Easter Island (Rapa Nui in the people's native language) is a remote volcanic island in Polynesia. Merely a speck in the expansive Pacific Ocean, it is one of the most isolated places on Earth, which lends itself to the unmistakable authenticity and mystery that surrounds it. It is a Chilean territory, however, it is easy to feel disconnected from the mainland which is some 3,700km to the east.
The island is characterised by its archaeological sites, which include around 900 monumental statues called 'moai' which were hand-carved by inhabitants between 13th and 16th centuries. The moai depict human figures with oversized heads (averaging around 4 metres and 14 tons), often resting on a huge stone pedestal called an 'ahus'. Much mystery surrounds these monuments as to firstly, why they were created and secondly, how this mammouth task took place. It is thought that the moai were created to honour ancestors, chiefs or other important people.
Aside from the statues, Easter Island has much to offer, including surfing, diving and snorkelling opportunities and numerous trails to explore on foot, bike saddle or horseback. For those times when you just want to relax, there are a few wonderful stretches of white sandy beach.
We offer three different levels of accommodation on Easter Island, from basic and affordable with group day trip options to luxurious with privately guided day trips. For further information on accommodation options, please contact us.
Itinerary
7 Day Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Santiago
Upon arrival into Santiago Airport, you will be met by our local representative and privately transferred to your hotel, where you will spend one night on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2: Santiago City Tour
After breakfast in your hotel, you will be picked up and taken on a city tour, exploring the historical, commercial and residential areas of Santiago. You will visit the courtyards of the Government Palace "La Moneda", the historical centre with the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the Town Hall, etc. Then, you will walk along the main avenue of the city: "La Alameda" and will be able to observe the Forestal Park, San Cristóbal Hill and the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood. Later, you will continue through the modern residential and commercial areas, sectors that reach the foot of the Andes.
Once the tour is over, you will return to the hotel.
Day 3: Travel to Easter Island
Today you will be picked up and transferred to Santiago Airport for your flight to Easter Island (not included in the price).
Upon arrival at Easter Island airport, you will be met by a local representative and escorted to your hotel. You will be assisted with check-in procedures and provided with a detailed itinerary, covering all the services included in your trip to Easter island and additional information on the organization of your trip in Chile. You will also receive a contact information sheet with all the hotel details as well as our offices contact information and a 24-hour emergency number.
You will spend three nights in Easter Island on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 4: Half Day to Orongo Ceremonial Village & Rano Kau
During this excursion you will climb the extinct volcano Rano Kau, where you will have a panoramic view of the whole island with its coasts, volcanoes and the town of Hanga Roa. The second viewpoint that you will visit will allow you to appreciate the crater of the volcano with its lagoon.
Then you will arrive at the ceremonial village of Orongo, where the Bird Man ceremony and competition was celebrated. Then you will visit the Ahu Vinapu, whose architecture will remind us of the constructions of the pre-Inca villages. At the end of this excursion, you will visit the Ana Kai Tangata cave, where you will be able to appreciate cave paintings.
Day 5: Full Day Rapa Nui
This full day trip will enable you to experience the best that Rapa Nui has to offer. You will depart from the hotel towards the ceremonial site of Tahai.
Here you will find 3 completely restored platforms with different statues that have been lifted from the ground and placed vertically standing-up. You will be able to witness the only statue in the island that has eyes. You will also go around the region and visit what once was a chicken house, a boathouse and a huge boat ramp. After that, you will arrive to one of the most important places of Rapa Nui’s culture, Rano Raraku, quarry of almost 900 stone statues. 397 of them are still lying or standing at the slopes of the already extinct volcano that boasts a lake within its crater.
You will then visit Ahu Tongariki, the most recent and biggest restoration on the island counting with 15 moais. You will go on towards Anakena Beach, where you will visit the restored Ahus (platforms) of Nau Nau and Ature Huki. As a last stop during your way back to the village, you will visit the extinct volcano Rano Kau to appreciate the magnificent view of the island from the top. You will be able to distinguish the different geological features of the land and get impressed by a breathtaking postcard of the lake.
Afterwards, you will drive to the ceremonial village of Orongo, where the birdman competition took place every year. Here you can admire the spectacular petroglyphs related to this culture and enjoy the beautiful view of the 3 islands opposite the coast: Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao Kao.
Day 6: Depart Easter Island
After breakfast in your hotel you will check out of your room. You will be transferred to the airport in time to catch your onward flight (flight not included in the price).
Upon arrival into Santiago Airport, you will be met and privately transferred to your hotel, where you will spend one night on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 7: Depart Santiago
Today you will be picked up from your hotel and privately transferred to Santiago Aiport to catch your onward flight.
Dates
based on two people sharing a twin / double room
Price includes:
Private Transfers in Santiago
Shared services (excursions and transfers) on Easter Island (unless 'First' trip package booked)
Local English Speaking Guides
3 nights B&B accommodation in Santiago & 3 nights B&B accommodation on Easter Island
Box Lunch on Day 5
Entrance fee to Easter Island National Park
Price excludes:
International & Domestic Flights (please contact us to discuss)
Services and non-mentioned meals in the itinerary
Early check-in, late check-out and hotel extras
Personal expenses
Tips
Accommodation Level: Basic, Standard or Luxury
The below photos depict standard rooms in the three Easter Island Hotel categories for the 2023 2024 season. Our Santiago Hotel recommendations are also split into three categories. Please contact us for further information.
