Day 1: Santiago / Easter Island
Fly from Santiago to Easter Island. Upon arrival, reception at Mataveri Airport and transfer to your hotel for a 4 night stay. Half day excursion to Hanga Roa (Ahu Tahai & Museum). The tour starts in Hanga Roa at the archeological site of Tahai, restored in 1967 & 1968 by Professor William Mulloy. This ceremonial site is the oldest on the island and dates back to the 6th century. The site has three different monuments: Ko te Riku (4.73 meters/15.5 feet and weighing 20 tons and dating from 690 AD), which has statues or “Moai” wearing hats; Vai Ure, displaying 5 moais; and finally the central statue called Ahu Tahai. We continue to the Sebastian Englert Museum, which has interesting collections of objects and unique artifacts.

Day 2: Orongo
Continental Breakfast at the hotel. Half day excursion to Orongo (Rano Kau, Vinapu). Depart for a tour of Ahu Vinapu, consisting of two ruined Ahus (temple platforms), one with stonework remarkably similar to that of Inca sites. Studies here have supported the theory that the island’s first inhabitants came from the American continent. Our journey continues along the coastal road, towards the Rano Kao volcano. Next to the crater is the ancient ceremonial site of Orongo, where many petroglyphs can be seen. There are images of the “bird man” Tangata Manu, the god creator Make Make and Komari fertility symbols. From the edge of the crater, you will see the three small islands of Motu Iti, Motu Nui and Moto Kao Kao, which play an important part in the “bird man” legends. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 3: Akivi
Continental Breakfast at the Hotel. Half day excursion to Akivi (Puna Pau & 7 Moai), the archeological centre of the Roihi area. This was the first site to be restored in the 1960s. It is a ceremonial site of particular interest, not only for its location at the center of the island, but for the legends which surround the 7 Moais found here. Visit Puna Pau, a site to the east of Hanga Roa, inside a small crater. This is where the “pukao” or hats, which crowned the moais, were carved. We will see the path on which they were transported and some of the hats which were left on the wayside. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 4: Rano Raraku
Continental Breakfast at the Hotel. Tour of Rano Raraku with picnic lunch (Vahiu, Anakena & Ahu Tongariki). The excursion starts in Hanga Roa and takes the coastal road, heading towards the ruins of the Vaihu Temple, left today as it has been for centuries. The red hats of the moai, which were thrown into the sea, can clearly be seen. We continue to the site of Akahanga, where many of the statues are face down, as they were abandoned during their transportation. We then travel to the Rano Raraku Volcano and the site where the moais were carved from the rock. Here we can see more than 300 statues in different stages of production. A walk around the crater reveals a small lagoon and more moais in the centre. We continue to Ahu Tongariki, recently restored and with the largest number of moais, destroyed by a tsunami in 1960. Finally, we head to the beautiful Anakena Beach, with two temple platforms or Ahus. Following a picnic lunch, we will have time for a swim in the Pacific Ocean, or to explore the surrounding countryside. Return to Hanga Roa in the afternoon.

Day 5: Easter Island / Santiago
Continental breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Santiago.

Itinerary (4 day programme)

Wednesday to Saturday or Saturday to Tuesday

Same programme as above, but with one less night, including the half day tour of Hanga Roa, the half day tour of Orongo, the full day tour of Ranu Raraku and airport/hotel/airport transfers.

Prices

Please enquire for prices.

Domestic Flight: On request, subject to availability and confirmation at the time of booking.

Prices include:

Accommodation in either double or single room, transfers and excursions as shown on a shared basis, assistance of an English speaking guide, breakfast daily, picnic lunch on Ranu Raraku tour, entrance fees, tips for porters at airport and hotel.

Prices do not include:

Air tickets and airport taxes, optional tours, personal expenses and extras, meals not shown and beverages, optional gratuities for guides and drivers.

Notes

Quotes for other hotels and durations available on request.

Flights to Easter Island depart from Santiago: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday
Flights from Easter Island to Santiago depart: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday