Cosmic Trails 6

• Transfer from Santiago

You will fly, independently, from Santiago, Chile to Easter Island (aka Rapa Nui), Chile. (We are happy to arrange your flights for you. Roundtrip air Easter Island/Santiago is estimated to be $1,000.) We’ll transfer to our hotel, the completely renovated Hangaroa Eco Village and Spa (or comparable). You have the remainder of the day to ponder being at one of the most remote inhabited spots in the world. This sets the scene for exploration of Easter Island’s unparalleled cultural landscape tomorrow. [Hangaroa Eco Village and Spa or comparable]

• Volcanos and Views

Our day is centered around the volcanic crater lake, Rano Kau, and the ceremonial village of Orongo, known as as the center of the Birdman cult in Rapa Nui National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At Orongo you’ll see semi-subterranean stone-houses restored by archaeologists William Mulloy, Claudio Cristino, and Patricia Vargas and Birdmancult-related petroglyphs. After lunch we visit Ahu Akivi, a shrine whose moai are seemingly related to the equinoxes. (Breakfast and lunch are provided) [Hangaroa Eco Village and Spa or comparable]

• Moais

We begin our day at Ahu Vinapu, to study the precise stonemasonry and wall which faces sunrise at Winter Solstice. Onward to Rano-Raraku volcanic crater lake, where most of the moai were quarried, and whose 397 unfinished statues are a visual record of moai design and technology. We’ll view Ahu Tongariki from a distance, whose moai face sunset during Summer Solstice. We’ll conclude the day with a visit to the white coral sand beach of Anakena, legendary landing site of the founders of Rapa Nui and a material site in the Birdman cult. (Breakfast and a box lunch are provided) [Hangaroa Eco Village and Spa or comparable]

• Transfer to Santiago

We will have breakfast and transfer to Isla de Pascua Airport (aka Mataveri International Airport) to take the flight back to the South American continent and to base in Santiago. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (Breakfast is provided) [Hotel Atton El Bosque or comparable]

• Half day tour

This morning we’ll orient ourselves to the city by seeing different aspects of Santiago: civic spaces, public art in Santiago’s modern subway system, a museum, residential districts, and a panoramic view of the city. After lunch at the Central Market we’ll transfer to Valparaiso to board the ms Veendam. (Breakfast and lunch in Santiago are provided) [Hotel Atton El Bosque or comparable]

• Four (4) nights accommodation in outstanding hotels.
• Seven (7) meals: four (4) breakfasts and three (3) lunches. (Non-alcoholic beverages provided with each meal.)
• Services of an English-speaking host (7x24 once you arrive in Easter Island) and local tour guides.
• All land transportation (as listed on the itinerary).
• Entrance fees to all tourist sites (as listed on the itinerary).
• All gratuities.
• Baggage handling, city and hotel taxes.

• The price of the above is $2,249 pp.
• For those requiring single occupancy accommodations, a supplementary charge of $499 will apply.
• Deposit is 20% ($450 pp based on double occupancy).
• Please note that our South American host will eat with you during all group meals throughout the trip. This is to ensure that you are receiving the best service. If, at any time, you would prefer to dine on your own, please let the host know.
• Pricing is based on the February 2012 exchange rate of $1 USD to $483 CLP (Chilean Pesos). At the time of final payment (November 15, 2012) if the exchange rate goes up by more than 10% from the current rate, pricing will be adjusted accordingly.
• This tour requires a minimum of 10 people. Please do not book non-refundable air until we can confirm we have reached our minimum.

• Airfare: roundtrip Santiago to/from Easter Island (estimated to be $1,000). LAN Airlines offers a “straight connection” from Miami, FL. We probably can save you money on air if we book your entire trip so please contact us for an quote.
• Chilean government reciprocity fee of $140 per person will be charged upon arrival in the Santiago airport by the local authorities. You only need pay this once per 10 years (assuming you maintain the stamp in your passport).
• Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, imported mineral waters, telephone charges, room service, and laundry charges.

• Should you decide to cancel your place on this tour between the time of deposit and 120 days prior to the tour, you will forfeit $250 USD pp; between 119 and 90 days prior to departure, you will forfeit your deposit; between 89 and 60 days prior to departure, you will forfeit 25% of the tour price; between 59 and 30 days you will forfeit 50% of the tour price; from 29 days or less, you will forfeit 100% of the tour price.
• All notices of cancellation must be written to be effective. The date of cancellation will be the date of reception by Insight Cruises’ personnel.

• 2 people: $192 pp based on double occupancy
• single: $278