Easter Island

Highlights Include:

Visiting the home of the famous Moai stone monoliths
The opportunity to explore the culture of the Rapa Nui people
Experiencing the most isolated place on Earth
Seeing a rich collection of ancient petroglyphs
Hosting of the trip by one of the oldest and most important families of the island

Tour Details

From: $2,640 per person | Single supplement available on request

6 days

Departures: Daily, All Year

This unique program will present a very personal view into the history, traditions and beliefs of the Rapa Nui people on Easter Island. The Family Tuki, one of the oldest and most important families on the Island, will not only show you the archeological sites but they also allow you to take part in their daily life. You will experience up close the authentic way to celebrate their ceremonies and learn the preparation of delicious dishes, and will be taken by the Polynesian world of the last century.

Most famous for the massive stone Moai, Easter Island also contains a rich native culture and ecology. On this island, the “navel of the world,” you will find not only the mysterious Moai, but a rich collection of petroglyphs, caves, stone houses and a native culture of delicious food, warm people and celebrations with a Polynesian flair.

Gallery

Rapa Nui

Itinerary

This is a sample semi-independent itinerary. Travel will be independent with guided tours and activities along the way. Our Specialists will work with you to create an itinerary to meet your preferences.

Day 1Arrive and Meet Hosting Family | Meals: D

Today you arrive on Easter Island, where you will be welcomed in the traditional way with a flower lei and receive an introduction into the customs and traditions of the ethnic group on the island by your guide. When you get to the hotel, you will enjoy a welcome drink with your host family Tuki, who will give you some hints about responsible tourism on the island. The afternoon is free to recover from the long flight and get to know the city of Hanga Roa. Overnight at Hotel Cabañas Mahia

Day 2Moai Figures Tour | Meals: B D

This morning you have a half-day tour to the most important groups of the famous Moai figures, including Ahu Akahanga, which is a holy place for the Rapa Nui people. It is said that the first settler and King of the island, Ariki Hotu a Matu’a, is buried. You also visit Rano Raraku, which was the territory selected to create a majority of the tremendous Moai, and then Ahu Tongariki, where you will see 15 figures. Hanga Roa will end your tour, where you are able to prepare a traditional “Rapa Nui Curanto” with the Tuki family. After preparing the meal you will be able to enjoy this wonderful dish, and celebrate a small ceremony for success on your following travel days. Overnight at Hotel Cabañas Mahia

Day 3Puna Pau, Ahu Akivia, Anakena, and Traditional Dining | Meals: B L

Today’s excursion takes you to Puna Pau, a crater of red ash, and then on to Ahu Akivi – the only seven Moai which face the sea, and according to the records, represent the first seven settlers who arrived on the island. Next is the beach of Anakena, famous for its warm turquoise waters and coral sand. You also have the opportunity to see the caves of Hanga Tu Hata, and then collect mussels and catch fish in the way the Rapa Nui have for centuries: together with the Tuki Family, you will prepare your catch in the traditional Polynesian way, roasted on a fire that is covered with stones. Together you will enjoy the food you hunted and prepared yourselves. Overnight at Hotel Cabañas Mahia

Day 4Vinapu, Orongo & Fruit Harvest | Meals: B

Today you will explore the archaeological sites of Vinapu, Ana Kai Tangata, and Orongo. Along the journey you will be able to see the Ahus, wall paintings of Manutara, and the holy village of Orongo. In the afternoon, there will be another encounter with traditional customs of the Rapa Nui when you visit the fields of the grandfather of the Tuki Family and collect fruits and vegetables. A part of the yield will be sold on the market of Hanga Roa, while the other is used for a farewell dinner. Overnight at Hotel Cabañas Mahia

Day 5Tereveka Volcano and Farewell Ceremony | Meals: B D

Today, by either walking or horseback, you will get to the top of the Maunga Terevaka Volcano, which is the highest point on the island. From here you have a 360 degree view of the biggest ocean on the planet. To end a day full of new experiences, our host family will prepare a farewell dinner in the traditional manner. They will serve your recently yielded fruits, along with other delicious local dishes and products. As usual during family visits and according to their traditions, there will be rhythmic Rapa Nui dances and music. In the end our hosts will hand over to you a handmade present as a souvenir and farewell. Overnight at Hotel Cabañas Mahia

Day 6Depart Easter Island | Meals: B

As the last goodbye, you will receive the traditional necklaces, made with small mussels. A transfer to the airport will connect you with your onward arrangements home, or extend your stay in South America!