Galapagos, Easter Island & Machu Picchu

Welcome to Santiago, the capital and largest city of Chile as well as one of the largest cities in the Americas. Situated smack bang in the center of Chile’s most densely populated region, Santiago Metropolitan, whose total population is 7 million. Located entirely in the country’s central valley, most of the city lies between 500–650 m (1,600–2,100 ft) above sea level. Founded in 1541 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia, Santiago is rare among South American capital cities in that it has served as the capital city since the colonial occupation.

Downtown and central Santiago is largely made-up of 19th-century neoclassical architecture and winding side-streets, but has smatterings of art-deco and neo-gothic architecture, amongst others. Like many cities in along the Western confines of the continent, Santiago is surrounded by hills as the Andes begin to build behind it. The main river in the city is the fast-flowing Mapocho River, and Santiago is known in South America for being modern, organized, and very safe, as well as a clean, prosperous city with important financial and industrial clout in South America.

Upon arrival, a representative will be waiting to greet you and transport you comfortably from the airport to your hotel.

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Your journey to the mystic Rapa Nui begins with a private transfer from your hotel to the Santiago airport for your flight to Easter Island. Upon arrival at Hanga Roa airport, a local representative will be there to meet you and transport you comfortably to your hotel.

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Today, you will discover the most famous sites of Easter Island on the “Arrival of Hotu Matu’a” tour. Your exploration begins at Ahu Akahanga, an archaeological site featuring platform remains where, according to oral tradition, the first king of the island was buried.

Next, you will visit the Rano Raraku volcano, famously known as the “factory of the moai.” Here, you can witness nearly 400 statues in various stages of carving, offering a unique glimpse into the engineering of the past. From there, you will proceed to Ahu Tongariki, the island’s largest platform featuring the most restored moai—a mandatory postcard moment for your trip to the “Navel of the World.”

Continuing the journey, you will visit Te Pito Kura, home to a magnetic rock said to have been brought by the first king, and the Paro moai, the largest statue ever moved from the quarry. Finally, you will visit Hanga Rau o Te Ariki, where the Ahu Nau-Nau stands before the beautiful Anakena beach. Here, you will learn about the history of the site and enjoy roughly 30 minutes to swim in the crystal-clear waters and fine white sands of this paradisiacal bay where Rapa Nui culture began. (Note: Shared transfer with other hotel guests).

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This tour takes you through some of the most iconic archaeological sites on Easter Island. You will begin by exploring the crater of the Rano Kau volcano, the island’s largest and deepest, where panoramic views showcase the geological forces that shaped this remote territory.

Next, you will visit Vinapu, an impressive ceremonial platform (ahu) renowned for the precision and quality of its stonework. Here, you can observe remains of moai and pukao (topknots) that reflect the remarkable craftsmanship of the ancient Rapa Nui civilization. The tour concludes at the Tahai ceremonial complex, featuring three restored platforms and distinctive moai that represent different periods of history. This route offers a meaningful journey through the mythology and spirituality of the Rapa Nui people, connecting ancestral heritage with natural beauty. (Note: Shared transfer with other hotel guests).

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Today offers a deep insight into the connection between the ancient inhabitants of Easter Island and the Universe. You will visit Ahu Akivi, a platform featuring seven moai that, according to oral tradition, were created in honor of the first explorers of Rapa Nui. Unlike others, these statues look out towards the ocean, demonstrating how astronomy influenced the arrangement of the giant statues.

You will also explore the Puna Pau quarry, the source of the red scoria pukao (hats) that crown the moai, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hanga Roa village. Finally, you will visit the astonishing Ana Te Pahu cave, a volcanic lava tube used by ancient Rapa Nui as a dwelling and refuge. Walking through these sites offers a glimpse into the worldview of the ancient Polynesian navigators. (Note: Shared transfer with other hotel guests).

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Today, you can choose an optional excursion from the hotel’s menu to enjoy a final morning of activities.

At the scheduled hour, a transfer will take you to the Easter Island airport for your flight back to Santiago de Chile. Upon arrival in Santiago, you will make your own way to the Holiday Inn Airport Hotel, conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the main departure terminal. (Note: Shared transfer to the airport with other hotel guests).

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Today is largely a transit day, in which you will fly from Chile to Lima, and then connect to the Sacred Valley. Be sure to get plenty of rest and to stay hydrated, because you will be traveling from Santiago into the Andes of Peru.

Your first flight takes you to Lima, where you will clear customs and immigration. Schedules permitting, you will then catch a connecting flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in the Andes, a representative will meet you and transfer you to the lower elevation of the Sacred Valley to help you acclimatize.

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Today is dedicated to exploring three jewels of the Sacred Valley, showcasing the incredible ingenuity of the Incas as architects and farmers.

From the heights, you will witness a majestic view of the ancient Maras salt mines, where you will overlook nearly 3,000 pools that served as a vital economic hub in Inca times and continue to support local families today. Next, you will arrive at Moray, which resembles a vast natural amphitheater. Its enormous concentric terraces created specific microclimates, allowing the Incas to experiment with a diverse range of crops.

After enjoying a delicious lunch featuring local products, you will visit the Chinchero archaeological complex. Once a major agricultural center, it remains one of the most impressive sites in the area. Nearby, you will admire the exterior of the Church of Nuestra Señora de Monserrat, built in 1607 atop a former Inca palace—a striking example of the fusion between Andean and Spanish culture.

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At the scheduled time, a representative will escort you from your hotel to Ollanta Station. (Luggage Note: Due to strict train regulations, your main luggage will be transferred separately to your Cusco hotel. We recommend keeping valuables and medications in your carry-on).

From here, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks awaits you: Machu Picchu! Your adventure begins aboard the train to Aguas Calientes, a ride offering impressive views of majestic mountains and the Vilcanota River. After a short bus ride, you will stand before one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. You will explore the ancient ruins, discovering the history and mysteries of this mystical place. Surrounded by incomparable landscapes, there will be no shortage of spectacular photo opportunities.

After recharging with the magical energy of the citadel, you will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo. In the afternoon, you will board the train (Vistadome or 360°) to Ollantaytambo or Poroy station.

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Today, you will explore the city of Cusco, famously known as the “Imperial City.” Your tour begins at the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and center of worship for the Sun God, where the Dominican order constructed their church directly atop the ancient foundations.

Next, you will proceed to the Plaza de Armas to visit the Cathedral, the most significant religious monument in the city. From there, you will ascend to the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a colossal example of Inca military architecture. Afterwards, you will visit Kenko, a unique site where the Incas worshipped the Sun, Moon, and Stars, followed by Puca-Pucara, a historic Inca resting place. To conclude your tour, you will be transferred comfortably back to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

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As your adventure draws to a close, a representative will transfer you to Cusco airport for your flight to Lima, arriving in time to seamlessly connect with your international departure back home.

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