Getting a close-up view of moai on Easter Island
Duration: 3-5 Days
3D/2N: $740 per person
4D/3N: $895 per person
5D/4N: $1,040 per person
6D/5N: $1,085 per person
For centuries, travelers have sought to decipher the mysteries of Easter Island's huge emblematic figures placed throughout this tiny volcanic land mass, half way between Tahiti and Chile. Were it not the most remote inhabited island on earth, more visitors would have the opportunity to gaze upon these famed moai that range in height from six to almost seventy feet. Since direct flights link Santiago with Chile's far-flung protectorate, it will never be easier to get there than when you make your Patagonia tour. These archeological sites have been the economic salvation of the island's indigenous Polynesian population. Attracting tourists interested in Easter Island travel from throughout the world, visitors come to ponder the elongated face, prominent features and heavy brow of the many moai. Why were hundreds of these basalt figures carved, what do they mean, how were they moved from the island's faraway quarries? Adding to the logistical questions are the over 300 even larger rectangular stone platforms called ahus that ring the island, some supporting moai. These archeological sites remain one of the great mysteries and engineering feats of human endeavor, making Easter Island tours a photographer's dream and an unforgettable extension to any Chile Patagonia tour.
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Easter Island Itinerary
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Day 1 SANTIAGO - EASTER ISLAND
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Transfer to the Santiago airport for your flight to Mataveri Airport on Easter Island. In the afternoon enjoy a half day excursion to the archeological complex of Ahu Akupa which has just one moi statue, and the caves of Ana Kakenga. After the excursion you will be transferred to your hotel. (B)
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Day 2 EASTER ISLAND
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Sun, surf, sand and ancient culture
Today you’ll enjoy a full day excursion visiting the southeastern and northeast part of the island including: temples of Vaihu, Akahanga, Tongariki, Te Pito Kura, the quarry of Rano Raraku and Anakena beach. Both Ahu Vaihu, with its eight fallen moai and Ahu Akahanga, where 12 moais lay facedown, are unrestored temples worth exploring. Ahu Akahanga is said to be the burial site of the islands first ruler, Hotu Matu’a. The Ahu Tongariki is noted to be the largest monolithic monument in all of Eastern Polynesia. This amazing platform holds 15 of some of the largest statues on the island. With the surrounding sea cliffs and beautiful ocean background Tongariki is truly one of the most incredible sites on the island. The Ahu Te Pito Kura is the site of the largest Moai to ever stand upright on top of a platform. Today this statue is in a toppled state as were all of the statues on top of platforms at one time in the past. This statue whose name is Paro has been measured at 9.6 meters and its weight is estimated at 82 tons. This is also the site of the famous “navel”; here you will learn about its mana. The quarry of Rano Raraku could very well be one of the most amazing sites in the world. The volcano of Rano Raraku is also known as the statue factory. It was from the volcanic stone of Rano Raraku that 95% of all of the statues on the island were carved. There has been counted some 397 Moai at Rano Raraku. Some were completely finished and left waiting on the slopes of the volcano for their transportation while others are in various stages of completion still connected to the mother rock of the volcano. You will have the opportunity to hike to the top of the volcano and see the beautiful crater with its fresh water lake. Your last stop of the day is at Anakena beach. Anakena is the larger of only 2 white sand beaches that are found on the island. It is also the legendary landing spot of the first king, Hotu Matu’a, and noted to be the center of the royal clan territory called the Miru. At Anakena you will not only have the opportunity to swim but also to visit more restored Ahu. The Ahu Ature Huke with its single Moai is noted to be the very first Moai on the island to be re-erected on top of its Ahu. This was done not by archeologists but by the islanders themselves in order to prove that they had retained the knowledge of how to move the Moai. Return to your hotel. (B,L)
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Day 3 EASTER ISLAND
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In the afternoon you’ll embark on a half day excursion visiting the Ahu Vinapu which is known best not so much for the amazing statue that once stood on its platform but instead for the platform itself. It is the perfect stone work of the Ahu Vinapu that has been compared to the stone walls of Peru. You’ll also visit the Puna Pau quarry, a small secondary volcano which served as the main source of the volcanic stone Red Scoria. This stone was used for making the Pukao or top knot. These topknots were found placed on top of heads of some of the largest statue on the island. At Puna Pau you will see some 20 abandoned topknots, which today are covered with canoe petroglyphs. You final visit of the day is Ana Te Pahu cave, one of literally hundreds of lava tube caves on the island. The cave entrance here is quite large and steps have been made to enable visitors to walk down into the cave. Here you will see the ancient islander’s tradition of using part of this cave as protection for their gardens as well as a great source of fresh water. Overnight at your comfortabel hotel. (B)
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Day 4 EASTER ISLAND - SANTIAGO
In the morning, you'll be transported to Mataveri Airport for your return flight to Santiago, concluding your Easter Island tours. (B)
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CONTACT US
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1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
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FLIGHTS
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Santiago - Easter Island
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- Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday
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Easter Island - Santiago
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- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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- Transfer to and from your Santiago hotel to the airport
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- All ground transportation in Easter Island in clean and comfortable vehicle with professional driver
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- Professional bilingual guide on excursions
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- Lunch on full day excursion
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- Entrance fees to Rapa Nui National Park
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- Hotel Manutara or Otai on Easter Island, with breakfast.
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- Reception and farewell with Polynesian lei
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Excluded in tour cost
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- Flight (Santiago / Easter Island / Santiago) $700 Per Person (Subject to change)
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- Guide & driver tips
Prices based on 3% cash discount
