Midway between Tahiti and Chile, Easter Island has long been subject to much speculation and inquisitive research. How and why did its people carve out, move and erect hundreds of giant stone Moai statues on the shoreline of the island? Easter Island is the most isolated island on earth, but 1,200 years ago a double-hulled canoe filled with seafarers from a remote culture landed upon its coast. Over the centuries that followed, an extraordinary culture developed on the remote island. Easter Island today remains one of the most unique places on the planet; it is an open air museum, showcasing a fascinating culture. The Rapanui are some of the friendliest people one will ever meet and the landscape is truly incredible - volcanic craters, lava formations, beaches, brilliant blue water, and archaeological sites all add to the uniqueness of Easter Island. The sub-tropical Polynesian island has been part of Chile since 1888.

Day 1: Hanga Roa

After your arrival at Mataveri Airport you will experience a traditional reception with flower necklaces. A short transfer takes you to your hotel. We recommend spending the remaining day to visit the church of the village. Among the various statues you will find traditional Roman Catholic symbols together with indigenous ones. On Sunday morning you are welcome to attend mass. The artisan market and the local museum are located next to the church. The museum holds a collection of Rapa Nui artefact reproductions, while the originals were removed from the island.

Day 2: Anakena

Today you will learn more about the fascinating history of Rapa Nui. After leaving Hanga Roa, we will drive to the south along the coastal road. Views of the Poike Peninsula and the whole coastline consisting of black volcanic rock will accompany us all the way. Our first stop will be in Vaihu to visit archaeological sites, passing several moais lying along the street indicating the 'Camino de los Moais', the 'Trail of the Moais' on which they were manoeuvred to their destinations, also marking our next stop. At Ranu Raraku - the place where the moais were made - we will have a picnic lunch, and afterwards we will start walking up the Ranu Raraku volcano. The next highlight is one of the most impressive sites on the island: the restored giant Ahu Tongariki and its 15 moais, which are the largest worship site on the island. Continuing on our excursion, we will take a small break to visit two beaches, one of them being Ovahe, a small bay with a cave and nearly pink-coloured sand. From there and after just a short drive we will reach Anakena with its white sandy beach and coconut palm trees, inviting you to rest in the sand and swim in the warm Pacific water. Drive back to Hanga Roa. (B,BL)

Day 3: Ceremonial Village Orongo & Ahu Akivi

From Hanga Roa it is a 30 minute drive to the volcano Rano Kau with the ceremonial village Orongo. It is the ceremonial centre of the cult of the bird-man 'Hombre Pajaro', which started when the 'Short Ears' stopped building moais. Your guide will explain this 'new' culture of the island and show you famous petroglyph images. This site offers the view of three small islets in the Pacific: Motu Nui, Moto Kau, Moto Iti. The afternoon excursion will take you to the Ahu Akivi site with its prominent 7 moais. This site was one of the later constructions built, probably at a time when the statue cult was beginning to unravel. Ahu Akivi is unusual because it is neither at the coast nor are its Moais facing towards the land, unlike all the other ceremonial statues. (B)

Day 4: Departure

After breakfast you will be taken to Matavari International Airport. (B)

Rates for 2011/2012 - per person

Offered with 3 different Hotel options - with shared service:

Rates may vary due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.

Hotel used for this Itinerary

Hotel O'Tai*** This hotel is centrally located in Hanga Roa and set amidst one of the most beautiful gardens on the island. Enjoy a Polynesian ambience. The hotel offers 30 rooms, in standard and superior class, of which we recommend the latter. Rooms are equipped with TV, telephone and mini bar. Additional facilities include a nice pool and Jacuzzi, restaurant, shops, living room with TV, meeting room and laundry service.

Hotel Altiplanico Rapa Nui The Hotel's objective is that the visitors feel, understand and learn to respect the island for the archaeological-cultural monument that it is and thus participate in taking care of it during their stay. The design, construction and operation of the hotel emphasize the original life that existed in the island. Beautiful huts and excellent service engulf guests in the charm and magic of Easter Island, just 4 km away from the main town of Hanga Roa and 200m away from beaches. The design is based on Rapanui heritage, evident in its special touches such as images, shapes, concepts, objects and the ambience. the hotel also features a swimming pool and a superb open air bar and restaurant.

Hotel Gomero The family-run hotel, located 10 walking minutes away from the village center of Hanga Roa, features single-, double- and triple rooms with private bathrooms, all equipped with minibar, telephone, safe deposit box and ventilator. With its cozy atmosphere, the tropical garden and the swimming-pool it is a really pleasant place to stay. Further facilities include: restaurant and bar, laundry service, travel agency, parking, airport transfers.