Central and South America

Chile | The Wonders of Chile: from Atacama to Rapa Nui with Duquesne Alumni and Friends

Date:
Feb 5 - Feb 17, 2024
Duration:
13 Days
Price:
From $13,915
Interests:
Cultural Travel
Join Waitlist This departure is SOLD OUT Print Itinerary
Santiago
Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa
Hiking the highlands of Atacama
Maipo Valley
Historic Quarter of Valparaíso
Tapati Rapa Nui festival
Anakena Beach
Rano Raraku
Explora Lodge
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About this trip

Explore spectacular natural beauty and rich cultural heritage on this exciting adventure to some of Chile's most iconic locations. Join Duquesne Alumni and Friends on an unforgettable 13-day journey that begins in Santiago, Chile’s colorful, historic capital and cultural center, and its surrounding wine regions. From there, continue to the vibrant artistic scene of coastal Valparaíso, the dramatic stone and sand formations of Chile’s Atacama Desert, and the beautiful island of Rapa Nui, known for its mysterious and imposing Moai statues. Marvel at the dramatic contrasts of this sprawling country and learn about the history behind Chile’s rich culture at every one of these striking sites.

Highlights

  • Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip that encompasses rich cultural experiences, beautiful scenery, extraordinary and unique accommodations, and the chance to bond over all these wonderful moments with fellow travelers.
  • Marvel at some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world as we visit the driest desert in the world, the Atacama. The moon-like landscape features turquoise lagoons, geysers, and clear night skies for stargazing at night. Additionally, visit Rapa Nui (Easter Island), which is well-known for its Polynesian culture and archaeological marvels, including the enormous and mysterious Moai statues. There are also volcanic craters, beaches, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Enjoy the most exquisite accommodations on this trip, which include the Tierra Atacama and the Explora Rapa Nui. Both are 5-star boutique properties with an emphasis on capturing and enhancing the beauty of their natural surroundings with eco-friendly architectural design. Their outstanding concierge services allow you to customize your activities in these locations, so everyone can have a unique experience based on interests and activity level.
  • Experience one of the most exciting parts of this adventure: the Tapati Rapa Nui, which is the premiere cultural festival on the island of Rapa Nui. This celebration happens every February and showcases the music, dance, colors, costumes, and traditions of the island inhabitants. During the day, there are sporting competitions throughout the island, and during the evenings, everything comes alive with exuberant celebrations. We will be able to take advantage of this amazing energy during our four days on the island. 
  • Take in the sights and sounds of Chile’s vibrant capital of Santiago, visit the coastal city of Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about its history and community from a local artist, and sample Chilean wine at two of most important wine-producing regions of Chile, the Maipo and Aconcagua Valleys.
Land Cost

$13,915

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $6200

 $300 Early Bird Discount!

Promo code: DUQUESNE
For participants who deposit by August 1, 2023, 

and are fully paid by the final payment deadline,

there will be a $300 discount in the land cost.    

What makes us different

Rich content

All of our programs include experiences that are enriching and engaging to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations

Carbon offsetting

As part of our commitment to sustainable travel, we partner with ClimateSafe to offset the carbon emissions from each journey

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Culture in context

Incorporate history, social institutions, economy, government, and traditions of the destination to put culture in context

Support local communities

We work with local guides and organizations so your trip includes authentic cultural experiences while supporting the economy of the region

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with making your flight arrangements if desired

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
In Flight
Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Santiago.
Santiago
Upon arrival this morning at Santiago International Airport, meet your guide and travel to the hotel, with an early check-in for time to rest. Later this afternoon, at approximately 4:00pm, meet for a welcome briefing followed by an informal talk on Chile's past and present and then head out to get a view of the cityscape followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Dinner included
Hotel W Santiago
Santiago
Today, explore the Pacific coastal city of Valparaíso. Located about one hour and a half away from Santiago, Valparaíso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and funiculars along sloping hills. This city boasts a vibrant arts scene, and we will have the opportunity to visit the home or studio of various artists who are available to talk about their work and the life of an artist in the city. Afterward, enjoy lunch in a lovely local restaurant on the bay and return to Santiago later in the afternoon. Dinner tonight is on your own.
Breakfast-Lunch- included
Hotel W Santiago
Atacama
This morning after breakfast, travel to the airport for the flight to Calama, and then travel to San Pedro de Atacama. . Check in at the hotel and have lunch and time to relax. All rooms have views of the Atacama Desert and Licancabur Volcano. This evening, have dinner and learn about the at-your-service options for exploring Atacama at your own, individual pace. The staff will explain the many options at your disposal, both full- and half-day adventures exploring Atacama's five zones, each with its own set of unique geographic, cultural, and biospheric characteristics.
Breakfast-Dinner included
Tierra Atacama
Atacama
Spend the day exploring Atacama and its surrounding area, one of Chile's most enigmatic territories. The diversity of the landscape is one of the most popular attractions. A few of the experiences to choose from include riding horses through the red land plains and huge sand dunes, characteristic of one of the driest deserts in the world, visiting turquoise lagoons that are located more than 13,123 feet in the highlands (altiplano), walking through geysers, and following green riverbeds in an area where water is a limited resource. There are rides and hikes with different lengths and difficulty levels available.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tierra Atacama
Atacama
Today, spend the final day of at-your-service adventures exploring Atacama. In the evening, experience why Chile is considered one of the foremost places on earth to observe space; the dryness and the remoteness of the Atacama Desert are unique in the world. Chile and, specifically, Atacama have some of the largest and most sophisticated observatories in the world. After dinner this evening, enjoy the opportunity to star gaze with some telescopes while hearing about the science behind it all, as well as the cosmovision of Atacama's indigenous people.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tierra Atacama
Maipo Valley
This morning, depart for the airport in Calama and board the flight to Santiago. Upon arrival in Santiago, detour from the city and head on a short drive south to the Maipo Valley, one of the most important wine-producing regions of Chile. Here, we will stay at the Hotel Casa Real, located on the Santa Rita Estate, formerly the summerhouse of the winery's founder. Enjoy a light lunch and a tour of the winery to learn about the property, its history, and its wine. The estate boasts beautiful gardens and is a short walk from the Museo Andino, a museum that has an extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. Later, attend a talk with Ulrich Achermann, a local broadcast journalist, on Chile today, followed by dinner in the estate's dining room.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Casa Real
Rapa Nui
This morning, early departure for 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 1,000 Moai stone statues that were created roughly between the years 800 and 1200 by the Rapa Nui people. Rapa Nui is also one of the most remote islands on earth, located approximately 2,000 miles from the mainland. A fire swept through Rapa Nui in early October of 2022, damaging some of the Moai statues; however, many archaeological treasures were fortunately preserved. In Rapa Nui, enjoy the hospitality and extraordinary beauty of Explora Lodge. Located in a quiet and peaceful area of the island, close to the main town of Hanga Roa, Explora Lodge has stunning views of the ocean and surrounding countryside. Tonight, have dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Explora Lodge
Rapa Nui
Today, begin the exploration of Rapa Nui. Choose between a full-day tour with lunch outdoors, and the half-day options with lunch back at the lodge between experiences. Some of the highlights of this adventure include the archaeological sites of Ahu Vinapu, Orongo, the stone village and ceremonial center, and Rano Kau Volcano. These are all within a short drive from the main harbor town of Hanga Roa. Ahu Vinapu is made up of two ruined Ahus. Ahu, which means "sacred place," refers to the rectangular stone platform on which the famous Moai (enormous, 100-ton basalt statues) were often erected. Further along the coastal road towards the Rano Kau Volcano, adjacent to its crater, is the ancient ceremonial site of Orongo, where there are many petroglyphs. Another key archaeological site is Ahu Akivi, a particularly sacred place on the island and one of the most iconic; here, one can see the massive seven stone Moai (or large heads) overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Tonight is the first night of the Tapati Rapa Nui festival, the most important cultural event of the year on the island. Lively musical and dance performances take place each evening, and your driver will bring you into town for the next two evenings to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of this exhilarating tribute to the ancestral traditions of the Rapa Nui.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Explora Lodge
Rapa Nui
Today, enjoy another full day exploring Rapa Nui and enjoying Explora Lodge's facilities and hospitality. Other highlights that could be on the program for today include Ahu Vaihu, Ahu Akahanga, Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki, Ahu Te Pito Kura, Anakena Beach, Ahu Nau Nau, and Ahu Ature Huki. 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 around 150 figures remain here in all stages of completion. Here, explore the Ahu of some of the nearby Moai, and check out the holes in the crater rim that were used to maneuver the statues. A short distance away, is Anakena Beach, the legendary landing place of the island's founder Hotu Matu'a, which is excellent for swimming and relaxing.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Explora Lodge
Santiago
This morning, spend time at leisure to enjoy the Explora Lodge or venture into town before heading to the airport for the flight back to Santiago. Upon arrival, travel to the hotel. Tonight, have dinner on your own. The hotel restaurant is open until midnight and room service is available 24-hours.
Breakfast-Lunch- included
Hotel W Santiago
Depart
For the final day in Chile, journey outside of Santiago to the heart of the Aconcagua Valley. Here, visit Quintessence, one of the largest Alpaca breeding farms in the world, and witness every step in the operation of wool production. From the alpacas grazing to the fabrication of the wool, everything is done with sustainability in mind. Afterward, continue to El Escorial winery, a long-established boutique family winery, for a farewell lunch. Travel back to the hotel in Santiago, with time to rest and freshen up before heading to the airport for the flight back home.
Breakfast-Lunch- included
Hotel W Santiago
In Flight
Arrive home.
Land Cost

$13,915

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $6200

 $300 Early Bird Discount!

Promo code: DUQUESNE
For participants who deposit by August 1, 2023, 

and are fully paid by the final payment deadline,

there will be a $300 discount in the land cost.    

What's Included
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • All tips
  • Bottled water or water refill station during transfers
  • Carbon Offset
  • Full time guide per region for the duration of your program
  • Internal flights relevant to itinerary
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
  • Private transportation for tours and transfers
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 6 participants in single occupancy.

A $1000 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. This deposit is refundable 125 days prior to departure excluding a $300 cancellation fee. Cancellations after this date are non refundable.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $6200


Final payment due date: October 03, 2023

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Chile. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry.

A visa is not required for visits up to 90 days.

A tourist card is required for anyone entering Chile from the United States and is issued upon arrival. This card allows visitors to stay for up to 90 days and will allow multiple entries. Keep the tourist card with your passport; it is important not to lose it, as you must present the card to Customs when you leave the country.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Chilean Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Chile.

The CDC recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Chile.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Upon arrival at locations of high elevation, shortness of breath and a pounding heart are normal responses to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors, these symptoms can deteriorate into altitude sickness. Headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite are standard symptoms. Staying hydrated and well rested is important to adjust to the altitude. Avoiding heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arriving to altitude can help. Over-the-counter medications are also available to help prevent or alleviate symptoms. It’s advisable to avoid sleep medications, as they can slow breathing and respiration, which aid in getting the blood oxygenated while sleeping. Participants who take blood pressure medications should discuss this with their doctor as the medication can drop pressure too low at times.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Resources

Print Resources

Suggested Packing List

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities. Keep in mind that locals tend to dress conservatively.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at an additional cost.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Santiago experiences a mild, Mediterranean climate, with average highs in the 80s during the summer months (Dec-Feb) and in the 60s during the winter (Jun-Aug). Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is subtropical and can be warm and humid in the summer, while winters are typically mild.

  • Shirts: Several short- and long-sleeved shirts that can be worn in layers
  • Shorts/skirts
  • Lightweight to medium-weight long pants, slacks, or jeans
  • Undergarments and socks
  • Sleepwear
  • Jacket, fleece, or sweater/sweatshirt
  • Hat or sun visor
  • Bathing suit: Pools are available at some hotels.
  • Shoes: Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for outdoor hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more rugged itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Bandana, scarf, or Buff-style headwear

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap. Most—but not all—hotel rooms provide a hair dryer, but you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – If you’ll be in the ocean, we recommend reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics)
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Travel-size umbrella – Some people find this unwieldy to carry, while others find it offers better protection than a rain jacket alone.
  • Money belt
  • Plug adapter and voltage converter for electronics
  • Chargers for electronics
Overall, just an excellent trip. Very impressed with guides and quality of program. Felt all details were covered.
- Sue Duffy
Chile ,
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