Easter Island is the most remote inhabited island in the world, almost 2,200 miles from the coast of Chile. This volcanic island in the South Seas is only 15 miles across at its widest point, but was home to a culture which created over 800 giant stone statues. The largest of these weighs 86 tons.
This extension allows you to see the Moai around the island, as well as explore the volcanic craters and relax on the sandy beaches.
Day 1 Easter Island Take a five hour flight from Santiago to Easter Island (3 nights). You will experience a traditional reception with flower necklaces before transferring to your hotel. You have the rest of the day free to explore the town of Hanga Roa.
Day 2 Easter Island You drive along the coastal road, stopping to see the moai along the route, before continuing to Ranu Raraku, a volcanic crater which served as a quarry and supplied the stone for about 95% of the island’s moai. Almost 400 Moai are still found in this area. You climb the volcano to the restored Ahu Tongariki, with 15 moai, including the largest on the island. After a packed lunch, continue to Anakena, a white coral sandy beach with coconut palms, where you can swim in the Pacific. You return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 3 Easter Island Drive to the Rano Kau volcano, with the ceremonial centre of Orongo. This was the centre of the birdman cult, where an annual race was held to bring back the first sooty tern egg from a nearby islet. There are also many petroglyphs here. In the afternoon, visit Ahu Akivi, an unusual site as it is not on the coast, and the 7 moai face the ocean, not inland.
Day 4 Santiago Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Santiago (1 night).
Excursions on Easter Island are taken in English and Spanish-speaking groups and may be with tourists of other nationalities.
Additional nights on Easter Island are possible. Please ask us for details.
In the town of Hanga Roa, this hotel has pleasant gardens with a swimming pool, a restaurant and bar. The rooms are simple and have en-suite bathrooms.
Located outside of the main town, the hotel has large gardens, with trails offering sea views. There is a restaurant and pool. The buildings are in cabins resembling ancient boat houses. The attractive rooms are simply furnished, with en-suite bathrooms.