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  • Stand before the 15 magnificent moai of Ahu Tongariki, Easter Island’s largest ceremonial platform.
  • Explore Rano Raraku, the volcanic quarry where hundreds of moai were carved and where unfinished statues remain scattered across the slopes.
  • Discover the archaeological remains of Ahu Akahanga, where fallen moai remain much as they were left centuries ago.
  • Visit Te Pito o te Henua – the “Navel of the World”, associated with the legends of the island’s first Polynesian settlers.
  • Relax at beautiful Anakena Beach, with its white sand, palm trees and restored ceremonial platforms.
  • Visit Rano Kau, one of Easter Island’s spectacular volcanic craters, with panoramic views across the crater lake, ocean and Hanga Roa.
  • Discover Orongo, the ceremonial village associated with the fascinating Birdman Cult and its annual competition.
  • Enjoy a day at leisure, allowing time to explore Hanga Roa or experience more of the island at your own pace.

There are no direct flights from the UK to Easter Island. The most straightforward route is to fly from the UK to Santiago, Chile, and then continue by domestic flight across the Pacific to Mataveri International Airport on Easter Island.


For travellers combining Easter Island with another Windows on the Wild Chile itinerary, the stay can therefore be incorporated naturally around time in Santiago.

Your Stay on Easter Island


The itinerary includes four nights at Hotel O'tai, a locally styled hotel in a central location in Hanga Roa, just a short distance from the coast. Set amongst large tropical gardens, the hotel has a swimming pool and a restaurant serving international food alongside typical Rapa Nui dishes. Breakfast is included.


Includes:

  • Private transfers
  • 5 nights' hotel accommodation
  • Breakfast and meals listed
  • Entrance fees and excursions listed

Excluded:

  • International and domestic flights
  • Meals not listed
  • Optional excursions
  • Gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Travel Insurance

LENGTH: 5 Nights


PRICE:  from £1,205 per person, based on two people sharing a room. Single supplement are larger groups available on request.


INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY:  Santiago, Chile

The Mystery of the Moai

Come face to face with Rapa Nui’s extraordinary stone statues, from the imposing line of 15 moai at Ahu Tongariki to unfinished figures still resting on the slopes of their ancient quarry.

Volcanic Landscapes



Explore an island shaped by volcanoes, including spectacular Rano Kau and Rano Raraku, where dramatic crater scenery provides the backdrop to some of Rapa Nui’s most important archaeological sites.

Polynesian Culture



Discover the legends, traditions and ceremonial sites of the Rapa Nui people, from the arrival of King Hotu Matua to the remarkable Birdman ceremonies once held at Orongo.

Anakena Beach



Combine archaeology with island life at beautiful Anakena, where white sand and Pacific waters surround two restored ahu and a site traditionally linked with Rapa Nui’s first Polynesian settlers.

Overview

Journey to one of the world’s most remote and intriguing destinations: Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, a tiny volcanic island set deep in the Pacific Ocean around 3,800 kilometres from mainland Chile. Despite its isolation and small size, the island has an extraordinary cultural legacy, with almost 1,000 mysterious moai statues, ancient ceremonial platforms, volcanic craters and archaeological sites scattered across its dramatic landscape. Much of the island forms part of Rapa Nui National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Over four nights on the island, discover the fascinating story of the Rapa Nui people and the remarkable monuments they left behind. Visit Ahu Tongariki, where 15 restored moai stand dramatically against the Pacific, and explore Rano Raraku, the volcanic quarry where the giant statues were carved. Continue to beautiful Anakena Beach, traditionally associated with the arrival of the island’s first Polynesian settlers, and discover the ceremonial village of Orongo, perched spectacularly on the rim of the Rano Kau volcano.


With a free day included to explore independently or simply enjoy the island at a slower pace, this is a fascinating journey into Polynesian history, mythology and culture.


Easter Island can be enjoyed as a standalone trip or added to one of our other Chile itineraries, creating an unforgettable contrast to Santiago, the Atacama Desert or Patagonia.


Day by Day Itinerary

 

Day 1 | Arrival - Easter Island

Private transfer from the airport to the hotel with English-speaking assistance.


Hotel Otai in Easter Island for 4 nights with breakfast



Day 2 | Shared full day excursion Ahu Akahanga, Rano Raraku and AnakenaPuerto Natales – Torres del Paine National Park

This tour goes in search of the secrets of Rapa Nui’s culture, and begins with a visit to the cave dwellings and moai platforms of Akahanga, on the southern coast of the island. The platforms have been left untouched, with their moai still lying on the ground where they fell, during the destruction of the island’s ceremonial sites. Over time, the statues’ ahus – ceremonial platforms where the moai were originally placed – have become overgrown with grass. The ceremonial centre Ahu Tongariki, your next stop, is the largest, and perhaps most beautiful, of the island’s ahus. 15 resurrected moai throne on their platform, overlooking the island with their backs to the Pacific Ocean.


Afterwards, the tour continues to Rano Raraku, an extinct volcano of trass stone. This is perhaps the most intriguing sight on the island, because it is the quarry where the moais were cut from the rocks. The giant sculptures lie scattered all over the volcano’s hillsides, ready for a transportation that never took place. Higher up, even more moais can be found in various stages of completion, some still connected to the rock, as if they were abandoned from one day to the next. From here, drive north to Te Pito o te Henua (known as ‘The Red Navel’ or ‘Navel of the World’): a large smooth round stone, supposedly with magical powers. According to legend, King Hotu Matua himself brought this stone here, during the earliest occupation of Easter Island.


Last stop on the itinerary of this exciting day is the beach at Anakena, where King Hotu Matua made land, accompanied by the first Polynesian settlers. You can visit two restored ahus called Nau Nau und Ature Huke The fine white sand is a good place to relax and take a refreshing swim in the Pacific, before being taken back to your hotel.



Day 3 | Day at leisure



Day 4 | Shared half day excursion Rano Kau and Orongo

During this half day excursion, you will discover Orongo – the ceremonial site for the Birdman Cult – whose stone houses are set right by the circular crater of the Rano Kau volcano. The Birdman Cult only emerged after the collapse of Moai Culture and was focused on fertility rites and the Birdman competition.


After a short drive you will reach the rim of the crater and will be able to savour a spectacular view overlooking the crater’s large lake, as well as the sea and the town of Hanga Roa. From another viewpoint you can see the three Motu Islands. These small islands were the focus of the young men chosen during the ceremony of the Birdman Cult, held at Orongo. One individual per clan swam out to the Motus, to climb and steal the first swallow’s egg of the year. The winning clan was allowed to nominate Rapa Nui’s king for the following year.



Day 5 | Return to Santiago

Private transfer from the hotel to the airport with English-speaking assistance.


Holiday Inn Santiago Airport in Santiago for 1 night including breakfast.

Go Beyond the Ordinary

All itineraries can be tailored to your dates, budget and travel style. Add extra nights, upgrade hotels, include wildlife experiences or create something completely bespoke.