Rapa Nui - Easter Island
[ Rapa Nui ]

Rapa Nui (Easter Island) 4 days
Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is the farthest island from any populated land on the planet. It has been a place full of attraction and mystery ever since its discovery.

Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a distance of 3, 700 km from the coast of South America, Rapa Nui is a great volcanic cone that was pushed up from the ocean floor to 500 meters above sea level. This tiny triangle of land, that measures just 166 km², was the birthplace of a fascinating civilization, of which the moai – giant statues sculpted from rock – play silent witness to this history. Many of the statures today have been re-erected above their ceremonial platforms called ahu, but just decades ago the statues lay toppled over and scattered about the island, much like a battlefield. Many were left half-finished in the rock quarry of the Rano Raraku Volcano. Today visitors can share with the descendents of this culture, who for generations have maintained their ancestor's habits and have kept alive their traditions.

Our Rapa Nui - Easter Island trip is for the more budget conscious on one of the most beautiful spots in the world. O'tai means "In the Coast" in the Rapanui language and this is the hotel in which we base our selves for our journey in to the history of Rapa Nui. As it's name indicates, the hotel is just steps away from the coast and at the same time, in the center of Hanga Roa village, in the heart of the town - the best of both worlds.

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Trip Notes
  • Checklist
  • Departure Dates
Trip Code: TUREAI
Duration: 4 day(s)
Price:
Map: View Map

Day 1. Rapa Nui

On your arrival into Mataveri airport from the main land you will be met with the traditional reception of a flower necklace and welcome drink made from typical fruits from the island - remember this is a Polynesian Island! After the welcome you will be transferred to your hotel of choice (see below).

Day 2. Rapa Nui

It is one of the most isolated islands in the world but 1200 years ago a double-hulled canoe filled with seafarers from a distant culture landed upon its shores. Over the centuries that followed a remarkable society developed in isolation on the island. For reasons still unknown they began carving giant statues out of volcanic rock. These monuments, known, as "moai" are some of the most incredible ancient relics ever discovered. The people of Easter Island called themselves the Rapa Nui.

Today is spent exploring one of the more famous areas of the Island Rano Raraku site of the quarry where the many Moai were carved and to this day remain many unfinished statues.

The slightly inland quarry at "Rano Raraku" is where the moai carvings were born, out of the hillside of the volcanic rock where hundreds of laborers must have carved full-time. This 300 foot volcano remnant provided the stones for the great figures and is where a visitor can see various stages of the carving, as well as scattered partially-finished figures. A climb to the left side of the crater, over the top, and into the bowl, is well worth it. Hiking to the opposite lip of the crater, where the most moai are found, is one of the most dramatic sites on the island. Continue to Ahu Tongariki, where many of the huge moai were toppled by a large “seaquake” in 1960. Finally the tour ends at Anakena beach with its two beautiful ahu. Time for a bathe in the sea before returning to Hanga Roa in the late afternoon. BL

Day 3. Rapa Nui

AM Half Day Excursion to Akivi (Puna Pau & 7 Moai)
Ahu Akivi is the archaeological Centrex of the Roihi sector and was the first site to be properly restored in the 1960's. It is a ceremonial site which is particularly interesting not only because of its location (in the centrex of the island) but also because of the legends which surround the Seven Moai which are situated on the platform or Ahu. The tour also visits Puna Pau, to the east of the town of Hanga Roa which is situated in a small crater of red stone. This is where the “pukao” or hats (topknots) which crowned the moai were made. On the way it is possible to see the path where they were transported, including some examples of the pukao which have fallen by the wayside.

PM Half Day Excursion to Orongo (Rano Kau, Vinapu)
Ahu Vinapu is made up of two ahus or temples in ruins, one of which bears a remarkable resemblance to the stonework of the Inca people. The tour continues to Rano Kao Volcano, where the former ceremonial village of Orongo is to be found along with many petroglyphs. There are images of the “bird man” Tangata Manu, the creating god Make Make and Komari, symbol of fertility. From the edge of the cliff, it is possible to view the three islets of Motu Iti, Motu Nui and Moto Kao Kao which played an important part in the bird man culture. Return to Hanga Roa. BL

Day 4. Onward travels

Today after breakfast you have a chance for some last minute shopping before being transferred to the airport for your return flight back to Santiago. B

Did you know you can continue your journey onwards and to Tahiti and or to New Zealand and Australia from Easter Island? Ask us for more information on how to turn your Easter Island getaway into an amazing South Pacific stop over!

PRICES FROM:

Exchange rates differ from time to time. For the most up-to-date prices of this holiday idea please fill out our Latin America Travel Quote form.

NOTES:

Easter Island is one of the world's most isolated inhabited islands. It is 3, 510 km (2, 180 mi) west of continental Chile at its nearest point (between Lota and Lebu) and 2, 075 km (1, 289 mi) east of Pitcairn and despite its Polynesian heritage is the property of Chile.

  • Chilean international departure tax $30 USD. This fee should be included in your international airfare
  • US$160(CA$132) reciprocity fee, payable in USD cash on arrival is charged. The receipt is regarded as a multiple entry visa and is valid until expiry of passport.
  • Chilean domestic departure tax $10 USD
  • Local currency is Pesos
  • Time Zone: GMT/UTC -4
  • Dialing Code: 56
  • Electricity: 220V, 60Hz
  • Weights & measures: Metric

HOTEL CHOICES:

Rapa Nui:Hotel O'Tai (M), Taha- Tai (M+), Altiplanico (F)

DEPARTURE:

Departs daily

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Airport Transfers
  • Accommodation
  • All tours as listed
  • All meals as listed B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

NOT INCLUDED

  • Domestic Flights
  • Visa fees (if required)
  • Passport & Visa Costs
  • Vaccination Costs
  • Personal Spending Money
  • Meals where not listed
  • Drinks
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Airport departure taxes
  • Border taxes or fees

Visas

At the time of booking we will advise you of any visas or other documentation that will be required prior to your arrival.

Costs relating to the issue of visas or related documentation are the responsibility of the traveller.

As visa requirements change it is your responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation and visas are obtained before traveling. Failure to do so may result in your not being able to join the trip.

For the latest information on visas please visit:

US Citizens
Canadian Citizens
Australian Citizens
General

Disclaimer:

Prices based on per person, twin/double share, unless otherwise noted, and pre-set group minimum numbers. Prices & itineraries are correct at the time of printing. Itineraries & prices may change due to currency fluctuations, local conditions or events outside the control of A.I and her local operators. Please see our booking terms & conditions for full details.

Equipment List / Check List:

  • Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher
  • Health requirements arranged
  • Money: travellers cheques/cash/credit card
  • Money pouch
  • First Aid kit
  • Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
  • Alarm clock and torch/flashlight
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Refillable water bottle and plastic mug for train journeys
  • Ear plugs can be useful if you are a light sleeper
  • Walking shoes with a good grip
  • Camera
  • Wet Wipes (disinfectant hand tissues)

Please call us to inquire about departure dates.


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