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, travel to Easter Island will never be easier than when you make your Patagonia tour. These archeological sites have been the economic salvation of the island's indigenous Polynesian population, attracting tourists from throughout the world to ponder the elongated face, prominent features and heavy brow of the 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 ahu that ring the island, some still 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 Chilean Patagonia tours.
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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. To begin your Chile tours on the island, in the afternoon you'll enjoy a half day trip to the archeological complex of Ahu Akupa which contains just one moai 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 to the southeastern and northeast regions of the island including: the temples of Vaihu, Akahanga, Tongariki, and Te Pito Kura, the quarry of Rano Raraku and Anakena beach. Both Ahu Vaihu, with its eight fallen moai and Ahu Akahanga, where its moai lie face down, are unrestored temples. Ahu Akahanga is said to be the burial site of the island's first ruler, Hotu Matu’a. Ahu Tongariki is the largest monolithic monument in all of Eastern Polynesia. This mammoth platform holds fifteen of the largest statues on the island. With the surrounding sea cliffs and beautiful ocean background, Tongariki is one of the most breathtaking sites on the island. Located at the top of the island, Ahu Te Pito Kura is the site of the largest moai to be erected on an ahu. Today the statue is in a toppled state as were all of the moai on platforms at one time in the past. This moai, named Paro, measures over thirty feet and weighs some eighty-two tons. Here you will learn about the legend of the mana, the power that supposedly made movement of the moai possible. You’ll also visit the quarry at the Rano Raraku volcano. The crater is also known as the statue factory. It was from the volcanic stone of Rano Raraku that 95% of the islands 400 statues were carved. Some moai here are complete, left on the slopes awaiting transport elsewhere, while others are in various stages of carving still connected to the rock of the volcano. You will have the opportunity to hike the volcano's summit and see the serene crater lake below. Your last stop of the day is Anakena beach. Anakena is the larger of the island's two white sand beaches. It is also the legendary landing spot of the island's first king, Hotu Matu’a, thought to be the center of the royal clan territory called the Miru. At Anakena you will be able to swim and visit more restored ahu. The single moai of Ahu Ature Huke is the first to be re-erected on top of its ahu. This was accomplished not by archeologists but by the islanders themselves to prove they had retained the knowledge of their ancestors. At the end of the day, you will be returned 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. The site is known not so much for its eight fallen statues but for the platform on which they once stood. The perfection of its stonework has been compared to the stone walls of Peru’s indigenous cultures. You’ll also visit the Puna Pau quarry, at a small secondary volcano which served as the main source of the Red Scoria. This distinctive stone was used for making the Pukao or topknots that were placed on the heads of some of the largest moai. At Puna Pau you will see some twenty abandoned topknots, which today are covered with petroglyph images of canoes. Your final visit of the day is Ana Te Pahu cave, one of hundreds of lava tube caves on the island. Steps enable visitors to descend into the cave. Here you will see the ancient tradition of using part of this cave as protection for their gardens as well as a source of fresh water. Overnight at your 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
1.206.784.8111
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 3.5% cash discount
