Overview
This 5 day/4 night extension will enable you to explore this triangular shaped island, with extinct volcanic cones in each of its three corners. Amidst an atmosphere of friendly Polynesian hospitality, the entire island is today an open‐air museum with approximately 900 moai (statues), the tallest of which is 21m high. There is also the Orongo Village and many traditional cave dwellings open to view.
Culture
Affordable
16-99 Years
15
Easy
Fully Guided
XTNEAST5
Itinerary
Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Easter Island.
On arrival we transfer to the hotel. Free time, options include a visit to the local museum of Hanga Roa ‐ 'Padre Sebastian Englert'. Hanga Roa is the small capital town of the island. This is where the great majority of the population lives (about 4,000 inhabitants). .
Morning half‐day excursion to Orongo, the ceremonial site for the Birdman Cult, whose stone houses are set right by the circular crater of the Ranu Kau volcano. The Birdman Cult only emerged after the collapse of moai culture and was focused on fertility rites and the Birdman competition. You will visit an interesting cave with cult rock paintings at the foot of the volcano.
Later, from the rim of the crater, you will be able to savour a spectacular view overlooking the crater's large lake, as well as the sea and the three Motu Islands. These small islands were the focus of the young men chosen during the ceremony of the Birdman Cult, held at Orongo. One individual per clan swam out to the Motus, to climb and steal the first swallow's egg of the year. The winning clan was allowed to nominate Rapa Nui's king for the following year.
In the afternoon, you will visit Ahu Akivi, one of the few Ahus not located by the sea. The seven resurrected moais are sited according to the equinox, which indicates the advanced knowledge of astronomy once known on Rapa Nui. The next stop is the Puna Pau quarry, where the headdresses made of red stone that were set on many moai were produced. Today's tour ends with a transfer back to the hotel. .
We take a full day excursion today with visits to Ahus Vaihu and Akahanga along the south coast.
Later we drive on to Rano Raraku, which is the site where moais were carved out of the island's very unique bedrock. There are still approximately 400 statues standing and lying here in different stages of completion. The largest is nearly 22m tall and weighs approximately 250 tons. From here we drive to Ahu Te Pito Kura and the 'Navel of the World'. Finally we visit the beach of Anakena with its Ahu Nau Nau before heading back to our hotel. .
The morning is free before we transfer to the airport for the flight back to Santiago. .
End Santiago.
Operator
From classic small group tours & family adventures, to walking holidays, cycling trips and active adventures. Read more
Exodus chooses their Leaders carefully. Professional, dedicated and are passionate about sharing their home countries. Read more
Wherever possible, Exodus chooses properties that are locally owned and that reflect the area you are visiting. Read more
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Exodus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
