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Witness one of the world’s greatest celestial events on one of three solar eclipse holidays in South America From 2019 to 2021

Witness the rare and spectacular event of a total solar eclipse on one of three, special packages designed by Contours Travel to make your visit to South America a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Three total solar eclipses will occur over the South American region in the next three years and Contours Travel has designed two overnight deals and packaged up a 20-day voyage to see the phenomenon. The first eclipse can be seen from northern Chile on July 2, 2019, the second eclipse can be viewed on the southern coastline of Chile on December 14, 2020 and the third eclipse will occur over Antarctic waters on December 4, 2021.

Recorded as important events by humans throughout history, total solar eclipses occur when the moon aligns perfectly between the sun and the Earth, causing the sun to disappear and leave a ‘hole in the sky.’ The eerie yet fascinating minutes of darkness are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and Australia’s longest running Latin American tour operator, Contours Travel, has launched three packages that put you right in the path of the mesmerising sky show:

Northern Chile:  July 2, 2019 – Travel north from Chile’s capital, Santiago, to see the solar eclipse on the outskirts of Chile’s second oldest city La Serena, before enjoying a one-night stay at the small coastal town of Pichidangui and returning to Santiago the next day. Prices for the one-night stay begin from $1075 per person, twin-share.

Southern Chile: December 5, 2020 – Beginning in Puerto Varas, in the southern lake district of Chile, guests travel to the coastal city of Valdivia, finding the perfect spot along the way to view the spectacle of the solar eclipse. Guests spend a night in Valdivia before returning to Puerto Varas. Prices for the one-night stay begin from $855 per person, twin share.

Antarctica:  20-day cruise starting November 26, 2021 – Experience the wonders of the icy Antarctic region and the solar eclipse on this 20-day voyage aboard the 176-passenger ship, MV Hondius. Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, the 20-day expedition makes its way to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and its abundant elephant seals and penguins, and on to the Antarctic Peninsula where guests will be able to witness the celestial phenomenon of the solar eclipse in Antarctic waters on December 4, 2021. The cruise ends back in Ushuaia on December 15, 2021.  Prices for the 20-day cruise begin from $29,115 per person, twin-share, and include all Zodiac shore excursions, free use of rubber boots and an onboard team of noted naturalists and experienced expedition staff

The tours are designed for dedicated ‘solar eclipse chasers’ and travellers seeking to enhance their itineraries in Latin America. These packages can be added to many of Contours Travel’s guided tours or curated itineraries for free and independent travellers.

Contours Travel Managing Director and Latin American travel expert, Ted Dziadkiewicz, said that solar eclipses were extremely popular and a great way to make a trip to Latin America unforgettable.

“These eclipses may be years ahead but accommodation will be in high demand and will get more expensive as time unfolds so it’s best to book now before the rush,” Mr Dziadkiewicz said

Conditions apply to packages. Flights from Australia are extra.