Immerse yourself in the mystical culture, epic landscapes, and ocean views of legendary Easter Island. Visit the mysterious Moai statues, walk and drive around the island’s best natural and archeological sites, and learn more about this fascinating island! Head to the sunny central Pacific to dive into the rich cultural mysteries and unique vistas of the incomparable Easter Island.
Highlights
Admire the superb Moai stone statues
Enjoy spectacular South Pacific beaches and ancient ruins
Discover beautiful volcanoes, mysterious craters and breathtaking lakes
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
After the flight from Santiago to Easter Island, met at the airport by the friendly local guide and taken to the main town and capital of Easter Island, Hanga Roa, where almost 90% of Easter Island's inhabitants (the Rapa Nui) live.
Check into your hotel and your guide tells us about the upcoming itinerary. Then enjoy a good night´s rest, ready for tomorrow's adventure.
**Please note that the order of tours for the next three days is subject to change.**
Day 2: Visit to Tongariki, Ahu te pito kura and Anakena
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, drive along a coastal road to Hanga Te’e stopping at the ancient temple of Vahiu and visiting Ahu Akahanga and Ahu Tongariki (both alter sites - Ahu means sacred place and refers to the rectangular stone platform on which the Moai statues were erected). These sites were recently restored following damage caused by the tidal wave from the Great Chilean Earthquake in 1960 which washed the statues meters away from their original settings.
Afterwards, continue to Ahu Te Pito Te Kura, an incredible perfectly round stone used for ceremonial purposes. If you put a compass on the stone it would start spinning crazily and finally show a wrong direction! Continue your exploration at Ahu Nau Nau and Rano Raraku, the border of which is ringed with Moais leading towards the quarry inside the crater rim. Here the Moai were cut from Volcanic tuff and some 150 unfinished figures were mysteriously left there.
Finally head down to Anakena Beach, the legendary landing place of Hota Matua (founder of the island) before journeying back to your hotel in Hanga Roa.
After breakfast, start driving towards Rano Kao volcano, the biggest on the island, whose enormous crater is now a freshwater lake with floating green fields of totora reeds. This site offers an exceptional view of three craggy islands where the bizarre "bird-man" ritual took place. Nearby, find the ruined village of Orongo where almost 50 stone buildings, the “bird-man” petroglyphs and Ahu Tahai ceremonial center are located. Afterwards, drive back to your hotel.
After lunch, you will have a free afternoon. A possible suggestion for your afternoon would be visiting the archaeological site Tahai with its 3 restored Ahus and Moais. and then watching the spectacular sight of the sun setting behind the Moai.
We start the day by visiting Ahu Akivi. Unlike other Rapa Nui ceremonial sites, Akivi is not located on the coast and the moai are facing the ocean rather than with their backs to it - very enigmatic for researchers. According to the legend, these 7 Moai statues represent the first explorers who arrived on Easter Island, including supreme chief and king Hotu Matu'a. Then visit Hanga Poukura, an unrestored Ahu (stone platform) located on the island's southern coast. Finally, head to the Puna Pau quarry, the place where the Moai hats were made.
Day 5: Leave Easter Island
1 Breakfast
After a morning spent packing, relaxing and soaking up final views, you are driven back to the airport in time for the flight back to Santiago...Adios Isla de Pascua!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 20% ($400 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
We were referred by a satisfied client and the booking of the trip was everything we wanted to do, and they listened to the types of hotels, sightseeing, etc. we wanted to do.
Jan S
1 month ago
Rapa Nui was on my bucket list for a long time so I worried that it would not meet my expectations. Our tour could not have been better. Our guide was knowledgeable and professional with an understanding of the island that made it come alive. I would and have recommended this trip to everyone that will listen.
elisa wright
2 months ago
Mary Curry is the BEST! I have worked with her for multiple family trips for over 10 years, and she is responsive, works within your preferences and budget, has great suggestions and has personal travel experience at many of the locations. We prefer active family vacations and Adventure Life and Mary Curry make sure that is what we get!
Heather Spanbauer
2 months ago
My tour operator was helpful. Unfortunately she was unable to get my single-supplement canceled. Not too many tours charge for that anymore and I almost canceled my trip because of that.
Joel
3 months ago
Excellent communication and coordination for our proposed trip. It couldn't have been smoother, and any question we did have was rapidly addressed. It has made the whole process nearly seamless.