Explore Southern Chile on board M/V Skorpios II & Discover the Heritage of Easter Island!
CHILE & EASTER ISLAND
January 25–February 7, 2012 - SOLD OUT

Enjoy the Southern Hemisphere in summer as we explore Chile from its heartland in Santiago to the spectacular islands, fjords and mountains of Patagonian Chile. Our journey will culminate in a visit to fabled Easter Island!

Our journey will begin in the historic capital city, Santiago—Chile’s largest city and one of the most beautiful cities in South America. Santiago lies in the fertile Central Valley with the Andes prominently to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. During our visit, we will explore colonial Santiago, from the flower filled Plaza de la Constituçion to Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral. We will also explore the Pre-Columbian Art Museum for an introduction to the early cultures in Chile. We will next fly to Puerto Montt, a city located 1000 km south of Santiago, and picturesque Puerto Varas on the shores of Lake Llanquihue with a spectacular vista of Osorno Volcano.

We will then board M/V Skorpios II to explore Chilean Patagonia as we sail south through protected coastal waters to the San Rafael Glacier, a massive tidewater glacier.

For six days and five nights, we will cruise through channels and archipelagos in Patagonian Chile, exploring San Rafael National Park and Glacier, established in 1967, and declared a UNESCO World Biosphere reserve in 1978. We will also visit isolated, picturesque fishing villages and settlements, including Puerto Aguirre, the city of Castro, and Quitralco Fjord with its thermal baths.

We will return to Santiago and then fly west 2,350 miles to Easter Island, the eastern corner of the Polynesian Triangle.

About one thousand 10 to 30-ft tall moais are found on Easter Island, carved out of the volcanic rock. Many moais can be seen in different stages of production and others have been uprighted and replaced on platforms facing out to sea. We’ll also become acquainted with the Easter Island culture. Leading the expedition will be Dr. Peggy Stern, who has led trips in the Andes and South America for many years. Joining her on Easter Island will be a staff assistant of Easter Island’s renowned scientist, Dr. Jo Anne Van Tilburg, who will introduce us to their research site on Easter Island.

We hope you will join us on this unique adventure to explore the scenic and cultural wonders of Santiago, Patagonian Chile, and legendary Easter Island!

From $4,710 plus air.

Brochure (Requires an Adobe pdf reader to view)