Anakena Beach, Easter Island

Commences: Hanga Roa, Chile
Duration: 8 hours

 

Spend a full day exploring the many wonders and mysteries of Easter Island. First, you'll visit the ruins of the temple of Vaihu, followed by stops at various sites dedicated to the famous Moais. Your final stop of the day is at Anakena Beach for a quick dip in the Pacific Ocean.

The excursion starts in Hanga Roa and heads toward the ruins of the temple of Vaihu, which is still today as it has been after centuries of neglect. The red hats of the Moai which were thrown into the sea can clearly be seen.

Continue to the site of Akahanga, where various of the statues are face down, as they were abandoned during their transportation. Then onto the volcano of Rano Raraku and the 'factories' where the Moais were carved from the rock. Here there are more than 300 statues in different stages of production. A walk around the crater reveals a small lagoon and more Moai in the center.

Continue to Ahu Tongariki which has been recently restored with the largest number of Moais which were destroyed by a large tidal wave in 1960.

Finally, the beautiful Anakena beach with two temple platforms or Ahus. Following a picnic lunch, time to bathe in the Pacific Ocean or explore the surrounding countryside. Return to Hanga Roa in the afternoon.

Orongo, Easter Island

Commences: Hanga Roa, Chile
Duration: 4 hours

 

Depart for a visit to Ahu Vinapu which is made up of two ruined Ahus (temple platforms) one of which has stonework which is remarkably similar to that found in Inca sites. Studies have backed up the theory that the first inhabitants of the island came from the American continent.

The journey continues along the coastal road towards the Rano Kao Volcano. Next to the crater is the ancient ceremonial site of Orongo where there are many petroglyphs. There are images of the 'bird man' Tangata Manu, the god creator Make Make and also Komari, fertility symbols.

From the edge of the crater, you can see the three small islands of Motu Iti, Motu Nui and Moto Kao Kao which play an important part in the 'bird man' legends.

The famous Moai of Easter Island

Commences: Hanga Roa, Chile
Duration: 4 hours

When visiting Easter Island, you simply must see the Moai that are scattered around the island. On this tour, you'll travel to one of the restored areas where you'll get an up-close look at seven of these amazing Moais. This area, possessing an astronomical significance, is famous because at the equinoxes, the statues face directly towards the setting sun.

Enjoy this half day excursion to Ahu Akivi, the first area to be restored in 1960 and the archaeological center of Easter Island. It is a ceremonial area, particularly of interest not only for its location at the center of the island, but also for the legends which surround the seven Moais (monolithic human statues) to be found there.

Afterwards, you'll have the opportunity to visit Puna Pau, a site to the east of the town of Hanga Roa. This is the location where the 'pukao' (hats) which crowned the Moais were carved. On the journey, it is possible to see the path where they were transported including some of the hats which were left on the trail.

This truly is a culturally fascinating tour of Easter Island which will have you deeply enthralled in the historic significances of the area.