Easter Island Highlights

Day 1: Arrive at Easter Island 

Depart Santiago for your five-hour flight to Easter Island. On arrival, you will be met by your local guide and driven to your hotel in the little town of Hanga Roa (the only town on the island). 

Depending on your flight time you will have some free time to explore the little town in the afternoon. You could also visit the nearby church, next to which is a local market and a museum.

Accommodation: Hotel Taha Tai

Day 2: The Moai of Easter Island

You'll be picked up from your island accommodation and begin the day driving along the south coast. The first stop will be Hanga Te'e where there are a number of toppled Moai of Ahu Vaihu. From here you'll continue on to Rano Raraku – a volcano housing an ancient quarry which supplied the stone for about 95% of the island's sculptures. You'll take time to have lunch here.

Your next destination is Ahu Tongariki – the largest restored Ahu on Easter Island which features 15 moai. In 1960 there was a massive tidal wave which devastated Ahu Tongariki's platform but thanks to a Japanese expedition, it was resurrected.

Following the road on the north coast, you'll stop off near a fishing cove to visit Ahu Te Pito Kura which means 'navel of light'. This platform is intact and its moai lies in the position it was when it was knocked down.

Finally, you'll head to Anakena Beach, known for its picture-postcard views, and visit the restored Ahu Nau Nau nearby. There will be time for swimming before you're driven back to the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Taha Tai

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch

Day 3: Island Interior and Birdman Cult

You'll start the day with a drive up to the extinct Rano Kau volcano. There are great views of the island on the way and you'll also stop at a lookout point for views of the crater lake.

From here you'll head to the ceremonial village of Orongo, majestically nestled on a thin strip of land. This was a ceremonial centre where initiation rites and the entry of children into adulthood were practised. You'll learn about the history and culture of the birdman cult here.

Moving on, you'll descend from the volcano to the Ahu Vinapu and then a cave featuring some interesting wall paintings.

You'll then head back to the hotel and in the afternoon travel to Ahu Akivi, the site of seven re-erected moai at an inland location. Legend claims that these seven moai represent the seven explorers who were sent to Rapa Nui by King Hotu Matua.

The next top is Hanga Poukura – a fascinating ahu site where numerous toppled moai statues are scattered along with their topknots. You'll also visit the Puna Pau quarry which was the sole source of the red scoria that the villagers of Rapa Nui used to carve the Pukaos.

The last stop of the day will be at the ceremonial site of Tahai where there are three ahus, all restored, the remains of boathouses and a boat ramp.

Accommodation: Hotel Taha Tai

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Departure

Today you'll take a transfer to the airport to board your flight to Santiago or Tahiti.

Meals: Breakfast