Magic of Easter Island 

 

Departures:  Year-round

Places Visited: Easter Island

 

Highlights

Discover the mysterious and magical culture of Easter Island. This volcanic island evokes a sense of wonder even in the most experienced traveler. Learn about the overall history, culture and day to day life of the ancient Rapa Nui people and their ceremonies, housing and religious rites. See the moai, statues, as they now lie shattered and some restored after the downfall of this once great civilization. Head to Anakena beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with its crystal blue waters and a backdrop of statues or experience another natural wonder when visiting the Rano Kau volcano. Easter Island is an awe inspiring place like no other.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • 3 nights of accommodation in Easter Island
  • Daily breakfast and local taxes
  • 1 Full Day tour of Anakena Beach
  • 1 Half Day tour of Orongo

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

  • Meals and drinks other than those mentioned
  • Tips or personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional tours and experiences
  • Any items not mentioned

Day 1: HANGA ROA

Upon arrival at Mataveri airport experience a traditional welcome with flower necklaces, then a  private transfer to Selected Hotel. Spend the remainder of the day exploring Hanga Roa and visit the island’s church, artisan market and museum in the center of town. The museum has a collection of Rapa Nui reproductions.

Day 02: HANGA ROA.

Anakena Beach

Discover the most important highlights of nature and history of Easter Island, or Rapa Nui as the locals call it. A guide will organize a pick up at the hotel and drive along the coast, boasting magnificent views of the Poike peninsula and the entire black volcanic rock coastline.

The first stop is Vaihu, an unrestored location with moai, the famous monolithic statues, as well as the reddish topknots of this altar, or, ahu. The guide will explain why most moai are lying face-down. This will also be shown along the Camino de los Moais, the moai trail, with several moai lying alongside the road.

Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at Ranu Raraku, the volcanic crater which was a quarry for about 500 years supplying the stone from which most moai were carved.

Then, start walking up the volcano with more than 300 statues in different states of completion standing and lying around. Some are half-carved, many are broken, and others seem to have been abandoned during their transportation. Climb up to the crater’s edge to enjoy the view of the crater lake and discover more moai inside the crater. After this stunning expedition, continue the drive to the next highlight, which is the largest ahu on Easter Island and a sensational sight:  Ahu Tongariki, with 15 moai, the largest number of moai ever erected on a single ahu.

After this, take a small break from culture to visit two beautiful beaches. The first is Ovahe, the smaller of the two and also known as the pink sand beach. A few minutes ahead is the most Polynesian-looking part of the island, Anakena beach. A true paradise with a grove of coconut palms that stretches to a white sand beach; the perfect place to relax and swim in the warm Pacific waters. The idyllic setting is interrupted by an ahu with six moai with carvings on their backs. After this relaxing break, on the way back to Hanga Roa, pass Vaitea, the only eucalyptus forest on the island. Arrival at the hotel late in the evening.

Day 03: HANGA ROA.

Orongo

Today’s halfday excursion will go to the extinct volcano Rano Kau in the southwestern part of the Island and a 30 minute drive from the hotel. The volcano offers spectacular views of the entire island and be surprised by the perfect round shape of the crater lake.

Next, visit Orongo, a stone village and ceremonial center of the birdman cult, which started when the Rapa Nui people stopped building moai. Learn everything about this culture and the Tanga Manu religion (Bird Man), Make Make (the God that created him) and Komari (a fertility symbol). This site also offers a view of three small rockeries: Motu Nui, Moto Kau, Moto Iti. Continue the excursion to the ahu Vinapu (not restored), followed by a visit of the Ana Kai Tangata cave with its paintings. Return to hotel in the early afternoon.

Day 04: HANGA ROA.  At appropriate time, private transfer to the airport.


Tour descriptions and approximate times are for informational purposes only.

Some places described may be substituted and/or approximate times may be subject to change, due to unexpected circumstances or weather conditions.