Days 1, 2 & 3:  Santiago, Chile
March 4, 5 & 6, 2012

Guests arrive in Santiago and are transferred to the hotel; trip orientation during a Welcome Cocktail Reception with Tour Director Richard Koegl; Santiago sightseeing including the Palacio de la Moneda Presidential Palace, Plaza de Armas, Barrio Concha y Toro, and Cerro San Cristobal; exquisite winetastings and visits to the vineyards in the Maipo Valley and the City of Pirque; Valparaiso including Pablo Neruda’s Residence; Viña del Mar.  The Ritz Carlton.

Days 4, 5 & 6:  San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
March 7, 8 & 9, 2012

Regularly scheduled morning flight to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama and the Alto Atacama Lodge.  Three full days to explore and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. The luxurious Alto Atacama Lodge is situated in a spectacular and private location, tucked away in a valley of serene beauty, in the shadow of the Pukará de Quitor ruins and with the San Pedro River winding its way discreetly alongside. The perfect base for exploring the desert, cultural encounters, or simply absorbing the breathtaking landscape.  The Lodge has created a programme of activities so all guests can experience the local area in the way that want to.  There is something for everyone, from visiting the local museum to climbing a volcano, to walking local trails to relaxing at the foot of the Salt Mountains.  Daily excursions are designed for travelers who love extraordinary places and there are several daily activities from which to choose, and which do not require any special physical training or technical abilities.   Half or full days excursions can be enjoyed by vehicle, on foot, by bicycle or a combination of all three.   Alto Atacama Lodge.

Days 7 & 11:  Santiago, Chile
March 10 & 14, 2012

On Day 7 we enjoy a morning of activities at Alto Atacama Lodge before making our way to the airport for a late afternoon, regularly scheduled flight back to Santiago and overnight at the Airport Holiday Inn.  Flights to and from Easter Island are once a day so we enjoy some time here to re-group before our next exploration.  On Day 11 we arrive back in Santiago from Easter Island for overnight.  Flights to Lima leave early the next morning.  Airport Holiday Inn – Standard Rooms.

Days 8, 9 & 10:  Easter Island, Chile
March 11, 12 & 13, 2012

A regularly scheduled early morning flight to Mataven or Easter Island where we are greeted traditionally with floral collars before checking in to our luxuriously refined hotel, the Altiplanico.  Easter Island is a World Heritage Site and the most isolated place on the face of the Earth, situated 2,300 miles from mainland Chile. Although more ‘Polynesian’ than South American in character, the 64 square mile island was annexed by Chile in 1888 and is now famous as the world’s largest ‘open air Museum’ on account of the ‘Moai’:  the large, stone statues of which there are more than six hundred on the island.  We have three days to explore the island including a drive to Rano Raraku volcano, where 95% of all moai were carved; the restored Ahu Tongariki which holds a row of fifteen spectacular moai; the north coast and La Perousse Bay for the Ahu Te Pito Kura, the site of the largest moai ever transported and erected onto an ahu; the beach of Anakena where according to native legend Hotu Matua first landed on the island;  Ahu Vinapu with its incredible stone walls similar to those built by the ancient Incas; and a visit up to the Rano Kau volcano to the ceremonial village of Orongo, the centre of the “Bird Man” cult.  We also visit Father Sebastian Englert Museum which contains a variety of Ahu.  There is also time to relax at our spectacular hotel and explore town independently.  Hotel Altiplanico

Day 12:  Lima, Peru
March 15, 2012

A regularly scheduled morning flight to Lima, Peru; Lima sightseeing including Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Church of San Francisco, and the modern districts of Miraflores and San Isidro.  Orient Express Miraflores Park Hotel - Executive Rooms.

Days 13, 14 & 15:  Cusco, Peru
March 16, 17 & 18, 2012

A regularly scheduled morning flight to Cusco, the former ancient capital of the Inca Empire.  Cusco sightseeing including the Cathedral on Plaza de Armas and Santo Domingo Church; the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman; Qenqo, an Incan shrine dedicated to the Earth Mother; Puka Pukara; the Sacred Valley of the Inkas including a visit to the village of Pisac, known for its lively and colorful daily market; the fortress of Ollantaytambo; Piquillacta, one of the most important centers of the Wari Culuture which flourished around 600AD; the 17th century church in Andahuaylillas; the ruins of Tipon; and a special dinner served within the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, a structure originally build as an Inca ceremonial court in 1450AD.  Orient Express Monasterio Hotel – Deluxe Rooms

Day 16:  Machu Picchu, Peru
March 19, 2012

This morning board the Orient Express operated Hiram Bingham train bound for Machu Picchu, a 69 mile track that weaves through the Sacred Andean Valley of the Incas; afternoon exploration of the World UNESCO site of Machu Picchu. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel – Superior Rooms

Day 17:  Cusco, Peru
March 20, 2012

It is said that Machu Picchu is a place of great spirituality and the ultimate spiritual moment of the day happens at sunrise. This morning therefore there is an option to rise early and view the world’s most spectacularly situated ruins at sunrise.  Further exploration of Machu Picchu before lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge; early evening embark the Hiram Bingham train back to Cusco and enjoy a gourmet dinner on board.  Orient Express Monasterio Hotel – Deluxe Rooms

Day 18:  Lima, Peru
March 21, 2012

A regularly scheduled morning flight back to Lima;  afternoon sightseeing including a visit to the Gold Museum containing golden Inca, pre-Inca and European artifacts; and the Archaeological Museum Rafael Larco Herrara, the biggest private collection of Pre-Columbian art the world; final night cocktail reception and dinner at one of the city’s most renowned restaurants.  Orient Express Miraflores Park Hotel - Executive Rooms.

Day 19:  Departure Lima, Peru
March 22, 2012

Chile, Easter Island & Peru Tour Fees:

US$10,925.00 per person land cost based on minimum 10 guests in shared accommodation.

US$2,865.00 per person domestic air flights in economy class including departure taxes as follows:  Santiago / Calama / Santiago / Easter Island / Santiago / Lima / Cusco / Lima.  *Due to the instability and fluctuation of fuel costs, fuel surcharges and rates on domestic air flights are subject to increase until ticket issuance. 

US$2,895.00 Single Supplement.

Trip Cancellation Insurance: Call for rates.   

Tour Fee Includes:

18 nights in superior deluxe hotels with priority rooms as indicated and available; breakfast daily, 12 lunches and 10 dinners; bottled water provided while sightseeing and at all included meals; Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Receptions; all sightseeing, entrance fees and transfers by private air-conditioned motorcoach / cars / minivan where available with professional English-speaking local guides and representatives throughout; baggage handling, taxes, service charges and gratuities to all local guides, drivers, waiters, porters, and both Alto Atacama and Altiplanico Lodge staff and guides; services of professional Oasis Tour Director Richard Koegl; Oasis pre-departure information.

Not Included:

International airfare to Santiago, Chile / from Lima, Peru; tourist entry visa or ‘reciprocity fee’ for Chile; non-medical / accident / baggage / cancellation insurances; any items of a personal nature.

CHILE

Santiago:  The Ritz Carlton

While the exterior of the Ritz-Carlton Santiago may appear remarkably understated when compared to other hotels in the city, once inside it becomes clear that this is undoubtedly Santiago's finest hotel. This is the Ritz-Carlton’s first property in South America and it doesn’t disappoint.  The hotel boasts a privileged location in the heart of the uptown El Golf neighbourhood, with its numerous restaurants, cafés, elegant boutiques, and plazas.  The hotel has 205 guestrooms, a rooftop Health and Fitness Center overlooking the Andes Mountains and the city, an indoor pool and Jacuzzi, and four exceptional restaurants and lounges.  Classically designed guestrooms are sumptuous and have dazzling views over the city.  Amenities include electronic safes, high-speed internet access, satellite TV and 24-hour in-room dining service.

Santiago (Airport):  Holiday Inn Santiago Airport

Sleek, contemporary design and a remarkable location make the Holiday Inn Santiago Airport a perfect choice for our two brief stays here.  We are steps from arrivals and departures and the lobby of the hotel is equipped with monitors showing flight details in real time.  The hotel offers free Wi-Fi access and has a business center, indoor swimming pool, sauna and a Fitness Center.   Guestrooms are modern and comfortable, and sound-proofed against airport noise.  Amenities include free wired and Wi-Fi internet, satellite television, and electronic safety deposit boxes.

San Pedro de Atacama:  Alto Atacama Lodge

Surrounded and embraced by the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range) and close to the pre-Columbian ruins of Quitor, Alto Atacama offers one of the most astonishing settings in the world.  Silence, colors and the rugged texture of the mountains around will be the introduction for the Alto Atacama experience.  The Lodge is located in the fertile Catarpe valley, just 3 kilometers away from the San Pedro plaza.  Alto Atacama has been built in the style of a traditional adobe settlement, complete with llamas and native plants.  All elements were carefully designed to integrate with the indigenous building patterns of the Likanantay people.  The Lodge has state of the art facilities including a complete Spa, Yoga fields, hot springs, wooden decks with 6 swimming pools, an international bar and a cozy common room with a big fireplace. Add the most impressive sights of the Milky Way to all of that and you start getting the picture.  The 32 rooms are spacious, decorated with local crafts and all have a private terrace with a great view. They follow the Alto Atacama concept, which is simple luxury, tranquility and space.

Easter Island:  Hotel Altiplanico

Altiplanico Easter Island is designed in the style of the traditional Easter Island boathouse, with luxurious gardens, a beautiful swimming pool overlooking the sea and large open spaces to relax after experiencing the seductive mysteries of the island.   The hotel has sixteen spacious and elegant double and triple guestrooms that follow a mission of combining a boutique hotel experience with nature.  The hotel wishes to emphasize first rate service, privacy and the feeling of local, indigenous culture within the property.  Hotel Altiplanico is built on a private property overlooking the sea and is just a 10 minute walk from the town of Hanga Roa.  Guestrooms are independent units, linked by exterior corridors of stone, sand, or grass, and each has a private terrace.  The private ensuite bathroom shower opens to the exterior to feel ‘at one’ with nature.  Décor is simple and tasteful and the architectural objective is to encourage guests to live in a more open, outdoor space, enjoying the views and landscape and thus feel Easter Island’s unique energy.

PERU

Lima:  Orient Express Miraflores Park Hotel

This stylish property is ideally situated near the Larcomar shopping center in the residential district of Miraflores, and on clear days offers unrivaled views of the Pacific Ocean. Recently taken over by Orient Express, the hotel exudes class and is a favorite with both independent and business travelers. It has all the services one would expect including a rooftop heated swimming pool, a full Spa, and Fitness Center.  Guestrooms are spacious, luxurious and elegantly appointed.  Amenities include wireless internet access, direct dial international telephone, satellite TV, ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs and separate shower, electronic safes and a minibar.

Cusco:  The Orient Express Monasterio Hotel

Originally built in 1592 on the site of the Inca Amaru Kuala Palace, the building was a monastery up until 1995, when it was converted into a 106-room hotel. Taken over by Orient Express Hotels, the property oozes ambience and takes full advantage of its unique history.  Guestrooms are full of character due to the historic nature of the building and service is excellent.  As with many of the hotels in the region, coca tea is complimentary to assist with the altitude, and oxygen can be provided on request. The Monasterio Hotel is nicely situated a short walk from the Main Square, or Plaza de Armas.

Machu Picchu:  Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel

The intimate 85 room Eco Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel is situated in a secluded 12 acre cloud forest setting with close proximity to the train station in the town of Aguas Calientes.  The casita-style hotel has a small swimming pool, chapel, boutique, and unique spa offering a variety of therapies and massage.  There is internet access and an excellent restaurant serving regional cuisine.

The Hiram Bingham Train

The Hiram Bingham train is the most luxurious way to journey between Cusco and Machu Picchu. For many visitors a trip to Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime experience, and the Hiram Bingham assures a magical journey, never to be forgotten.  The Hiram Bingham is named after the explorer who discovered the fascinating remains of the Inca citadel, Machu Picchu on July 23rd 1911. The carriages are painted a distinctive blue and gold and the interiors are luxurious, warm and inviting with elegant decoration in the style of the 1920's Pullman trains.  As passengers step on board they are surrounded by a world of polished wood, gleaming cutlery and glittering crystal.  The train is composed of two dining cars, an observation bar car, a kitchen car, and can carry up to 84 passengers.