Head to Head with Rapa Nui | Chile & Out to Easter Island

Welcome to Chile, the slender ribbon of a nation stretching along South America's western edge. This is a land of breathtaking contrasts, from smoking volcanoes and dry deserts to green vineyards, rough oceans, and almost 900 serious moai statues that seem to judge your poses with ancient eyes.

It's here where you'll trek across towering mountains that fade into bizarre, otherworldly lunar terrains, smell the bubbling geysers exploding from the soil beside glittering salt ponds buzzing with vibrant wildlife. And then, venture to one of the planet's most isolated islands, where enigmatic giant stone heads stand sentinel, guarding secrets of ancient civilizations.

Our trip starts in Santiago, the busy capital full of South America's energy. We'll walk its streets, taste crispy empanadas and drink pisco sour in the warm Andean sunshine. Next, we head Valparaíso, a cozy harbor town that's great to look at: bright street art pops everywhere, and colorful houses tumble down hilly slopes to the ocean.

Next we’ll head to the driest place on Earth, where some areas haven't had rain for more than 400 years. Here we’ll walk Valley of the Moon, with its rough rocks that look like they're from another planet, and stare amazed at the Tatio Geysers, where hot water shoots up from cold ground. We’ll pass by groups of pink flamingos in clear salt lakes, see elegant vicuñas wandering like fancy llamas, and watch sunsets so bright and weird that your friends will think you edited them.

If that's not enough to satisfy your sense of adventure, get ready for the best part: Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, a tiny spot in the Pacific that's on every explorer's wish list. Here, we'll face the huge moai, a stone giants cut from volcano rocks. At holy spots like Ahu Tongariki, a line of them gazes forever toward the sea, famous mysteries around the globe. We'll trek to Rano Raraku, the quarry where these giants were made, now a spooky place with half-buried, unfinished statues stuck in time.

Our expedition will finish at the green beauty of Cajón del Maipo, a striking valley right outside Santiago packed with mountain views and great wine spots. It's the perfect place to celebrate with smooth red and fresh whites, take amazing shots by falling waterfalls and snowy mountain tops, before we leave Chile.

Let’s go!

DAY 0 // DEPARTURE
Meet at DXB at 13:00 for a flight to Santiago via Istanbul.

DAY 1 // SANTIAGO CITY TOUR
Morning arrival to Santiago, immigration, drop the bags to hotel and head out for a tour into Santiago’s gems: from the grand Plaza de Armas and La Moneda Palace to the bustling Mercado Central. We’ll wander through traditional neighborhoods, visit an enormous, fascinating cemetery, and finish at Los Dominicos, where local artisans make souvenirs actually worth buying. Lastly, we’ll take it all in by riding the cable car up to the top of San Cristóbal Hill for scenic vistas and incredible photos.

DAY 2 // COLORFUL VALPARAISO & CHILL VIÑA DEL MAR
Grab your camera – it’s Valpo day! Once a booming port, this city is now an artsy, hilly maze of murals, cable cars, churches and boho vibes. With incredible street art around every corner, we’ll explore the UNESCO-listed old town and pass by highlights including the cathedral, Sotomayor Square, and the picturesque harbor area. In the afternoon we’ll make a stop in nearby Viña del Mar, a chill, beachy town where we’ll enjoy the endless palm trees and cool sea breeze.

THE ATACAMA DESERT – PLANET EARTH’S DRIEST

DAY 3 // DESERT VALLEYS
Today we’ll fly into Calama Airport and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, settling in before heading out for a midday exploration of Moon Valley's surreal, moon-like formations and salt caves. Hike through the dramatic dunes and ridges of Death Valley, feeling the intense aridity and vast silence of this otherworldly site. End the day watching a stunning sunset from a viewpoint in Moon Valley, where the golden light transforms the terrain into a magical panorama.

DAY 4 // HIGHLAND LAGOONS
After breakfast we ll travel southbound to the charming village of Toconao, admiring its historic church built from volcanic stone and browsing local artisan crafts. We will ascend to the breathtaking Lagunas Miscanti and Miñiques, hiking around the azure waters framed by towering volcanoes and spotting wild vicuñas. Descend to Laguna Chaxa in the expansive Salar de Atacama, observing flocks of flamingos wading in the salty shallows. Here we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch, immersing ourselves in the altiplanic beauty.

DAY 5 // GEYSERS AND HOT SPRINGS
Rise early for the trek to El Tatio Geysers, witnessing the powerful steam eruptions and bubbling pools at dawn in this high-altitude geothermal field. Short stop at Machuca village, tasting traditional llama empanadas and exploring the rustic adobe homes and church.
Well-deserved time to relax in the afternoon at Puritama hot springs, soaking in the cascading thermal pools surrounded by canyon greenery.

DAY 6 // PRE-INCAS & DEPARTURE
Quick look at archaeological site of Aldea de Tulor, wandering among the ancient circular ruins that reveal insights into prehistoric desert life, then hike up to Pukará de Quitor, exploring the pre-Inca fortress walls and enjoying panoramic views of the river valley. Time to return to airport for a flight back to Santiago.

DAYS 7 – 9 // EASTER ISLAND – LEGENDS, MOAI & BEACH VIBES
Off we go to one of the most remote places on the planet: Rapa Nui aka Easter Island. After an early morning flight, our guide will greet us with flower necklaces, setting the good vibes for our visit.
Over threer days, expect epic ocean views, sacred rocks, and mysterious legends. Rapa Nui’s undisputed highlight is Ahu Tongariki, the famed ceremonial platform holding 15 moai in a row, glowing in the sunset. A must for Instagram! We’ll also visit the lesser known Ahu Akivi, with seven majestic moai staring out to sea.

An unforgettable sight is Rano Raraku quarry – like a moai factory frozen in time, with nearly 400 statues scattered around like someone hit pause mid-construction. Then we’ll discover the red volcanic rock quarry of Puna Pau, where the moai got their giant red “hair buns”.
Of course we’ll need to get a taste of that island life, so we’ll be making stops at Ovahe and Anakena beaches – one is pink and wild, the other is soft, white, and perfect for doing absolutely nothing.

After getting our fill of this island of stone-faced mystery, we’ll catch an afternoon flight to return to the mainland.

DAY 10 // WINE & WILDERNESS
There’s no better way to conclude our Chilean adventure than with a day that pairs breathtaking nature with world-class wine. As we near the finale, our journey leads us into the majestic Andes Mountains, where the towering cliffs and winding river valleys of Cajón del Maipo create a spectacular natural backdrop.

From the wild beauty of the mountains, we’ll transition to the refined elegance of the Concha y Toro vineyards. Here, we’ll uncover the stories and secrets behind some of South America's most legendary wines, that have put Chile on the global wine map.

DAY 11 // DEPARTURE
Its time to say bye-bye to Chile and head back to airport for a flight back home.

Level of difficulty: Easy - available for everyone. High altitude ahead.
Activities: Trekking, off-roading, sightseeing, cultural immersion.

Accommodation & meals: Accommodation in 3- and 4-star hotels, double sharing. Single room available upon request for an extra cost. Meals excluded.

Cost: TBC

Recommended flights: Turkish Airlines via IST at approx. 5600 AED.

Excluded: Visas, insurance, meals.
Visas: Western passports, Russia and Far East receive free visa upon arrival.
More info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Chile

Visa support is not available on this trekkup.

See yah in Rapa Nui x

Trekkup Crew
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