Trip Extension Overview
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.
Trip Features
- 4 Days
- Starting at $1,390 per person
-
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate -
ACTIVITIES
Sightseeing, Hiking -
HIGHLIGHTS
Moai, Ranu Kao & Orongo, Ahu Vaihu, Ahu Akahanga
Customize Your Tour
TALK TO A TRAVEL EXPERT
Transfer to the Santiago airport for your flight to Easter Island where upon arriving at Mataveri Airport where you will be picked up and taken to your selected accommodations on the island. In the afternoon you see your first Moai on a half-day excursion to Ahu Akivi, the islands only Moai that face the ocean. Without the use of modern machinery, the platform was restored using what is believed to have been the traditional way of raising the Moai. You will be returned to your hotel for a free evening. (B)
Today you take a full-day excursion to the famous sites on the eastern side of the island. The ancient temples of Ahu Vaihu and Ahu Akahanga have a total of twenty fallen Moai. Ahu Akahanga is said to be the burial site of the islands first ruler, Hotu Matua. Ahu Tongariki is the largest monolithic monument in all of Eastern Polynesia, a platform that holds fifteen of the islands largest Moai in a scenic setting of cliffs and sea. At thirty-one feet tall and weighing 82 tons, Ahu Te Pito Kura is the site of the largest Moai to be placed atop a platform, though today toppled. Called the statue factory, the volcano quarry of Rano Raraku is where 95% of the islands Moai were carved. Some remain on the slopes of the volcano awaiting transport while others are in various stages of completion still connected to the mother rock. You will have the opportunity to hike to the top of the volcano for views of the beautiful crater and its fresh water lake.
The last stop of the day is the white sand beach of Anakena, the legendary landing spot of Hotu Matua and the center of the Miru royal clan territory. Here you will have the opportunity to swim and explore more Ahu. The single Moai at Ahu Ature Huke was re-erected on top of its Ahu by the islanders themselves to prove that they had retained this ancient knowledge. You are driven back to your lodgings at the conclusion of todays excursion for a free evening. (B,L)
Enjoy a free morning before embarking on a visit to Rano Kau and Orongo. With a diameter of over 5,000 feet, 2.5 million year-old Rano Kau is one of the three principal volcanoes that created the island. Its beautiful crater lake is covered with a type of bulrush reed also found in Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. Afterward you will visit the ceremonial village of Orongo. On one side of the village is the picturesque caldera of Rano Kau and on the other, the ocean and the mysterious islets of Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao Kao. Here ancient Tangata Manu or Birdman ceremonies were held. You will be returned to your lodgings for a last evening on your own on Easter Island. (B)
In the morning, you’ll be transported to Mataveri Airport for your return flight to Santiago, concluding your Easter Island tours. (B)
Connect with a Travel Expert
Find the perfect travel extension for your tour.
Phone
1-877-784-5400