Easter Island | Trip Itinerary

We recommend the following 3 night/4 day itinerary, which allows you two full days to visit the island. Shorter and longer itineraries available on request.  Departures are available based in conjunction with Lan Chile flight schedule, which operates 3 to 4 times per week from Santiago Chile and Papetee, Tahiti.

Day 1: Upon our arrival at the Mataveri airport in Hanga Roa we will be welcomed with a traditional flower necklace. After a short transfer to the hotel we will have the rest of the day to spend as we please. A visit to the nearby church and village is recommended. There we will have the opportunity to observe both Catholic and indigenous symbols and statues (Sunday mass available if time permits). Next to the church we will find the local market and museum rich in Rapa Nui artifacts and culture.

DAY 2:  Moais of Easter Island . Today we will learn more about the fascinating history of Rapa Nui and begin the day heading south along the coast. As we travel along the road we will be able to observe the shoreline with black volcanic rocks and the amazing views of the vast Pacific Ocean. Our first stop will be a place known as Hanga Te’e where we will be able to view a variety of toppled Moai (statues) of Ahu Vaihu. From there we will continue on and arrive to Rano Raraku. This volcano is home to ancient quarry that supplied stone from which about 95% of the island's sculptures were carved. Here we will enjoy a box-lunch and explore our surroundings. Subsequently we will make our way to the next highlight, Ahu Tongariki. This is the largest restored Ahu on Easter Island and features 15 moai. Afterwards, we will drive towards the east coast and arrive to Te Pito o Te Henua. This location is considered the “bellybutton” of the world boasting the nearby Ahu Te Pito Kura. Last, but not least we will reach the beach of Anakena known for its beautiful white sand and coconut palm trees. After visiting a nearby restored Ahu Nau Nau we’ll have time for a little rest and refreshing swim in the warm Pacific Ocean. (B, BL)

DAY 3:AM Ceremonial Village Orongo and PM/Ahu Akivi. In the morning, we will take a drive up the Rano Kau extinct volcano. Along the way we will be able to appreciate panoramic views of the entire island as well as make a brief stop at an outlook point that showcases a crater lake. From there we will head to the ceremonial village known as Orongo. There, we will learn about its past, culture and the history of the birdman cult. We will also be able to observe a variety of petroglyph images and be able to spot 3 islets situated opposite of the coastline. Afterwards we will drive down the volcano to the Ahu Vinapu that includes an ahu with interesting stonemasonry. Subsequently our last stop of the morning before heading back to the hotel, will be the cave of Ana Kai Tangata where we will find interesting wall paintings. Free time for lunch before your next excursion.

In the afternoon we will travel to Ahu Akivi which features seven re-erected moai situated inland. The legend claims that these statues represent the seven explorers who were sent to Rapa Nui by the late king Hotu Matua. From there we will continue on to Hanga Poukura; this is an extraordinary ahu site where a number of tumbled moai statues and scattered topknots are located. Next, we will visit the important quarry of Puna Pau that provided the sole source of the red scoria that the Rapa Nui villagers used to carve the Pukaos. For the last visit for the day will visit the ceremonial site of Tahai boasting 3 ahus, restored statues, remains of boathouses and a boat ramp. This is a day is filled with history, culture and breathtaking sights! (B)

Day 4: Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Santiago. (B)

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch;BL=Box Lunch; D=Dinner