Easter Island & Atacama Desert: Chile's Most Remote Landscapes
A journey to Chile's most remote and otherworldly regions, from the moai of Easter Island to the high-altitude deserts of the Atacama.
"Max and his team showed up in such a thoughtful way to help make sure it was a fantastic trip that aligned with our passions and values." - Steph Port
11 Days
Santiago / Santiago
Custom
Easy to Moderate
Year-round
Overview
Chile's most compelling journeys often combine its geographic extremes, and this itinerary does exactly that. Easter Island and the Atacama Desert are two of the most unique destinations in South America, yet they complement each other beautifully. Easter Island offers archaeological mystery, volcanic landscapes, and Polynesian heritage, while the Atacama delivers high-altitude desert scenery, geological wonders, and some of the best stargazing on the planet.
Santiago and Valparaiso anchor the journey with urban culture, cuisine, and coastal charm. The rhythm is designed to allow time for exploration without feeling rushed, with built-in rest days and flexibility at each stop.
Every detail of this itinerary is customized to match your interests, preferences, and travel dates. The framework below represents a common structure, but exact routing, accommodations, and daily activities are adjusted for each traveler.
Trip Highlights
What This Journey Typically Costs
Because every Chile journey we design is fully custom, pricing varies based on travel dates, accommodations, internal flights, and the overall length and rhythm of the journey.
As a general guideline
Travelers exploring Chile's remote landscapes and cultural highlights can expect a range depending on comfort level, season, and regional inclusions. All itineraries are custom-quoted once we understand traveler priorities.
Quotes typically include internal flights, guided experiences, ground transportation, and carefully selected accommodations. International airfare is generally quoted separately.
We'll walk you through the options transparently and recommend what makes the most sense for your trip.
Daily Itinerary
Arrive in Santiago
Arrive in Santiago, Chile's vibrant capital framed by the Andes. Transfer privately to your hotel in the historic center or leafy Lastarria neighborhood. Depending on your arrival time, explore nearby plazas, cafes, or markets at your own pace.
Highlights
- Private airport transfer
- Hotel check-in
Santiago City Tour
Explore Santiago on a privately guided city tour. Visit the vibrant Lastarria neighborhood, the bohemian streets of Bellavista, and the bustling Central Market. Take in panoramic views from Cerro San Cristobal and discover the city's rich food scene, historic plazas, and cultural landmarks at an unhurried rhythm.
Highlights
- Lastarria and Bellavista neighborhoods
- Central Market visit
- Cerro San Cristobal views
Valparaiso & Vina del Mar
Drive to the Pacific coast for a full-day tour of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. Explore Valparaiso's UNESCO-listed hillside streets, colorful street art, and historic funicular elevators. Continue to the seaside resort town of Vina del Mar for coastal views and gardens.
For wine enthusiasts, an optional vineyard visit with tasting can be arranged in the nearby Casablanca Valley on the return to Santiago.
Highlights
- Valparaiso UNESCO site visit
- Funicular rides and street art
- Vina del Mar coastal views
Fly to Easter Island
Fly from Santiago to Easter Island, approximately five hours over the Pacific. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel in Hanga Roa, the island's only town. In the evening, head to the Tahai ceremonial complex to watch the sunset behind a lone moai silhouette, one of the most iconic views on the island.
Highlights
- Flight to Easter Island
- Hotel check-in in Hanga Roa
- Sunset at Tahai
Moai of the South Coast
Discover the archaeological heart of Easter Island with a guided journey along the island's dramatic southern and eastern coastline. Visit Rano Raraku, the volcanic quarry where nearly all moai were carved, followed by Ahu Tongariki, the largest restored moai platform, where fifteen statues stand facing the island. Continue to Anakena Beach to explore Ahu Nau Nau and enjoy time to relax along one of Rapa Nui's few white-sand beaches.
Highlights
- Rano Raraku quarry
- Ahu Tongariki
- Anakena Beach
Orongo, Rano Kau & Island Sites
Explore the ceremonial village of Orongo, dramatically set on the rim of the Rano Kau volcanic crater, once the center of the island's Birdman rituals. Continue across the island to Ahu Akivi, one of the few inland-facing moai platforms, and Puna Pau, the quarry where red stone topknots were carved. End the day at the Tahai ceremonial complex, where restored moai overlook the Pacific near Hanga Roa.
Highlights
- Orongo ceremonial village
- Rano Kau crater
- Ahu Akivi & Tahai
Return to Santiago
Fly back to Santiago from Easter Island. Depending on your flight timing, the remainder of the day is free to explore Santiago's neighborhoods, visit a museum, or enjoy the city's restaurant scene. This rest day provides a natural transition before heading north to the desert.
Highlights
- Return flight to Santiago
- Free afternoon
- Rest and transition day
Fly to Calama & Valley of the Moon
Fly north to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, a desert oasis set high in Chile's Atacama Desert. In the afternoon, explore the Valleys of the Moon and Death, where wind-sculpted rock formations and salt ridges create otherworldly landscapes. Visit at sunset as shifting light brings out the desert's colors and textures.
Highlights
- Flight to Calama
- Valley of the Moon
- Sunset desert landscapes
Petroglyphs, Rainbow Valley & Salt Flats
Travel to Yerbas Buenas, an important archaeological site featuring ancient petroglyphs etched into rock walls along historic desert routes. Continue to Rainbow Valley, where mineral layers paint the hills in vibrant colors, before visiting the village of Toconao. In the afternoon, explore the vast Atacama Salt Flat, a striking landscape of crystallized salt and desert horizons.
Highlights
- Yerbas Buenas petroglyphs
- Rainbow Valley
- Atacama Salt Flat
El Tatio Geysers & Machuca
Depart before dawn for the El Tatio Geysers, one of the highest geothermal fields in the world, set on the Altiplano at over 14,100 feet. Watch steam rise from geyser vents against the early morning light before continuing to the traditional village of Machuca. Return to San Pedro in the early afternoon, with time to relax or explore independently.
Optional: An evening stargazing excursion can be arranged, taking advantage of the Atacama Desert's exceptionally clear skies and minimal light pollution.
Highlights
- El Tatio Geysers
- Machuca village
- Altiplano landscapes
Return to Santiago & International Departure
Fly back to Santiago and connect onward to your international flight home, bringing your journey through Chile's most iconic landscapes to a close. Depending on flight schedules, assistance is provided for a smooth transition between domestic and international connections.
Highlights
- Flight from Atacama to Santiago
- International connection home
- End of journey
What's Included
Optional Extensions & Variations
Because every journey we design is fully custom, we can adjust timing and add extensions based on what you're most excited about. Common options include:
Add Torres del Paine & Patagonia
Extend south to Chilean Patagonia for glacier viewing, iconic hiking, and lodge stays in one of the world's most dramatic landscapes.
Add Chile's Wine Country
Include a few days in the Colchagua or Casablanca wine valleys for vineyard visits, tastings, and relaxed Chilean hospitality.
Add the Lake District
Continue to Puerto Varas and the Chilean Lake District for volcanoes, hot springs, and a slower rhythm before returning to Santiago.
Explore More Journeys
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Discover Machu Picchu
An immersive journey through the heart of the Inca Empire, from the coastal energy of Lima to the mist-shrouded peaks of Machu Picchu.
Galapagos Islands & Ecuadorian Amazon
A biologically immersive journey combining rainforest lodge explorations with a wildlife-rich Galapagos expedition cruise.
Traveler Stories
"Every detail was checked and re-checked with care and precision to ensure we were content and knew what to expect. His communication is excellent and timely. I really liked the individualized 'trip brochure' he puts together."
— Julie Meehan · Verified Review
"Max and his team worked with us beforehand to make sure everything we thought we'd like to do would happen. He covered that and plenty more that we hadn't even thought of. The 12-day trip was our first one without a hitch, but also our first using Mindful Travel."
— Janet Crabb · Verified Review
"From the first stages of discovery in what we were looking for, to recommending hotels, planning our activities and itinerary, and communication while we were abroad, Max and his team showed up in such a thoughtful way to help make sure it was a fantastic trip that aligned with our passions and values."
— Steph Port · Verified Review
Frequently Asked Questions
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