The Atacama Desert and Easter Island: Different Worlds

After you enroll, we’ll ask you to provide or update your personal information and preferences, which includes your health information, lodging and meal preferences for your program.

A passport is required for this program. It must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

This information about travel documents pertains to participants holding U.S. passports. Non-U.S. citizens should refer to their country's requirements to ensure they have the necessary documentation for travel.

United States citizens don’t need a visa for any of the countries you’ll be visiting. Non-U.S. citizens should refer to their country's requirements to ensure they have the necessary documentation for travel.

Please consult with your physician about the physical demands of the program and your participation in it well before departure. If you have any questions or concerns about aspects of the program, please contact the PII Road Scholar office. No additional immunizations are required but hepatitis and flu inoculations are suggested. You should consult your personal physician or a travel clinic 6–8 weeks prior to departure. Because of the nature of this program, agility is a must. Participants should be in good health, able to stand comfortably for 30 minutes at a stretch, and walk at least one mile in heat and humidity. Please be aware that one mile on flat land at home is less strenuous than one mile in a warm and humid environment. (please note that if a cane is required for steadiness while walking, participants may be unable to experience certain parts of the program.) Sidewalks are virtually non-existent in most areas, and uneven terrain will be encountered everywhere. On many field trips our transportation will drive on unpaved roads which can be very bumpy. Physical activities include walking (and hiking for those who desire), sometimes on slippery trails; maneuvering your way over roots and rocks to approach archaeological sites; going up hills. If balance is ever a problem, we urge you to bring a collapsible cane with you. The mean water temperature in Rapa Nui is 70°, so swimming will only be for the hardy.

If Road Scholar is arranging your air travel to and from the program, and you travel on the scheduled start and end dates, you’ll receive free round-trip transfers from the airport to the hotel.

Arrival day is on October 18, 2025

Meet the group at Hotel Diego de Almagro Providencia in Santiago

Start of Trip:  Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. followed by lunch and Orientation.

Getting to the site: A group arrival transfer is organized for all participants who purchased an air inclusive program and arrive on the group date. Independent travelers are responsible for making their own transfer to the start hotel. Arturo Merino Benitez Airport is 21km (13 miles) from Santiago (travel time – 30 minutes). You can get from the airport to downtown Santiago by taxi for approximately $35; via bus Tur Bus (tel. 2/671-7380) or Centro Puerto Bus (2/601-9883) for about $2; via shuttle Transvip (tel. 2/677 3000), which will deliver you to any address within the city. There is no subway connection. (Prices subject to change). It is recommended you only take official taxis which can be booked at the counters outside of customs.

Getting to the site by train or bus: Not applicable.

Your trip ends on: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 in Santiago at Hotel Diego de Almagro Providencia

End of Trip: 4:30 p.m. after lunch; 12:00 Noon hotel check-out.

Getting to the airport: Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport is the nearest major airport and is situated 23 km (14 miles) from the city. Independent travelers can take a taxi from the hotel to the airport (approx. $35 USD) or join the designated group transfer at no additional cost. This transfer is generally scheduled for the early evening for flights departing late evening.

Information if you are purchasing your own airfare: Participants who have not purchased airfare through Road Scholar are responsible for making their own transfer arrangements to the first site at the beginning of the program, as well as from the last site at the end of the program. The Information Packet Road Scholar sends in advance of the program includes details needed to make your transfer arrangements. If you wish to purchase airfare through Road Scholar, please call (800) 241-1404. Please note: In the unlikely event Road Scholar must make changes to the program's arrival or departure details, we will notify all participants as soon as possible. Participants who have purchased Road Scholar airfare are protected against airline change fees; however, anyone who has not purchased Road Scholar airfare will be required to make their own adjustments and may incur fees imposed by the airline.