Dream a little dream of secluded December barbecues over an open fire and horses dashing across a riverbank to the tune of bells jingling. Discover summertime Christmas on Easter (Island), where holiday spirit lives in the vineyards of Colchagua Valley and magic in the season is spread across blossoming trails in northern Patagonia. Majestic moai statues look out to the Pacific Ocean. Cheer and leisure emanate from luxurious hotels encompassed by dramatic volcanoes and snowcapped mountains. From...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Colchagua Valley – Dec. 16th – Holiday Estate in a Regal Valley
The Andes Mountains poke the sky with undulating peaks, acting as a natural border between Chile and Argentina. Santiago de Chile has a cosmopolitan atmosphere wrapped in the energetic streets. Museums offer insight into a past of Spanish conquistadors and the former lives of native tribes. Skyscrapers imitate the mountaintops and eateries open in the evening along the sidewalks for hungry passersby. The summit of Cerro San Cristobal rises out of the heart of the city and murals depicting the tumultuous history of Santiago decorate the metro stations adding vibrancy and historical importance to the subterranean feature. Your flight lands at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport.
The peaks of the Andes Mountains edge the corners of the airport in the distance, often dusted with snow even in the heart of a South American summer. Your private transfer meets you at baggage claim and escorts you south to the Hotel Casa Real, a family estate that was erected in the 1880s. The lavish past meets contemporary luxury in the 16 rooms spanning the Pompeian-style home. The six estate vineyards encompass more than 7,000 acres and produce a variety of grapes thriving in the esteemed valley. After settling into your gorgeous suite, you take the time to explore the grounds by visiting the Andean Museum, located beside the colonial house. The galleries exhibit 1,800 artifacts of pre-Colombian art. A stone wall inspired by Inca artistry and design decorates the entrance.
What's Included:
Day 2
Colchagua Valley – Dec. 17th – Sampling of A Summer Christmas
Day 3
North Patagonia – Dec. 18th – A Sky-High View
Day 4
North Patagonia – Dec. 19th – Discovering Rare Patagonia
Day 5
North Patagonia – Dec. 20th – Happy Trails and Tamed Rivers
Day 6
Santiago – Dec. 21st – A Sleigh through Rapids
Day 7 - 8
Easter Island – Dec. 22nd & 23rd – A New Life on Easter (Island)
Day 9
Easter Island – Dec. 24th – A Christmas Eve with the Fishes
Day 10
Easter Island – Dec. 25th – Christmas with the Rapa Nui
Day 11
Easter Island – Dec. 26th – Rising on Easter (Island)
Trip Highlights
- Celebrate an unforgettable Christmas on Easter Island, and venture to Ana Kakenga, an ancient cave that once served as a kionga, a place of refuge
- Visit the legendary moai, traditional statues for which Easter Island is known
- Spend Christmas Eve under the sea during an intimate snorkeling excursion off the shores of remote Easter Island
- Relish the captivating flavors of Chile’s wine varietals during a private tour of the Colchagua Valley wineries
- Experience a private helicopter tour of the exhilarating scenery of North Patagonia, flying over Alerce Andino National Park, along with Calbuco and Yates Volcanoes (Premium Option)
- Discover the pristine landscape of northern Patagonia on a guided trek through Tagua Tagua Park, in search of waterfalls, wildlife, and endless natural grandeur
- Explore the majesty of the Patagonian forest and riverbanks on a horseback riding excursion paired with a jet boat across Puelo River
- Delight in an adventurous rafting tour on the rapids of the Petrohue River
- Bask in the pleasures of a summertime in December with barbecues set in the majesty of the surrounding Patagonian wilderness
- Indulge in Chile’s historic and eco-friendly luxurious accommodations near secluded wineries, beside hidden lakeshores, and on a remote island
Detailed Description
December is the season of holiday spirit, accentuated by the exploratory nature of Santa traveling the world in a single night. Your 11-day tour follows in the tradition of Santa’s discoveries by celebrating Christmas during South America’s summer on an island known as Easter. Relish the beauty of the world’s most secluded island and witness the grandeur of Chile’s unadulterated national parks. Sip wine overlooking a sea of vineyards and enjoy the embracing warmth set against the backdrop of Patagonian mountains topped with snow.
The excitement begins with your arrival in Santiago, Chile at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport. Your private transfer greets you at baggage claim and escorts you to the stunning grounds of Santa Rita vineyards at the Hotel Casa Real. The colonial estate offers the magnificent blend of aristocratic comfort with contemporary luxury. The following day, you travel south on a private tour of the wineries and vineyards of Colchagua Valley, Chile’s premier wine region. Visit a variety of producers for an extensive sample of the wine growing and tasting experience.
Next, you fly to Puerto Montt, the capital of Chile’s Lake’s District. If interested in the premium option, you meet your private pilot at the airport for a scenic helicopter ride over Alerce Andino National Park, in view of Calbuco and Yates Volcanoes. Return to Puerto Matt airport for your private transfer to the Barraco Lodge, a gorgeous property at the mouth of Tagua Tagua Lake and Puelo River. Discover the splendor of northern Patagonia on a boat ride on Tagua Tagua Lake leading to the trailheads of Tagua Tagua Park. Witness staggering waterfalls and search the brush for charming wildlife en route to Quetros Refuge. Enjoy a brief, relaxing helicopter ride back to Barraco Lodge (premium option) before indulging in a traditional Chilean barbecue.
Mount a horse and set out alongside the untamed forest for a different perspective of the trees and riverbank. Enjoy a barbecue lunch beside the river and set out on an exciting Jet boat ride over the Puelo River rapids. Relish an early morning excursion to conquer the whitewater on Petrohue River before catching your flight north to Santiago. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the cosmopolitan culture of Chile’s capital. The next morning, you board your flight at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport bound for Easter Island. Your guide meets you at Mataveri International Airport and if interested in the premium option, escorts you to Explora Rapa Nui, a luxurious lodge-style hotel set atop a hill with views of the Pacific Ocean.
Take in the legend and mystique of Easter Island, which coincides with the spirited atmosphere of Christmas Eve. Spend the day in the comforts of the warm Pacific Ocean during a snorkeling tour. Search for trumpet fish and sea turtles off the sun-soaked shoreline. Celebrate Christmas Day exploring Easter Island’s “Cave of Two Windows,” Ana Kakenga, and witness the unique painted coral eyes of the statues at Hanga Roa before returning to your lodge for a Christmas feast. Travel the trails leading over the hills to the religious site of Ahu Akivi to visit the moai statues in view of the sea. On the final day, you have a private transfer to Mataveri International Airport for your flight to Santiago, where you will continue home, taking the magnificent memories of a Chilean Christmas with you.
Starting Price
$8,100 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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