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Day 1 Santiago - Easter Island

Day 2 Ahu Vaiha - Rano Raraku - Anakena (B,L)

Early this morning you start your tour of the island by driving along the southern coast. Your first stops are at Ahus Vaihu and Akahanga. Ahu, which means "sacred place," refers to the rectangular stone platform on which the famous Moai (enormous, 100-ton basalt statues) were often erected..

Next you head to the volcanic crater of Rano Raraku. This might be the most impressive site on the island. Seventy standing sentinels, embedded up to their shoulders in grass on the south slope of the volcanic crater Rano Raraku, lead the way to the quarry or "nursery" inside of the impressive crater rim. This is where the Moai were cut from volcanic tuff, and some 150 figures remain here in all stages of completion. They are mute witnesses to the mystery that suddenly stopped all work. You visit the Ahu of some of the nearby Moai, and check out the holes in the crater rim that were used to maneuver the statues.

You drive to Ahu Te Pito Kura on the northern coast and visit the Anakena beach, the legendary landing place of the island's founder Hota Matua. After swimming and relaxing in this piece of South Pacific paradise, you'll return to the hotel for the evening.

Day 3 Orongo - Ahu Vinapu - Ana Kai Tangata Cave (B)

You drive to Rano Kau volcano, the biggest on the island, whose enormous crater is now a fresh water lake with floating green fields of totora reeds. This site offers an exceptional view of three tiny and craggy off-shore islands: Nui, Motu and Kao-Kao. Perched 400 meters above the lake on the crater wall is the ceremonial village of Orongo, where the bizarre "bird man" ritual took place. The partially restored village has 48 oval buildings built out of overlapping stone slabs. Over the cliffs you can see an amazing string of "bird man" petroglyphs.

The Ana Kai Tangata cave sits at the end of a beautiful little bay. A rocky trail leads you to the cave entrance, and venturing inside you see a few paintings relating to the birdman culture. Once you've explored the cave, you'll return to your hotel and have the afternoon free.

Day 4 Ahu Akivi (B)

Day 5 Easter Island - Santiago (B)

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Hanga Roa before taking the flight back to Santiago.

US$ 810
5D/4N Starting and ending in Easter Island.
Tour Code: EI5
Single Supplement: US$215

Accommodations: 4 nights comfortable hotels

Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.

Transportation: Vans

Note: Roundtrip flight Santiago-Easter Island-Santiago is not included. Please add US$850 - 1150 (flight cost subject to change). Flights to/from Easter Island are limited. Flights from Santiago to Easter Island: Sun., Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat. Flights from Easter Island returning to Santiago: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., Sat.

Group & Staff: Min 2, Max 12; Local guide

Personal Budgeting: Allow US$125 for meals not included, US$130 visa reciprocity fee

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Santiago: Share US$60, Single US$100

Is it for Me? A culturally enriching tour with emphasis on the ancient history and traditions of Rapa Nui

Arrival / Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person

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