Curator’s statement
This particular trip originated with a son’s Spanish book report on Chile. An incredibly thoughtful mom reached out to me to plan this trip for her and her son to bring his book report to life as a reward for all his hard schoolwork and as a very intentional trip for just the two of them. Dad stayed home with the littles! Chile is mystical, spiritual and magical and this particular trip is definitely for the adventurous. Nature is at the heart of everything and Rapa Nui is considered the most remote, inhabited island on the planet. The planet!
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Things to do in Chile
Santiago
Penguin tour! Take a trip out to a penguin-inhabited island and discover the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Valparaiso. Start with a boat trip to Cachagua Island — where you’ll get to experience the Humboldt penguins — before heading over to Valparaiso for lunch and sightseeing.
Wine tour: There are so many different wine tours that are easy to get to from Santiago. Spend a day — or two — visiting them, experiencing the families that run them and drinking all the wine!
Andes day excursion to Maipo Valley and El Yeso Reservoir: A family-friendly (especially for those who can’t drink wine!) trip that gets you out of the city on a journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Maipo Valley, followed by a walk along the Maipo River to beautiful El Yeso Dam.
Beach horseback ride and alpaca farm: Sand dunes, a Pacific Coast fishing village and alpacas? Sign me up!
Walk to the area of Barrio Lastarria: Discover numerous cafes, restaurants and bars in this historic neighborhood.
La Vega Central: Explore this bustling market in Santiago to sample fresh produce, seafood and local snacks. Named one of the best markets in the world.
Visit Bellavista: A very cool arts district neighborhood in Santiago with bars, restaurants, shops and plenty of graffiti.
Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
All of these are private tours offered by the Nayara Hangaroa hotel.
Tour Tarai: Start your afternoon by exploring the emblematic Rano Raraku, the main quarry where the Moai were carved.
Unravel the mystery behind the construction and transportation of these monumental statues, 397 of which lie there in different stages of construction.
Vaiteka: Your morning adventure takes you east of Hanga Roa to visit Puna Pau, an archaeological treasure where the unique red volcanic scoria, Hani Hani, is found. This material shaped the Pukaos, iconic headdresses worn by the Moai. The journey continues to Ahu Akivi, a platform unique for housing the only seven sea-facing Moai on the island. End with a walk to Vaiteka, and wander through the awe-inspiring caves that unfold another mysterious chapter of Rapa Nui's history.
Spa: I would spend a full day in one of the cave-like treatment rooms at Nayahara Hangaroa.
Boat ride/Anakena Beach: Hop on a boat ride over to the very private Anakena Beach. Anakena offers a quiet, remote, blissful beach with pristine white sand.
Birdman: Kickstart this hike at Vinapu, home to a platform connected to an ancient theory about Rapa Nui's settlement. Continue along a trail ascending towards the volcano's most breathtaking sector, Kari Kari. Marvel at the panoramic views of the motus and the crater. The expedition concludes at the Rano Kau viewpoint, where a bus awaits to escort you back to the hotel.
Tongariki Sunrise: An unforgettable experience during your Rapa Nui visit is unquestionably the breathtaking spectacle of the sun ascending behind the line of 15 Moai. For this, we'll journey to the island's eastern edge at daybreak, where you can settle down, coffee in hand, and immerse yourself in the captivating dawn spectacle.
Tahai Sunset: A visit to Rapa Nui would be incomplete without witnessing the world-renowned sunset at Ahu Tahai. This site offers a captivating spectacle as the sun descends behind the Moai, casting a mesmerizing silhouette against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Moreover, enjoy an optional scenic 30-minute stroll from the hotel along the coast to Tahai, affording you an intimate encounter with the local culture during your journey.
Places to eat & drink in Chile
Yum Cha: Modern cuisine, Chilean products with a touch of Chinese influence
99 Restaurant: Chilean cuisine, contemporary
Boragó: Contemporary, native Chilean cuisine
La Mesa: Bright, beautiful and unpretentious, La Mesa is a restaurant steeped in sustainability, with its design centered around the preservation of an existing oak tree.
Ambrosia Bistro: Cool vibe, interesting menu, great staff.
Olam: Seafood and fish, contemporary cuisine. Range of ingredients, interesting decor.
La Calma: Seafood and fish, fresh and unique.
Travel Advisor
Lauren Keeton
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Chile. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, A Fairytale Summer Weekend in Zurich.