bay, to appreciate the best views of Valparaíso. Return to our hotel in Santiago. HOTEL CUMBRES LASTARRIA (standard room)

Day 8: Oct. 6, SUN-      SANTIAGO/ SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA- Breakfast & Dinner

Breakfast at the Hotel. Time free until transfer to the airport to board flight to Calama. Upon arrival overland transfer to San Pedro De Atacma. Rest of the evening is free to explore the Plaza & more on own.

Stargazing tour

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is world-renowned for the driest place on earth. Atacama’s unique landscape also makes it one of the best stargazing locations in the world. The harsh climate has discouraged people from settling in the desert, meaning there’s little threat of light pollution. The desert’s elevation and its location in the rain shadow of not 1, but 2 mountain chains mean it doesn’t even have clouds on most nights, leaving the sky clear and bright. Add in the fact that the Atacama is located in the southern hemisphere, and you have a winning combination that draws astronomers from around the world. Hot drinks (non alcoholic) and light snacks are served during stargazing tour. HOTEL

Day 9: Oct. 7, MON- ATACAMA DESERT – Breakfast & Lunch

Rise early this morning to visit the Tatio Geysers; the geothermal centre of the Atacama Desert. Witness its impressive natural spectacle of steam combined with volcanic magma; it’s a visual performance that is waiting to surprise you. After watching this delightful spectacle, it is time to enjoy a delicious breakfast to later spend time at the natural hot pool and whose average temperature of 36° C (97 F). Visit the village of Machuca, where local families dedicate their life to grazing and agriculture. There is a good chance to observe a flock of flamingos, ducks and gulls in the nearby wetlands. Return back to San Pedro de Atacama for lunch.

Tour this afternoon to the Moon Valley. The Valley of the Moon, declared a Natural sanctuary and monument, is formed by a depression surrounded by small hills with stunning sharp ridges. This unique place is famous for its natural mineral sculptures, one of them being “Las Tres Marías” (The three Mary’s) formed by the wind erosion, resembling a lunar setting. Finally, end your trip with a magical sunset (subject to weather) at the Kari Viewpoint, one of the highest points of the “Cordillera de la Sal” (Salt Mountain Range); before returning to hotel. HOTEL

Day 10: Oct. 8, TUE-                ATACAMA DESERT- Breakfast & Lunch

After Breakfast travel on the international highway towards San Pedro De Atacama. Continue to visit the Atacama Salt Flat, one of the largest in the world. Within the Salt Flat, in the area known as Soncor and the Chaxa Lagoon, where you may see the three species of native pink flamingos. Continue and travel further within the Altiplano, reaching 4,300 meters above sea level. Arrive at the Miñique and Miscanti lagoons, at the foothill of the Miñique and Miscanti volcanoes, with fantastic scenery of bluish waters arising from the background of volcanoes. Return to Socaire for lunch. Our final stop is the village of Toconao visiting the main square, the bell tower built in 1750 made of cactus wood, mud and straw, and the church of San Lucas, both have been declared National Monument since 1951. Return to the hotel for overnight. HOTEL

Day 11: Oct. 9, WED-               ATACAMA /SANTIAGO DEPART- Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Time free to explore the town on your own until transfer and flight to Santiago where you will connect with your international flight.

OPTIONAL- Hotel stay at Santiago airport.