CNH Tours - Cultural and Natural Heritage Tours

Dates & Prices & Booking

BOOKINGS ARE OPEN FOR OUR 2026 TRIP

DATES: 2-10 February 2026 (8 nights / 9 days)

# GUESTS: 14

PRICE: $7,475 / person, shared accommodation. Solo price: US$8,795

BOOKING FORM

ATACAMA DESERT EXTENSION (3 nights / 4 days + 1 night pre-trip in Santiago airport hotel): $2,495/person shared; $3,276 solo accommodations

PATAGONIA EXTENSION (4 nights / 5 days): $2,425 / person shared; $2,960 solo accommodations

SOLO TRAVELLER LOOKING FOR A TRAVEL MATE?

Try our "Solo Traveller Matching Service". Provide a few basic details and if someone else (same gender) is looking for a partner on this trip, we'll put you in touch.

Where will we be going?

Distances in Chile are large. Traveling from the northermost point of the country to its southermost point is the equivalent of traveling from Baffin Island in the Arctic to southern Florida. Easter Island is a 5 hour flight from the capital, Santiago.

Visitors to Chile need to be conscious of these distances when planning their trips there.

A long country indeed!

For this reason, we're proposing a trip whose core focuses on central Chile (Santiago the capital, the nearby vineyards) and the iconic Easter Island, while offering optional extensions to San Pedro de Atacama, Chilean Patagonia.

CORE TRIP:

DATES: 2-10 February 2026

1. Santiago (days 1-3)

It will typically be a long flight for most of us. After your arrival, you'll check into our very comfortable hotel in the modern district of the city. You'll have time to freshen up before a mid-afternoon outing to get a sense of the nation's capital, abutting the Andes mountains. On day 2, we'll enjoy full day's outing to appreciate some of its wonders and head out to Easter Island on day 3.

2. Easter Island (days 3-8)

Welcome to the tropics. After the hot, dry enviroment of Santiago, you'll feel the warm humid breeze of Easter Island. This UNESCO World Heritage site is traversed by a good system of paved and dirt roads (and we'll be going down most of them). The longest distance from the main town is barely 20 miles (30km). During the course of our 4 full days in the island, we'll be embarking on 3 half-day trips and a full day trip, leaving you with ample time for some R&R and some independent exploration in the colourful little seaside town of Hanga Roa. If you like, you can arrange for a snorkeling, horseback riding or other activities during your free time - we can help.

There's one very nice beach (Anakena) and we'll be sure you have the chance to enjoy some seaside down-time there on at least one occasion. We're timing our trip to coincide with the annual and very colourful Tapati festival - celebrating Polynesian island life and culture.

3. Casablanca Valley Wineries (days 8-9)

On our return to the continent, we'll head out to a lavish winery west of Santiago, overnighting at their estate hotel. We'll be given a private tour of their operations, we'll be wined (of course) and dined. The next day will have us visit a smaller "start-up" vineyard owned and operated by a passionate couple. We finish our trip with an airport drop-off by mid-afternoon (most outbound international flights are in the evening).

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS:

Optional Extension 1: The Atacama Desert

Dates: 29 Jan - 2 Feb 2026 (4 nights / 5 days)

PRICE (from Santiago, domestic flights included): US$2,495 / person, shared (price based on 8 participants)

Optional Extension 2: Chilean Patagonia and Torres del Paine

DATES: 10-14 February (4 nights / 5 days)

PRICE (from Santiago, domestic flights included): US$3,300 / person, shared (price based on 8 participants)

Itinerary overview

The itinerary below is indicative - the elements noted may vary.

EXTENSION OPTIONS: We are offering 5 day extension options both to the Atacama desert region (before our core Easter Island trip) and to the Chilean Patagonia / Torres del Paine National Park (after the Easter Island trip). MORE DETAILS HERE

DAY 1 (2 February): International arrival to Santiago, Chile. Check-in to our hotel, R&R followed by walking tour (D)

You'll be met at the airport and taken to our hotel Badasoa in a modern and airy Santiago neighbourhood (for early arrivals, you may want to have booked for an early check-in - contact us). You'll have the rest of the day to your own. The neighbourhood is very safe and worth exploring. We'll gather for our first formal event that evening - a welcom cocktail and delicious Chilean dinner, accompanied by your tour leader, Josie Nahoe.

DAY 2 (3 February): Chile before Chile - Full Day tour

An exploration of the past of the Chilean history, the creation of the country and its beginnings. This is the definitive introduction to a dynamic capital city.

We commence our exploration at Santa Lucía Hill where the city was founded in 1541, playing a pivotal role in the city’s history, and making it the ideal place to discuss key historical moments and an introduction to Chilean society. We'll walk on over to La Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas, Ex-Senado (Former Senate Building), Church of San Francisco to later stop for lunch at the local restaurant.

To complete the theme of Santiago’s push towards the Andes, we will stroll along Barrio El Golf.

Created in 1912, El Golf was a disruptive experiment that came to be recognized as one of the best planned neighbourhoods on the continent. With the intention of becoming a garden city, El Golf replaced the typical continuous facades of the capital with chalets and bungalows, excellent restaurants, luxury hotels, and the splendid Plaza Peru, the area is one of the most affluent in the country and certainly the most international, with the offices of multinational companies, and embassies.

After we could see the beginning of our country, now we head to the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art to discover Chile before Chile. We've arranged for quite a special one-hour lecture (in English) on the history of Chile by the Museum's chief curator Felipe Armstrong. Guests tour the museum accompanied by the chief curator who explains each exhibit.

Later, unwind with a cocktail invitation with mainly pre-Columbian products such as salty Andean appetizers and Chilean sweets to share. The meal is accompanied by Chilean wines from the North, Center and South, which harmonize with the gastronomic proposal. A bilingual sommelier explains the wines. The experience will be accompanied by pre-Columbian music.

Finally, driver back to the hotel for a group dinner to end the day.

DAY 3 (4 February): Flight to Easter Island, guided tour of the main town (B, L)

Up early today and after breakfast, we head off to the airport for our 5 hour flight to Rapa Nui. We check into our hotel in the main town of Hanga Roa, settle in a bit and after lunch, our guide will take us on a walking tour of Tahai - taking us through an important archaeological site showcasing the island's unique history and culture. Located near town, Tahai is home to a complex of restored moai statues, ceremonial platforms (ahu), and remnants of ancient village life. We'll have our Rapa Nui welcome drink here, as we admire the sunset.

Hanga Roa - not a huge metropolis!

Day 4 (5 February): Morning tour - three important moai sites (B)

Our local guide, will take us to Ahu Huri a Urenga, a unique ceremonial platform with a solitary moai that is aligned with the winter solstice sunrise.

Our next stop is at Puna Pau, the small red scoria quarry where the distinctive topknots (pukao) that adorned some of the moai were carved. This site provides a fascinating look at the island's quarrying techniques and the effort involved in creating and transporting the pukao. As you explore, you’ll see several unfinished pukao scattered around the quarry, giving a sense of the scale and craftsmanship of these artifacts.

Our last stop will be at Ahu Akivi, one of the few inland moai sites, featuring seven moai that face the ocean.

We head back to the hotel by noon. Enjoy the rest of the day doing some independent exploration, or enjoy a bit of R&R on what will have been a busy trip until now. The Tapati festival should be in full swing, with a variety of events to witness. Your guide will give you all the details.

Day 5 (6 February): Full day tour - volcanoes, ancient quarries and a moai line-up (B, L)

We start our day at Rano Raraku, the volcanic quarry where the majority of the island’s moai were carved. The slopes of the volcano are dotted with hundreds of moai in various stages of completion, creating a surreal and captivating scene. You’ll see partially carved statues still attached to the rock, as well as moai that were never transported.

Next, we visit Ahu Tongariki, the largest ahu (stone platform) on the island, featuring fifteen moai lined up majestically against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The moai here are some of the largest ever erected, and their imposing presence creates a powerful and awe-inspiring atmosphere.

We head off to the white coral sand beach at Anakena for a traditional polynesian lunch barbeque. The pristine turquoise waters and swaying palm trees create a picturesque tropical paradise. This beach is not only beautiful but also historically significant, as it is believed to be the landing site of the island's first settlers, led by the legendary king Hotu Matu’a. Take some time for a refreshing swim and snorkel here. Anakena is also home to the Ahu Nau Nau, a platform with seven moai statues that have been restored to their original standing positions. These moai are unique because they are some of the best-preserved on the island, featuring intricate carvings and detailed facial features.

We return to the hotel later in the afternoon - free evening. The Tapati festival should have some events worth attending.

Day 6 (7 February): Free morning, afternoon tour - panoramic views at Rano Kau, ceremonial village and evidence of South American contact? (B)

Volcano Rano Kau's crater is home to a freshwater lake and lush vegetation, creating a serene and picturesque landscape. As you hike along the crater rim, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the island’s coastline and the vast Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon.

Orongo, an ancient ceremonial village, is perched on the edge of Rano Kau’s crater. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once the center of the island's birdman cult, where competition determined leadership through perilous swimming races to retrieve the first sooty tern egg of the season from the nearby islet of Motu Nui. Walk among the stone houses and ceremonial structures, and imagine the rituals and competitions that took place here centuries ago.

We move on to Ahu Vinapu, an archaeological site renowned for its finely crafted stonework. The precision of the stone masonry here is reminiscent of the techniques used in ancient South American civilizations like the Incas, leading some scholars to speculate about possible cultural connections.

We finish our tour at Ahu Vaihu, a coastal platform scattered with fallen moai statues. This site provides a poignant reminder of the island’s turbulent history, with the toppled statues serving as silent witnesses to the decline of the island’s civilization.

We return to the hotel by late afternoon. Free evening.

Day 7 (8 February): Sunrise tour (B, D)

Logically... we get up before sunrise today and travel to the eastern shore of the island, at Ahu Tongariki, the largest ahu, featuring fifteen majestic moai statues. Positioned on the island's eastern coast, Ahu Tongariki offers an unobstructed view of the horizon, making it an ideal spot to watch the sunrise. We return to the hotel for a late breakfast.

The rest of the day is your's to enjoy. You might have arranged for an activity today (there are all kinds of outfitters in town who can propose various things to do). We meet up for an elaborate farewell dinner.

Day 8 (9 February): Free morning - check-out, flight to the mainland (B, L on flight), overnight at airport hotel

Since our flight doesn't leave until the early afternoon, we have a relaxing morning today - yours to enjoy. The Tapati festival activities should still be on. We'll board the flight and should arrive in Santiago later in the evening. Check-in to a the airport hotel - right at the arrivals area of the airport.

Day 9 (10 February) Casabanca Valley vineyards tour (B, L)

Departure from your hotel towards Casablanca Valley, just 80 km from Santiago and 41 km from Valparaíso. Nestled between the Cordillera de la Costa and the Pacific Ocean, Casablanca Valley has managed to enter the world market for white wines with its high-quality versions of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, due to very peculiar climatic characteristics perfect for its cultivation. Our first stop will be Attilio & Mochi Boutique Vineyard where we will start with a tour of the vineyard, followed by a tasting of 5 wines in our vibrant and warm tasting room, always guided by the owners, Marcos or Angela. You will learn about the processes and characteristics of each one and taste their delicious wines, all surrounded by beautiful nature.

Later we will drive 15 minutes to reach Equilibrio Restaurant in Matetic Vineyard for a 3-course lunch.

In the afternoon, return to Santiago. The day will finish in Santiago International Airport.

The core element of your trip is over. For those going on to Chilean Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park, you'll spend a night at the airport hotel and a guide will meet you the next morning to help with the check-in for your flight to Puerto Natales.

Your Tour Leader

For our 2026 trip, we're very pleased to announce that your tour leader will be Easter Island native Josie Nahoe. She will be meeting you in Santiago at the hotel on 2 February and will be with you until you head back to the Santiago airport at the end of the trip on the 10th of February. While in Easter Island, her role will be more as a tour guide, accompanying you on the excursions around the island, but otherwise letting you enjoy your free time independently in this laid-back tropical locale.

Josie is the daughter of an Easter Island father, an American mother, and granddaughter of American archeologist William Mulloy (he is best known for his studies of Polynesian prehistory, especially his investigations into the production, transportation and erection of the monumental statuary on Easter Island). Josie offers unique perspective, insight, and personal history to Easter Island.

After growing up and receiving an education in the U.S., she relocated to her father’s homeland and shortly thereafter received ‘Top Guide of the Year’ in all of Chile. She is regarded not only as the most insightful guide on the island, but the most engaging as well. She looks forward to sharing the mystery of Easter Island with you.

Extension Options

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS:

Chile is a long way to go for many of us. The country has a lot to offer, and it's not a bad idea to take advantage of your time there. Here's what we propose. You can indicated in your booking form which option(s), if any, you'd like to add on to your trip.

OPTIONAL PRE-TIP EXTENSION 1: The Atacama Desert (4 nights / 5 days)

Dates: 29 Jan - 2 Feb 2026

PRICE (from Santiago, domestic flights included): US$2,495 / person, shared (price based on 8 participants). Solo price: US$3,276

Day 1: Transfer at Santiago airport for flight to San Pedro de Atacama

On arrival, you'll transfer to your very comfortable hotel. Free late afternoon / evening to explore the town.

Day 2: Moon Valley, Ayllus, and Atacameñan Tasting - Half day (with driver-guide) (B)

Today we will begin our experience with an outdoor breakfast at a strategic point from where we can observe the Andes Mountains, the Salt Mountain Range, and everything that surrounds the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. We will be able to understand the origin of the waters that irrigate the town and allow life in the middle of the desert.

Fog nothwithstanding, we should be able to enjoy the sunrise in this place before heading to the Moon Valley, located amidst the Salt Mountain Range. It is an area of sculptural rock formations whose salinity emerges to the surface, covering the landscape with a whitish and dry mantle that gives the place a lunar surface appearance.

Among dunes and expanses of crystallized gypsum stones, small hills and sharp ridges created by erosion appear. We continue our journey towards the Ayllus, the name given to the ancient social groups of the Lickan-Antai or Atacameño culture, which gathered in agro-pastoral communities of one or several families per lineage and descent. This territorial organization remains today.

To better understand the life of those who inhabit the oasis today, we include a visit to an Ayllu (a local community), where we will walk through narrow alleys surrounded by cultivable lands with their orchards, large native trees, irrigation canals, and old adobe houses. A tasting prepared by an Atacameño family with fresh and organic ingredients from their lush garden will allow us to experience some typical flavors of the desert and the highlands.

If the skies permit, we'll head out to do some stargazing tonight - taking advantage of some of the clearest and darkest skies on earth.

Day 3: Atacama Salt Flats, Altiplanic Lagoons & Toconao (B, L)

Tour through the most extensive plain in the area that leads to the great Salar de Atacama, coarse and white surface, where shallow water is home to a great number of flamingos that choose this water for nesting. Geologic studies consider this salt flat is one of the most important lithium deposits on Earth, about 40%. Near weak water streams, some small towns are located, being Toconao one of the most picturesque ones, with its original architecture in pumice, highlighted by its old church. It is a town that invites people to walk around its streets, and know the locals, who dedicate their lives to handicrafts of fine wool.

After Toconao, a tour on Laguna Chaxa, part of Los Flamencos National Reservation. Located at 2,300 m (7,545 ft.) AMSL, this lagoon is scenery of astonishing beauty seen in a lagoon divided in several water mirrors, where the salt crusts are especially abundant and where several flamingo communities live.

Then, a visit to the gorgeous Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, at 4,500 m (14,763 ft.) AMSL. In its landscapes, it is possible to see different colors on the mountain chain. Besides, its flora and fauna are unique, since they can only be found in these protected areas.

The height allows the proximity to mountains and volcanoes, some of which are sacred and have inspired beautiful legends about the Desierto de Atacama.

Socaire town will also be visited, a place in which the ancestral traditions have lasted through time thanks to its inhabitants – shepherds or agricultures that farm the Pachamama, using the ancient system of Andean terraces.

Day 4: Tatio Geysers (B)

Early morning departure from your hotel. We will travel around 43 miles to the El Tatio geothermal field, which in the "Kunza" language means "the grandfather who cries". We will arrive before dawn to enjoy the contrasts between the sunlight and the vapors that emerge from the earth.

The geysers are located in the Andean mountain range at more than 4,300 m.a.s.l. (13,000 feet) and are the largest geothermal field in South America and the third largest in the world, with their "vents" of steam that can reach a height of 50 meters (164 feet) due to the heating of magma caused by mountain waters flowing through cracks in the earth's crust. After watching the sunrise, we will enjoy a local breakfast and have free time to explore the area.

On our way back to the town we will visit the small village of Machuca, located more than 4000 meters above sea level, and practically unpopulated, due to the drastic emigration of families to neighboring towns. After the pandemic, few families have returned to agricultural, pastoral activities, and goat cheese production. Machuca is located in a small wetland where it is possible to see flamingos, ducks and Andean seagulls.

Return to your hotel.

Day 5: Flight back to Santiago - transfer to you hotel, hosted cocktails and dinner (B, D)

Your time in Atacama has come to an end. You'll fly back to Santiago on an early afternoon departure. You arrive at your Santiago hotel with some time to gather yourself before our "Easter Island" component of the trip begins (with a private cocktail and dinner at the hotel).

OPTIONAL POST-TIP EXTENSION2: Chilean Patagonia and Torres del Payne

PRICE (from Santiago, domestic flights included): US$2,425 / person, shared (price based on 8 participants), US$2,960 solo

DATES: 10-14 February (4 nights / 5 days). NOTE: The 1st night is at the Santiago airport hotel.

Day 1: Check-in to the Santiago Airport Hotel (B)

Today, you're arriving in the late afternoon back from the core trip's visit to the Casablanca valley vineyards. You'll check into the airport hotel for a well-deserved relaxing evening.

Day 2: Flight from Santiago to Puerto Natales (B)

Puerto Natales is a city in Chilean Patagonia, located 247 kilometers northwest of Punta Arenas and 1,373 kilometers to the south of Santiago. Originally it was inhabited by the Kawésqar and the Tehuelche tribes, followed by European settlements, and later by Chilean people; all attracted by the sheep farming industry. Nowadays, one of the most important activities is tourism and thanks to the development of this industry, you can enjoy a world class gastronomy and hospitality service.

Free late afternoon and evening to explore the town. It won't get dark anytime soon!

Day 2: Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier Navigation - Full day (B, L)

We head out earl to the harbour and embark on our sea journey. We start with a visit to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, passing through the Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope) Fjord and observing beautiful mountains, waterfalls, ranches and Patagonian birds.

Our first stop will be at the Balmaceda Glacier, where we will disembark and take a walk through native forests until we reach a viewpoint where we will have incredible views of the glacier. Return and then we will continue to the Serrano Glacier, which can be appreciated from the boat.

Before returning to Puerto Natales, we will make a stop at Estancia Perales (or similar), to enjoy a delicious Magellan-style lunch, arriving back at the hotel later in the afternoon. You may not be hungry for dinner tonight...

Day 3: Torres del Paine National Park (B,L)

Depart from your hotel in the morning for a full day tour to Torres del Paine National Park, considered the eighth wonder of the world. We will take the coast road towards the first stop: the millennial "Cueva del Milodon", a huge natural feature, where it is believed that primitive men and milodon inhabited. Here we will take a short walk to discover its beauty and history.

Then we will make a 30 minutes stop at the village of Cerro Castillo, a large cattle ranch once owned by the well-known Tierra del Fuego Exploitation Society. We will continue between Patagonian ranches until entering Torres del Paine National Park, a true spectacle where guanacos, condors and ñandúes usually accompany the beautiful views of the park. We will visit its main attractions, including the Nordenskjold and Pehoé lakes and the beautiful "Salto Grande", where we will take a walk of about 30 minutes to contemplate this beautiful waterfall.

During the tour we will be able to see lakes, rivers and a great variety of flora and fauna. Later we will stop for lunch and then we will resume the journey to the last stop: Grey Lake with its Glacier in the background, which is part of the Southern Ice Field. Here we will hike through the lenga forests to the beach of this incredible lake, where we can enjoy the icebergs showing their beauty, shapes and colors in the presence of all visitors.

The tour ends with the return to your hotel in Puerto Natales between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Day 4: Head back to Santiago (B)

Check out for a late morning flight back to Santiago, arriving there earlier in the afteroon, in time for most international departures should you be ending your time in Chile today.

What's Included? Not Included?

YOUR TRIP INCLUDES

Airport transfers for all domestic flights
All accommodations in hand-picked hotels with a view on comfort, quiet and charm.
Domestic flights - economy class. Contact us for upgrades
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Professional bilingual guides
Private ground transportation with professional drivers
Entrance to sites and parks
Wine tasting and vineyard tour
Emergency medical evacuation to US$200,000
Carbon offsets for in-country emissions

NOT INCLUDED:

International airfare
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Travel insurance (we highly recommend emergency medical, trip cancellation and trip interruption)
Tips (we recommend budgeting a total of apx. US$250 or so / person for all tips during the trip), along the following lines:
- Bus drivers: $4/day
- Guides: $10/day
Any personal expenses

Your accommodations

On arrival in Santiago: Hotel Bidasoa - 2 nights

This hotel has a very nice "organic" vibe. Family owned and operated, CNH Tours owners inspected it personally and very much enjoyed it.

Santiago airport: Holiday Inn Airport hotel - 1 night

We can't always be staying in charming boutique hotels sadly. As we'll be arriving later in the day, and as our flight tomorrow is quite early in the morning, we thought we'd spend the night here - comfortable and no-nonsense - and very practical - it's just 4 minute walk to the check-in counters at the airport.

Easter Island / Rapa Nui: Taha Tai hotel - 5 nights

Taha Tai hotel is simple and welcoming place, offering a serene environment just a 2 minute walk to the seaside and 10 minutes to the town harbour. It features well-appointed rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant serving local and international dishes and beautiful gardens that provide a peaceful setting for relaxation.

Santiago airport: Holiday Inn Airport hotel - 1 night

We're back! Our flight back to the mainland has us arriving quite late, and as we have an on-going flight to Puerto Montt the next morning, we once again opt for a non-nonsense aiport hotel for practical reasons.

PRE-CORE TRIP EXTENSIN TO SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA - 3 nights

Hotel Desértica, situated is in the heart of San Pedro de Atacama giving your the freedom to independently explore this small town. It offers guests a tranquil retreat that blends indigenous architecture with modern comforts. The hotel features circular rooms inspired by pre-Hispanic Atacama constructions.

POST-CORE TRIP EXTENSION TO CHILEAN PATAGONIA / TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK (4 nights - 1 at Santiago airport hotel)

Hotel Costaustralis is a modern hotel reflecting the Euopean cultural heritage of many of the settlers who arrived in this part of the world. It offers very nice views of the Última Esperanza Sound and the Patagonian landscape. Its location allows easy access to the city's gastronomic, cultural, and entertainment offerings.