2024 Annular Eclipse – DISCOVER 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-      – DEPART  SANTIAGO- Breakfast

Breakfast in the hotel. Time free until transfer to the airport to connect international flights.