Considered the most remote island on Earth, Easter Island (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) sits more than 2,300 miles from Chile’s coast. Its nearest neighbor is 1,240 miles to the west. This Polynesian island is filled with unexplained traditions and mystifying archaeology, including the world famous giant stone statues called Moai.
From the ancient temples (called Ahu) to massive volcanic craters and beaches to villages, on this four day, three night experienceyou will explore the island’s curious past and discover the Rapa Nui culture.
Santiago Adventures will arrange private transportation to your hotel of choice on the remote island. This Easter Island adventure will introduce you to all of the mystical beauty the island has to offer. Excursions include a trip to the archeological complex of Ahu Akupu, which has just one moai statue, and the caves of Ana Kakenga, and a full day excursion visiting the eastern part of the island, including the temples of Vaihu, Akahanga, Tongariki, Te Pito Kura, the quarry of Rano Raraku and Anakena beach.
The Ahu Vaihu and Ahu Akahanga temples are ancient temples worth exploring. The sites have a total of 20 fallen moai statues, and Ahu Akahanga is said to be the burial site of the islands first ruler, Hotu Matu’a.
Ahu Te Pito Kura is the site of the largest Moai to ever stand upright on top of a platform. Today, like all of the other moai, this statue has been toppled from the platform. The statue’s name is Paro, and has been measured to be 9.6 meters tall weigh an estimated at 82 tons.
Te Pito Kura is also the site of the famous “navel”; here we will learn about its mana.Ahu Tongariki is the largest monolithic monument in all of Eastern Polynesia. This amazing platform holds 15 of the largest moai on the island. With the surrounding sea cliffs and beautiful ocean background, Tongariki is truly one of the most incredible sites on the island.
The quarry of Rano Raraku is undoubtedly one of the most amazing sites in the world. Its volcano is known as the “statue factory,” since 95% of the statues on the island were carved from the volcanic stone of Rano Raraku. Some were completely finished and left waiting on the slopes of the volcano for transportation while others are remain in various stages of completion still connected to the mother rock of the volcano. You will have the opportunity to hike to the top of the volcano and see the beautiful crater with its fresh water lake.
You will also have the chance to explore Ana Te Pahu cave, one of hundreds of lava tube caves on the island. Steps have been carved to enable visitors to walk down into the cave. Here you will see the ancient islanders’ tradition of using the cave as protection for their gardens as well as a great source of fresh water.
Of course there is also plenty of free time to explore the prestine beaches and natural beauty of the island.
See the Discover Easter Island tour by Santiago Adventures.