Rolling green hills, massive volcanic craters, ancient statues, and pristine coastline invite travelers to explore the mysterious past and discover the Rapa Nui culture.
Rolling green hills, massive volcanic craters, ancient statues, and pristine coastline invite travelers to explore the mysterious past and discover the Rapa Nui culture.
Moai statues on Easter Island
Considered the most remote island on Earth, Easter Island (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) sits more than 2,300 miles from Chile’s coast. This Polynesian island is filled with unexplained traditions and mystifying archaeology, including the world famous giant stone statues called Moai. There are an estimated 897 Moai scattered across the island, some having been transported up to 10 miles from the volcanic quarries in which they were carved.
Day 1: Easter Island
Upon arrival you will be met at Mataveri Airport and taken to your selected accommodation on the Island. In the afternoon you will enjoy a half day excursion to Ahu Akivi, which is special because it is the only platform whose Moai look to the ocean. It is the only platform on the island which was restored without the use of any machinery but instead using what is believed to be the “traditional” way of raising the Moai.
Meals Included: On your own
Day 2: Ancient Temples of Easter Island
Today we will enjoy a full day excursion visiting the eastern part of the island, including the temples of Vaihu, Akahanga, Tongariki, Te Pito Kura, the quarry of Rano Raraku and Anakena beach. The Ahu Vaihu and Ahu Akahanga temples are ancient temples worth exploring. The sites have a total of 20 fallen moai statues, and Ahu Akahanga is said to be the burial site of the islands first ruler, Hotu Matu’a.
Ahu Tongariki is the largest monolithic monument in all of Eastern Polynesia. This amazing platform holds 15 of the largest moai on the island. With the surrounding sea cliffs and beautiful ocean background, Tongariki is truly one of the most incredible sites on the island.
Ahu Te Pito Kura is the site of the largest Moai to ever stand upright on top of a platform. Today, like all of the other moai, this statue has been toppled from the platform. The statue’s name is Paro, and has been measured to be 9.6 meters tall weigh an estimated at 82 tons. Te Pito Kura is also the site of the famous “navel”; here we will learn about its mana.
The quarry of Rano Raraku is undoubtedly one of the most amazing sites in the world. Its volcano is known as the “statue factory,” since 95% of the statues on the island were carved from the volcanic stone of Rano Raraku. Some were completely finished and left waiting on the slopes of the volcano for transportation while others are remain in various stages of completion still connected to the mother rock of the volcano. You will have the opportunity to hike to the top of the volcano and see the beautiful crater with its fresh water lake.
Our last stop of the day is to the white sand beach of Anakena beach. It is the legendary landing spot of the first king, Hotu Matu’a, and noted to be the center of the royal clan territory called the Miru. At Anakena you will have the opportunity to swim and to explore more Ahu. The single moai at Ahu Ature Huke is considered the very first Moai on the island to be re-erected on top of its Ahu. The islanders themselves replaced the statue in order to prove that they had retained the ancient knowledge of how to move the Moai.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lookout near the crater of extinct volcano Rano Kau
Day 3: Ranu Kau and Orongo
Enjoy a free morning before we embark on a visit to Rano Kau and Orongo. Rano Kau is one of the three principal volcanoes that created the island. It is approximately 2.5 million years old and has the largest caldera of any volcano on the island measuring at approximately 1.6 kilometers in diameter. Inside this beautiful volcano you will see one of three crater lakes on the island. This lake is covered with a type of bulrush reed which is also found in Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. Afterward you will visit the ceremonial village of Orongo, one of the most visually spectacular sites on the island. On one side of the village you see the beautiful caldera of Rano Kau and on the other you see the ocean and the mysterious islets of Motu Nui, Motu Iti, Motu Kao Kao. These islets, in addition to the village of Orongo, held the amazing ancient Tangata Manu or Birdman Ceremonies.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Easter Island – Santiago
Transportation will be provided to Mataveri Airport in time to connect with your flight to Santiago.
Meals: Breakfast
Recommended trip combinations:
Moai facing out to sea at sunset
This tour is available to begin every day, all year round.
Additional nights can be arranged upon request.
Price per Person (US$): starting from $840.00
*based on a minimum of 2 travelers
*Prices valid through August 31st, 2015.
The mysterious moai statues are iconic symbols of Easter Island
Price Includes:
Hanga Roa Eco Village & Spa
Hangaroa: An Eco Village and Spa, Hangaroa is likely the most luxurious hotel on Easter Island. Hangaroa’s philosophy is centered in the native concept of Kainga, which means a deep respect for the land which nourishes both body and mind. The hotel is an integrated tourism project, supporting both environmental and cultural sustainability.
Hare Noi
Hare Noi: Set into the hillside, this hotel has beautiful views of Easter Island. Hare Noi combines the natural beauty of the island with modern comforts for a relaxing stay. Its restaurant serves up dishes reflecting the fine traditions of the Rapa Nui and high class dining and its spa offers a space to relax while enjoying amazing views of the surrounding volcanoes.
Altiplanico Hotel
Hotel Altipanico: Designed to reflect the style of an Easter Island boat house, Altiplano works hard to combine home with the magic of the island. With a panoramic view of the shore line, this hotel caters to the natural beauty around it. The hotel features a elegant gardens and a luxurious pool and gourmet food. Only a 10 minute walk from Hanga Roa, this is a great place to rest while visintg this remote destination.
Hotel Gomero
Hotel Gomero:Cozy accommodations located in the center of the town of Hanga Roa and within walking distance to restaurants, pubs or the local museum on the island. Its friendly staff will make your stay an unforgettable experience. Hotel facilities include: restaurant, bar, pool, laundry, parking.