The Natural Wonders of Easter Island

Santiago, Chile and Easter Island each offer breathtaking natural wonders that captivate travelers from around the world. In Santiago, the stunning backdrop of the Andes Mountains frames the city with dramatic, snow-capped peaks, offering endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and scenic exploration. Lush parks like Cerro San Cristóbal and colorful vineyards in the nearby valleys showcase the region’s diverse beauty. Far out in the Pacific, Easter Island unveils a different kind of wonder — a remote, volcanic landscape dotted with ancient Moai statues, windswept beaches, dramatic cliffs, and mysterious craters. Together, Santiago and Easter Island invite visitors to experience the awe of nature’s power and the deep spirit of two of Chile’s most remarkable destinations.

Easter Island: 

Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, feels like a land suspended between earth and legend. Its most famous guardians, the Moai statues, rise mysteriously from the grassy plains and rocky shores, their silent faces gazing toward the horizon as if guarding ancient secrets. Nowhere is this feeling stronger than at Ahu Tongariki, where a solemn row of Moai stands against the endless Pacific, evoking a sense of timeless wonder.

The island’s volcanic landscapes add to its mystical aura. At Rano Raraku, the quarry where the Moai were born, partially finished statues still lie scattered along the slopes, as if frozen in time. The massive crater of Rano Kau, with its lush interior lake and steep, windswept cliffs, feels like stepping into another world entirely — one where nature and spirit are intertwined.

Even the island’s coastline holds its own quiet magic. The soft sands of Anakena Beach contrast sharply with the island’s rugged lava rock shores, while hidden caves and ceremonial sites tucked into the hills whisper of ancient rituals and forgotten stories. On Easter Island, every trail, every stone, and every sunset feels like a step deeper into a living, breathing mystery.

Santiago, Chile: 

Santiago, Chile is a vibrant city set against the stunning backdrop of the Andes Mountains, offering easy access to nature’s beauty. Outdoor lovers can hike or bike nearby mountain trails, or head to ski resorts like Valle Nevado in winter for world-class slopes. Within the city, Cerro San Cristóbal and Cerro Santa Lucía offer lush green spaces and sweeping views, perfect for a scenic escape.

Beyond the city, the Maipo Valley invites travelers to explore its rolling vineyards, rivers, and mountain landscapes. Whether you’re sipping wine, rafting, or simply taking in the spectacular views, Santiago blends urban energy with unforgettable natural wonders.

8-Day Discover Easter Island - Santiago, Chile Round Trip

Day 1 - Arrive in Santiago, Chile: Welcome to Santiago, Chile’s scenic capital between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. With a coastline over 2,650 miles long, Chile is more than 10 times longer than it is wide. With a distinctly European style accented with Latin flair, Santiago is one of South America’s most sophisticated and modern cities. 

Day 2 - Santiago, Chile: Start at La Moneda, the official Government Palace, and nearby San Cristobal Hill with its landmark statue of the Virgin Mary. Your tour ends at the Plaza de Armas, the main square, with a visit to the 18th-century Cathedral.

Day 3 - Santiago, Chile: Perhaps take a trip to the beautiful coastal region west of Santiago and the cities of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, or head into Chile’s famous wine country to visit some of its renowned wineries.

Day 4 - Easter Island:  Fly to Easter Island, considered the largest open-air museum, boasting over 400 Moai, ruins, and temples. Located 2,200 miles off the coast of Chile, this island is a territory of Chile but, feels more like Polynesia. 

Day 5 - Easter Island: Your first stop on your tour will be Ahu Vaihu, where eight large Moai lie in ruins. Continue on to Ahu Akahanga. According to legend, this is the burial site of the first king of Easter Island (Hotu Matu’a). Next, at the Rano Raraku quarry, you find 394 statues in various stages of completion. It appears that the Moai production was abruptly abandoned, leaving us a frozen snapshot that reveals how the Moai were carved out of volcanic rocks. At Ahu Tongariki, see 15 beautifully restored Moai, and at Ahu Te Pito Kura, see the largest Moai ever transported and erected. Last stop is the beach of Anakena, where King Hotu Matu’a first landed on Rapa Nui.

Day 6 -  Easter Island: This morning, your tour visits the Rano Kau volcano, with a caldera that contains one of the island’s freshwater lakes. At the nearby ceremonial village of Orongo, see the restored houses and remains of an ancient ahu. Head to Ana Kai Tagata, an ancient cave with wall paintings on the rock. This afternoon, visit Ahu Akivi, with seven restored Moais in the middle of the island. According to legend, the statues represent the seven scouts sent to Easter Island by King Hotu Matu’a. Finally, visit the Puna Pau topknot quarry with its red scoria stone, where the pukaos on top of the Moai were made.

Day 7 - Santiago, Chile: Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Santiago. 

Day 8 - Santiago, Chile: Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.

Pricing:

Starts around $3,049 per person

Dates:

Trips go out year round. From a Monday to a Monday.

Everything You Need:

When you travel with Globus and CruiseOne, every detail is thoughtfully handled so you can focus on enjoying your adventure. Your tour includes carefully selected accommodations that offer both comfort and convenience, as well as daily breakfasts to start each day off right. You'll also enjoy select guided sightseeing, giving you deeper insight into each destination with knowledgeable local experts. Transportation between cities is seamlessly arranged, whether by motorcoach, train, or ferry, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

Need help with flights? Globus can also arrange your air travel and airport transfers, making your travel experience even easier from start to finish. Plus, with our Yes! You’re Covered Travel Protection Plan, you can rest easy knowing that if unexpected changes arise, you’ll have flexible options and support every step of the way. With CruiseOne planning your trip, your only job is to relax, explore, and create unforgettable memories.

Local Insiders:

Get ready to explore the world with confidence and curiosity! With Globus, you’ll have expert support every step of the way. Their Local Hosts are your on-the-ground insiders, ready to share adventurous tips, off-the-beaten-path recommendations, and hidden gems to help you make the most of your free time. Whether it’s a secret hiking trail, a vibrant local market, or a can’t-miss cultural experience, they’ll help you dive deeper into every destination.

Plus, your GlobusGO mobile app puts the spirit of adventure right in your hands. Packed with insider tips, maps, and activity ideas, it lets you uncover local treasures, explore independently, and turn every moment into an unforgettable discovery. 

Make It Personal:

Globus Independent vacations are thoughtfully designed to let your individuality shine, giving you the freedom to explore the world on your terms. With plenty of built-in free time, you can discover each destination at your own pace — whether that means wandering charming neighborhoods, diving into cultural hotspots, or simply soaking in the local vibe.

Want to personalize your adventure even more? Choose from a variety of hand-selected optional excursions that match your interests and passions, from culinary tours and outdoor adventures to behind-the-scenes cultural experiences. And if you’re not ready for the journey to end, you can easily extend your trip with seamless vacation extensions — giving you even more time to create unforgettable memories.