Escorted Tours 2023-2024

coloured waters, the shimmering lagoons are located at the base of impressive snow-capped volcanoes and command incredible views over the unique landscape. After lunch, return to San Pedro to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Day 7: San Pedro de Atacama B/L Rise before dawn to drink your morning coffee at the world’s highest geothermal field. Situated some 4,300 metres above sea level in the Andean mountain range, the dramatic craters of Tatio Geysers are one of the regions true marvels. Ringed by volcanoes, over 80 gurgling geysers awake early, forcing fumaroles in multiple vibrant colours high into the air as rays of sunshine pierce the columns of white steam. As the sun warms the earth, you can take a bath in the hot thermal public pools nearby or spend more time walking around these natural wonders. Arriving back in San Pedro, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Day 8: San Pedro de Atacama to Santiago B This morning transfer for your flight to Santiago. On arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel. Day 9: Santiago to Easter Island B After breakfast, fly to Easter Island. This tiny island, formed from volcanic rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is the most remote inhabited island in the world. Locally known as Rapa Nui, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is unlike anywhere else on earth. Day 10: Easter Island B/L/D Head south along the coast to discover the mysteries surrounding the island that have fascinated travellers and scholars for centuries. Thought to have originally been thickly forested and rich in wildlife, the now barren landscapes suggest a rapid population growth that soon outpaced the island’s natural resources. Travel to Ahu Tongariki, the largest Ahu (shrine) on the island to witness the enigmatic moai statues, some of the most iconic images of Easter Island. Believed to have been created as part of a Polynesian tradition to protect the inhabitants, these sublime works of art were carved out of volcanic rock between the 11th and 14th centuries and on a scale seen nowhere else on earth. The tour concludes at the beautiful Anakena beach, where you can relax or take a refreshing swim in the Pacific Ocean’s warm waters. Day 11: Easter Island B/L This morning, drive up the extinct Rano Kau volcano with magnificent panoramic views of the entire island, to the ceremonial village of Orongo. High on the crater’s rim, the last stage of indigenous Easter Island culture saw individuals competing here to be crowned as the birdman cult king by scaling the vertical slopes and perilous rocky waters below. This afternoon, venture out to explore some more of the nearby shrines and archaeological sites including Puna Pau; a small crater where the red stone for the pukao. Day 12: Easter Island B Today has been left free as a day of leisure for you to relax at your hotel or further explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. Day 13: Easter Island to Santiago B Transfer for your flight to Santiago where, on arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Day 14: Santiago to the UK B Transfer for your overnight return flight via São Paulo, or continue on to your chosen extension. Santiago Tatio Geysers Colchagua Valley Moon Valley Meal plan: 12 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners Accommodation: Santiago, 4 H Best Western Premier Hotel Marina Las Condes San Pedro de Atacama, 3 H La Casa de Don Tomas Santiago, 3 H Hilton Garden Inn Easter Island, 3 H Easter Island Ecolodge Flights: London Heathrow to Chile with LATAM Airlines (via São Paulo) Tour pace: Challenging No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £779 Departures & from prices 26 Apr 23 £3,699 21 Feb 24 £3,799 24 May 23 £3,699 6 Mar 24 £3,799 7 Jun 23 £3,699 24 Apr 24 £3,899 30 Aug 23 £3,699 22 May 24 £3,899 13 Sep 23 £3,599 5 Jun 24 £3,899 25 Oct 23 £3,499 28 Aug 24 £3,899 8 Nov 23 £3,399 11 Sep 24 £3,799 22 Nov 23 £3,299 23 Oct 24 £3,699 3 Jan 24 £3,899 6 Nov 24 £3,599 17 Jan 24 £3,899 20 Nov 24 £3,499 • Upgrade to a Private Tour from £749 • Tipping paid locally $42-$56 Extend your tour Vina del Mar beach stay, 3 nights, 4 H B&B from £669 Puerto Varas stay*, 3 nights, 4 H B&B from £669 *Due to flight schedules an extra night in Santiago is required, extending your tour by an extra night. South America 105 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk