Easter Island: 5 Days
Description
Pricing
Itinerary
Sub Trips
Hotels
This 5-day tour offers the ideal time on the islands. Two full-day excursions and two half one day excursion with the afternoons to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Anakena or Ovahe. Hanga Roa is the small capital town of the island. This is where the great majority of the population lives (about 2,000 inhabitants). We recommend at least five days on the island. It is a long way to come for any less and the real charms of this island must be coaxed through walking, exploring and a small dose of familiarity.
Because of current flight schedules this 5 day trip operates on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
Additional information on this trip:
-
Days of Week the Trip can Start:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
-
Visited Cities:
Easter Island
Go Back To Easter Island
Day 1
Flight to Easter Island. (Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday only). Reception at Mataveri International Airport and transfer to your selected hotel.
Day 2
Full-day tour of Rano Raraku: Vahiu, Anakena and Ahu Tongariki
The excursion starts in Hanga Roa. Taking the road along the coast, we head toward the ruins of the temple of Vahiu, which is still today as it has been after centuries of neglect. The red hats of the Moais, which were thrown into the sea, can clearly be seen. Continue to the site of Akahanga, where several of the statues are face down, as they were abandoned while being transported. Then onto the volcano of Rano Raraku and the “factories” where the Moais were carved from the rock. Here, there are more than 300 statues in different stages of production. A walk around the crater reveals a small lagoon and more Moais in the center. Continue to Ahu Tongariki (destroyed by a large tidal wave in 1960), which has been recently restored and which houses the largest number of Moais. Finally, the beautiful Anakena beach with two temple platforms or Ahus. Following a picnic lunch (included), time to swim in the Pacific Ocean or explore the surrounding countryside. Return to Hanga Roa in the afternoon, and transfer back to your selected hotel.
Day 3
Half-day excursion to Orongo: Rano Kau and Vinapu
Depart for a visit to Ahu Vinapu, which is made up of two ruined Ahus, one of which has stonework remarkably similar to that found in Inca sites. Studies have backed up the theory that the first inhabitants of the island came from the South American continent. The journey continues along the coastal road toward the Rano Kau volcano. Next to the crater is the ancient ceremonial site of Orongo, featuring many petroglyphs. There are images of the “bird man” Tangata Manu, the god creator Make Make and the fertility symbols Komari. From the edge of the crater, you can see the three small islands of Motu Iti, Motu Nui and Moto Kao Kao, which play an important part in the bird man legends. Your afternoon is at leisure with time to explore Hanga Roa and the Museum of Sebastian Englert. We recommend paying a visit to the local church with its extraordinary wood carvings.
Day 4
Half-day excursion to Akivi: Puna Pau and seven Moais
Ahu Akivi, the archeological center of the Roihi sector, was the first area to be restored in the 1960s. It is a ceremonial area, of particular interest not only for its location at the center of the island but also for the legends which surround the seven Moais or statues to be found there. The legend says they are the sons of Maori Sorcerer sent to look for the hoe of King Hotu Matua. They look out over the ceremonial center and then farther the ocean. A week after the Spring equinox, they look directly at the setting sun. Around the site you will find many caves.
Then visit Puna Pau, a site to the east of Hanga Roa in a small crater. This is where the “pukao,” or hats which crowned the Moais, were carved from soft volcanic Scoria. On the journey, it is possible to see the path where they were transported including some of the hats which were left on the wayside. Afternoon to be spent at your leisure exploring close to town or perhaps just relaxing in the southern sun.
Evening Farewell Polynesian Dinner and Show: This unique event will give you an opportunity to savor the most typical Rapa Nui and Polynesian food, prepared in an earth-oven, locally called “Umu” or “curanto”. Dinner consists of chicken, meat or fish cooked in the Umus, and a glass of beer, juice or soft drink. After dinner we will enjoy a typical Polynesian show with dance performed by a local folk-group with body-paint. Round trip transfers included.
Operates only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Day 5
Transfer to Mataveri Airport for flight back to Santiago and overlap with the add-on of your choice.
Suggested Hotels by City and Category *
|
Easter Island
|
| 3-star |
Hotel Gomero, O'Tai (standard room), Hotel Tahatai, or similar. |
| 4-star |
Hotel Iorana (superior room), Puku Vai or similar. |
| 5-star |
Hotel Iorana (suite), Hotel Altiplanico or similar. |
* Subject to confirmation at time of booking
5 days , from £2165
| Occupancy Type |
3-star |
4-star |
5-star |
| Double | £2165 | £2259 | £2449 |
| Single | £2325 | £2507 | £2793 |
Prices shown above are per person, in Sterling (Ł).
Chile
Moais
Breath taking sunsets
Easter Island
