Private 5 Days Easter Island Tour: Comprehensive Cultural Immersion

Immerse yourself in a unique 5-day tour of Easter Island, exploring archaeological and natural sites. Marvel at the Rapa Nui moai and delve into the island’s fascinating history.

Duration: 5 days
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

HALF DAY • RANO KAU - ORONGO - VINAPU - TAHAI

Rano Kau - Located in the southwest side of the island the crater of this volcano is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes of Rapa Nui. With 1.5 Km large this crater is the biggest reserve of endemic flora of Rapa Nui and it lake served as an important source of drinking water in ancient times.

Orongo - O’rongo village is located on one side of the Rano Kau volcano crater. Its spectacular scenic location, its archaeological and historic relevance, the diversity and complexity of the site, make Orongo village one of the most important attractions of the island. It’s one of the two main sites on the island as in this place was celebrated the Birdman ceremony. It also has a visitor reception center with a permanent interpretive exhibition.

Ahu Vinapu - ​Highlighted archaeological site characterized by the fine work of the ancient builders of Rapa Nui. There are some theories about the construction of this first platform establishing a hypothetical relationship with the Inca construction style.

Ahu Tahai - Ceremonial Complex restored in 1974 by the American archaeologist Dr. William Mulloy. Tahai embraces three principal ahu from north to south: Ko Te Riku (restored eyes one), Tahai, and Vai Ure. For its proximity to town it’s a popular place for sunset photos.

FULL DAY • AKAHANGA - RANO RARAKU - TONGARIKI - TE PITO KURA - ANAKENA (Lunch included)

Ahu Akahanga - Akahanga Ceremonial Complex: Located on the southeast coast of the island it is considered an emblematic place where you can understand how the village was arranged in relation to the ceremonial center or ahu.

Rano Raraku - Rano Raraku: Unique volcanic cone tuff quarry on Easter Island. Here, moai were carved and moved across the island to ahu (ceremonial platforms)—a testament to Rapa Nui’s ingenuity and cultural legacy.

Ahu Tongariki - Located opposite to Rano Raraku this is the largest platform from all of the reconstructed on the island. The ahu Tongariki is the most imposing moai platform in the island. This altar has fifteen visible standing statues overlooking the island with their backs to the Pacific Ocean.

Ahu Te Pito Kura - With 11 meters long and about 90 tons weight here we find the largest moai transported from Rano Raraku: Ahu o Paro. Next to this Ahu, we find the famous rounded stone called Te Pito ‘o te Henua. According to tradition, this stone was brought to the island by the ancestors.

Anakena Beach - This beach is characterized by warm turquoise waters and coral sand. It is the main beach of the island and used to be the ancestral residence of the Miru Araki royal family. The ahu Nau Nau is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished Ahu of the island because of the refinement of its moai.

FULL DAY • TREKKING SUBTERRANEAN CAVES - AHU A’KIVI – PUNA PAU (Lunch)

Ana Te Pahu - Lava channels that go along an important territory, through which four underground chambers connect, form Ana Te Pahu, the biggest cave in Rapa Nui. Its great size made it ideal in primitive times; several umu (old kitchen systems) show it was also used to prepare food. Ana Te Pahu is also known as the “cave of the bananas” since there is a large amount of that tree in the entrance.

Ahu Te Peu - Ahu Te Peu is an archaeological site, left unrestored, allowing us to witness it just as the ancient inhabitants left it after internal conflicts led to the toppling of moai statues. This location once housed a vibrant village, with the impressive 43-meter-long boathouse or hare paenga named Tore Tahuna, attributed to the renowned Ariki Tu’u Ko Ihu by local tradition.

Ana Te Pora - Volcanic cave whose main entrance is about 100 meters from the parking lot. This cave it was used as both a shelter and ceremonial place in ancient times.

Ana Kakenga - Ana Kakenga is a captivating volcanic cave formed by lava flowing into the sea, creating two openings that directly face the cliff. Stretching approximately 50 meters in length, it once served as a “kionga,” a place of refuge in ancient times. This unique geological wonder offers a glimpse into the island’s volcanic past and the historical significance it held as a sanctuary for the people of old.

Ahu Akivi - Ahu Akivi is a rare ceremonial platform on Easter Island, distinct for its inland location. Its seven moai statues were meticulously restored to their upright positions through collaborative efforts by archaeologists William Mulloy, Gonzalo Figueroa, and the Rapa Nui community. These moai hold a unique characteristic of being astronomically aligned, facing the setting sun with precision.

Puna Pau - This quarry served as the source of the red volcanic stone used for crafting the Pu Kao, the distinct hairpieces adorning the moai statues. Among the fascinating features here are 23 partially carved cylindrical Pu Kao prototypes, designed for easier transportation to the ahu platforms. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a privileged view of Hanga Roa village from this vantage point.

FULL DAY • TEREVAKA HORSEBACK RIDDING - BOAT RIDE TO THE MOTUS & SNORKEL

Maunga Terevaka - Undoubtedly, one of the most exciting experiences to tour Rapa Nui is on a horseback ride. Start this Half-day tour to the top of the Terevaka volcano by meeting your horseback riding guide and tour guide. For 3 hours you will be horseback riding until you reach the top of the volcano. There you will experience a view of 360º of the ocean.

It is not a frequented route, so for a great part of the journey, you will find yourself alone and will enjoy total serenity.

Motu Nui - Life on Rapa Nui, an island in Polynesia, is closely connected to the ocean. The feeling of isolation is heightened by the round horizon and vast ocean that surround the island. The sea and sky are considered one by the locals. The Motus, three small islets off the coast, were the site of the ancient Birdman competition. The strongest men from each tribe would climb the cliffs and swim to the islets to find the first manutara egg. The winner would lead the clan for a year as the man-bird Tangata Manu.

For those interested, a boat trip to the Motus is an excellent opportunity for snorkeling, with excellent visibility of up to 60 meters in all directions at Motu Kao Kao, a cliff that reaches its sandy bottom at 50 meters, and purple waters. It’s a unique spot along the entire coast of the island.

Motus area: Experience Rapa Nui’s culture through its connection to the sea by taking a boat trip to the Motus.

HALF DAY • SUNRISE AT AHU TONGARIKI

Ahu Tongariki - Experience the magic of Easter Island at dawn as you watch the sunrise over the majestic Moai statues at Ahu Tongariki. Savor the moment with a refreshing cup of coffee, served at the site to help you start your day off right.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Private tour
  • Professional guide
  • Lunch
What's Not Included
  • Tour not available for cruise ship passengers
  • Gratuities
  • National Park entrance fees ticket mandatory for all travelers $80 per person
Additional Information

Explore the majority of the archaeological and natural sites of Easter Island, immersing yourself in a unique experience that combines the wonder of culture with the majesty of the Rapa Nui moai. Optimize your time with this combination of two half-days and two full days of tours. This program is designed for those arriving on a midday flight and departing on the third day.

Begin your exploration of the island right upon arriving on Easter Island. With a private guide at your disposal, you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience. Discover the major sites of Easter Island and delve into the fascinating history of Rapa Nui. Marvel at the imposing moai as you learn more about their history and cultural significance.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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up to 4 guests
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October 2024
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