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Journey to the remote lands of Easter Island and the Atacama

Chile

Archaeology and otherworldly landscapes reign large on this exploration of Rapa Nui with its monumental moai and the Atacama’s mountains, deserts, and geysers.

Overview

A journey through Chile’s extreme wonders

This trip offers travelers the Chilean adventure of a lifetime! Experience the vibrant culture and history of Santiago as we explore iconic landmarks, visit the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, and taste the region’s vintages at a local winery. We'll also fly to Easter Island for an unforgettable stay at an environmentally conscious resort and learn the enigmatic past of the Rapa Nui people. Marvel at the legendary moai statues while exploring the island on foot, by bike, or van.

The Atacama Desert is a veritable kaleidoscope of landscapes and geological features: salt flats, geysers, and high-altitude lagoons. Along with expertly guided tours of the desert’s treasures, we’ll enjoy delicious cuisine and luxurious, distinctive accommodations.

Dates

April 19–30, 2027

Duration

12 days

Price

From $14,395 per person

Trip size

32 participants
Reserve(opens new window)

Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Stephan Graham

Geological Sciences

Stephan Graham will address how plate tectonics and volcanoes work; the geology of Chile; and climate change—past, present and future.

Learn more about Stephan

Professor Graham’s lectures and the opportunity to converse with him were a highlight of the trip. His lectures were fascinating, entertaining, and related so perfectly to what we were seeing each day. His enthusiasm for his field made me really excited about understanding the environment around us.”

—Anne Beyer, ’86

Itinerary

Chart your course of discovery

Tour Santiago to see the city’s top highlights. Then, fly to Easter Island for a four-night stay at an eco-resort and to learn about the Rapa Nui people and marvel at the legendary moai statues. Return to Santiago for a full-day excursion to the wine region before flying to the Atacama Desert, where we take in other-worldly landscapes and look for endemic wildlife.

  • Santiago, Chile

    Arrive in Santiago, the capital and largest city of Chile. Settle into our luxurious hotel located in the chic neighborhood of Lastarria. On our tour of Santiago this afternoon, take in the city sights, including the Plaza de Armas, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago and the presidential palace. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner this evening. 

    Accommodations:

    The Singular

    Included meal: Dinner

  • Easter Island

    This morning depart Santiago on a flight to Easter Island. Upon arrival in the early afternoon, transfer to the Explora Lodge Rapa Nui, our home for the next four nights. The lodge was designed to have minimal visual and ecological impact on its surroundings, with each room boasting a prime view of the Pacific Ocean. After checking in, enjoy one of the lodge’s many afternoon activities.

    Accommodations:

    Explora Rapa Nui Lodge

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • to

    Easter Island

    Spend three days immersed in the legacy of the Rapa Nui culture. We've partnered with our lodge’s seasoned guides to create a comprehensive itinerary that brings Easter Island's rich Polynesian heritage to life. Experience the island's most iconic sites—the monumental Tongariki platform with 15 moai statues, the dramatic Birdman ceremonial village at Orongo crater, pristine Anakena Beach, the remarkable Rano Raraku quarry where nearly 400 moai remain unfinished, and vibrant Hanga Roa village. Active travelers may choose from an extensive menu of more vigorous hikes and explorations.

    Accommodations:

    Explora Rapa Nui Lodge

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Santiago

    Enjoy breakfast and a morning at leisure before we depart Easter Island and return to Santiago, arriving in the evening. Choose from one of the nearby award-winning restaurants for dinner on our own this evening.

    Accommodations:

    The Singular

    Included meal: Breakfast

  • Santiago and Casablanca Valley

    After breakfast, visit the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. The museum's permanent collection includes a diverse assemblage of pottery, sculptures and textiles from Mesoamerica, the Amazon, the Caribbean and Central and Southern Andes. Highlights of the museum include pieces from the Inca and Aztec empires and Chinchorro mummies. After the museum, drive to the Casablanca Valley for a winery visit and tasting. The climate and geological conditions results in intensely fruity wines with unique flavors.

    Accommodations:

    The Singular

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

  • Atacama

    Fly early this morning to Calama and drive to San Pedro de Atacama, the entrance to the Atacama Desert, known as the archaeological capital of Chile. Check in to the Explora Atacama Lodge, which serves as our home base for the next four nights. After an orientation with our expert guides, relax and enjoy the lodge amenities or head out on an excursion.

    Accommodations:

    Explora Atacama Lodge

    Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
  • to

    Atacama

    Enjoy three full days exploring one of the world’s largest and most arid deserts. Our lodge’s expert guides lead us through the Atacama Desert's most breathtaking landscapes. Discover the region's geological wonders—the sculpted Salt Mountain Range glowing at sunset, the expansive Atacama Salt Flat where flamingos wade through mirror-like lagoons, the soothing Puritama hot springs hidden in a desert oasis, the dramatic eruptions at Tatio Geysers, and Rainbow Valley's brilliantly colored mineral cliffs. Extended explorations and challenging treks are available for those seeking more adventure.

    See why the area is named the “Stargazing Capital of the World” on a special evening observatory visit that showcases the southern hemisphere's clearest night skies. Throughout our stay, take in the vast beauty of the land and dine on locally sourced meals featuring native ingredients such as chañar and cachiyuyo.

    Accommodations:

    Explora Atacama Lodge

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Atacama / Santiago / Home

    Transfer to the airport for our return flight to Santiago, where we connect with homeward flights.

    Included meal: Breakfast

Trip details

Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime

From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.

About Explora Lodge Rapa Nui

We spend four nights at the Explora Rapa Nui Lodge, set in a quiet location outside Easter Island’s main town, Hanga Roa, and the perfect base for exploring this UNESCO world heritage site. Our lodge is a very comfortable, full-service, adventure-oriented property offering excellent food and upscale accommodation. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified design maximizes the natural air flow of the surrounding environment, eliminating the need for air-conditioning. The lodge offers a variety of activities, ranging from driving and hiking tours of the moai sculptures to cycling trips, boat trips, and snorkeling. Facilities for downtime include a spa, hot tub, outdoor swimming pool, sauna, and massages (at additional cost).

About Explora Atacama Lodge

San Pedro de Atacama is an entrance gate to one of the largest and most arid deserts on our planet: the Atacama Desert. Considered the archaeological capital of Chile, its mountains, deserts, salt deposits, lagoons, volcanoes, geysers, towns, and people have made it a favorite destination in the last few years. The Explora Atacama Lodge is located in the Ayllu de Larache (initially a kin-based community of the ancient Aymara people), near the village of San Pedro de Atacama. The 42-acre grounds comprise 20 indigenous parcels, some with timeworn pathways and buildings that Explora is committed to preserving out of a profound respect for the area’s original inhabitants. Options for daily activities include walking, hiking, biking, as well as enjoying time in the spa, sauna, and outdoor swimming pool. We spend four nights here.

Getting Around

As Santiago is best explored on foot, we embark on walking tours to see the sights. We travel by plane to reach Rapa Nui and the Atacama Desert. In both places, we use 15-passenger vans for our transport. On-tour flights are booked in economy class; upgrades may be purchased on a request and space-available basis.

Activity level

The activity level of this program is high; however, it is possible to choose a slightly less strenuous experience. The activities at the two Explora Lodges include early morning and afternoon walks and hikes, though travelers can opt for excursions that are less demanding. Participants should be prepared for one to five miles of walking each day (with options for longer hikes at our lodges) and feel comfortable walking on gravel and dirt paths. Though Santiago and Rapa Nui are both at sea level, our lodge in the Atacama Desert is located at approximately 8,000 feet above sea level, and excursions there can range from 8,000 to 14,000 feet above sea level.

Pricing

Secure your spot today

The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours, and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

Price

Double occupancy:
$14,395 per person

Single occupancy:
$17,395 per person

Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $450 per person.

What’s included?

  • Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including an education resource list and travel information

  • Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program

  • Meals, tours, and excursions as described in the itinerary

  • Gratuities to guides and drivers for all group activities

  • 10 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations (including 1 pre-trip night for early arrivals)

  • On-tour roundtrip flights (economy class*): Santiago/Easter Island, Santiago/Calama

  • Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days

  • Minimal medical, accident, and evacuation coverage 

You are responsible for your personal travel expenses, including flights to and from the program.

*Upgrades to premium economy may be available upon request. 


Deposits, payments, and cancellations

A $2,500-per-person deposit is required to reserve space on this program. Final payment is due 150 days prior to program start. Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee, until 150 days prior to program start. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and we resell your place(s), in which case a $2,500-per-person cancellation fee will apply.

Join us in Chile

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