When most people of Santiago holiday they do not think think the combination with other attractions in this part of the world. In fact, Santiago is only a short flight away from the magnificent, Rapa Nui, known to most of us stared as Easter Island, with his dark brooding statuesque head out to sea.

However, Santiago first, and what it has to offer. If the right travel company you have your own driver to pick you up from the airport for a comfortable business-class flight and take you to your hotel. Only you and your partner – no exchange of buses or taxis. You have to enjoy the dinner in your own table, without sharing the inconvenience, the table with the same people during your vacation. Not that is necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes you can pitch your table with your partner – you know what I mean.

Santiago is a beautiful city in which colonial rule and the traditional Spanish-style building built, although the Parque Forestal very similar to the Champs d’Elysees. The best part is the rise of San Cristobal Hill and the views of the city is 300 meters further down in the Andean background. If you are not fit you can see the cable car or funicular. Both are good. There is also a zoo and a Japanese garden at the top, and a chapel, and you can not almost 15 meters high Virgin Mary, which overlooks the city.

Once you are here is to explore large Santiago, but that is very close to the Maipo Valley, Chile’s oldest wine region. The main grape variety is Cabernet Sauvignon, and the climate is for a rich bold wine that deserves its international reputation ideal. Make sure you visit at least one vineyard and winery, because these are well worth tasting. The Maipo Valley is close enough for your visit and be back in time for dinner in the evening.

As already mentioned, Santiago is not far from Easter Island, known as the locals Rapu Nui. This island is part of the Polynesian islands – in fact, is the easternmost and so on to the next South American mainland. His famous carved heads were initially standing by the waist, but gradually settled by erosion.

This volcanic island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a special area of Chile. It is also an example of the human influence on what was once a rich ecosystem. Prior to human colonization of the island had a diverse biological system, with rich bird colonies. Unfortunately, these have now disappeared and many species of birds land which have not migrated, are now extinct. The island was once covered with trees, but deforestation has died out among the harshest in the world with all of the island species.

but are still a couple of coconut palms and eucalyptus, although it is believed that most native trees were destroyed to provide timber for the transportation and installation of stone statues, of which there were originally more than a thousand on the island. You must also visit one of the three volcanoes on the island, from a stone, Ranu Raruka, set the header.

Other places of interest on Easter Island, the Orongo National Park are being formed with a circular lake of a volcanic crater, and the village of Orongo, where the “bird-man cult began after the construction of the statues stopped. This until the 1860s, as Rapa Nui entered a new phase of modern lasted, even though their tradition is still full of stories about the common cannibalism that was everywhere in Polynesia. Be careful what you eat! < br />
The bird man named Manu was the Tangatu, and the winner of the annual race for the first egg of the sooty tern (manurtara to collect). The competitors had to the small island of Motu Nui, swimming at the coast of Easter Island are looking for, the first egg and then swim back and climb Rapas Nui the cliff to the village Orongo. The winner was Tangatu Matu, and was given great power on Easter Island for the year. Many were from falling from the cliff, or by sharks killed. paintings of birds in the men can “be seen Cannibal Cave”.

You will then have up to Santiago as the local airport is only small returns. But this is no great need because you will be able to enjoy for another fine meal in one of the many excellent restaurants in the Chilean city, including the restaurant Happening (Argentine actually) fillet – a heavy Tournedos, but be sure to book find. You Apoquindo find it on the avenue and get a great main course for under $ 15.

– the best way to visit this part of South America. Because you took the trouble made have to travel so far, you should make the most of it, and a trip to Easter Island is a must, as a trip to the Galapagos Islands is a must if you visit Ecuador. In fact, take a month and they both fit in!