Easter Island: Secrets of the Moai Statues

Flight to Santiago de Chile

The first step in our journey will be the passport and baggage check, which is an essential process before heading to Santiago de Chile. This procedure ensures a smooth and secure trip across borders and is a standard practice at international airports.

Santiago de Chile

After arriving in Santiago de Chile and checking into our hotel, we will take a city tour. We’ll visit prominent landmarks such as Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Central Post Office building, and the La Moneda Presidential Palace. Additionally, we’ll explore the charming Paris-Londres neighborhood, along with the historic San Francisco Church.

Exploring Santiago de Chile isn’t just a journey through history and culture; it’s also an opportunity to experience life in the capitol of Chile. The city captivates with its contrast between tradition and modernity, and every step is a chance to discover new and fascinating aspects of this vibrant capitol.

In the evening, we’ll return to our hotel.

Easter Island

After an early breakfast, we’ll head to the airport for our flight to Easter Island, which marks the beginning of an exciting journey. Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is one of the most isolated places in the world, located in the southeast Pacific. Get ready for unforgettable experiences!

Upon arrival, you’ll receive a traditional welcome at Hanga Roa Airport, followed by a transfer to the hotel. You’ll have some free time, which you can use to take a stroll through Hanga Roa town – the capitol and the only town on Easter Island. This is where you’ll find all the hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

We will stay at a hotel in Hanga Roa.

Orongo - Rano Kau

After breakfast, we will go on a full-day journey and explore the most significant and intriguing spots on the southwest of the island.

Our visit will include Orongo, a ceremonial village dedicated to the cult of the birdman. Following that, we’ll explore Ahu Vinapu, known for its architecture that resembles structures of pre-Inca cultures.

Our next viewpoint will allow us to appreciate the Rano Kau crater with its peaceful lagoon.

We’ll return to town in the evening for our overnight stay.

Rano Raraku - Ahu Tongariki

After breakfast, we’ll set out towards the southern coast and the eastern part of the island for a tour where we’ll marvel at the work of the ancient Rapa Nui society, showcasing an incredibly advanced level of megalithic engineering.

Hanga Poukura

We’ll visit unique places, including Hanga Poukura, a stunning coastline with intriguing volcanic rock formations, and the fascinating natural phenomenon known as a Blowhole.

Ara o te Moai

Next, we’ll continue our journey along the southern coast until we reach the entrance to “Ara o te Moai,” where we’ll walk towards Rano Raraku, an area of the volcano known as the “Moai Factory”.

Ahu Tongariki

To conclude the tour, we’ll explore Ahu Tongariki, the largest and most impressive restored monument on Rapa Nui, featuring 15 mighty Moai statues.

Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel.

Terevaka - Ahu Akivi

Today, we’re going on an adventure to the old Vai Tea sheep farm, where we begin our journey to Maunga Terevaka. This mountain is the youngest of the three volcanoes that shaped the triangular form of Easter Island. We’ll be ascending to a height of 1676 feet, and be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of the entire island.

The hike to Maunga Terevaka is not just a physical challenge but also a spiritual journey through the history, nature, and culture of Easter Island. It’s perfect for grasping the place’s uniqueness and immersing yourself in its magic.

In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time. We’ll spend the night on the island.

Tongariki - Anakena Beach

Today, we’re kicking off our day with an early departure from the hotel to catch the breathtaking sunrise behind the Moai statues at Ahu Tongariki in Hanga Nui Bay. After that, we’ll head back to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, we’ll explore the caves in the central and western parts of Easter Island. The roads in these areas are too rough for cars, so not many people visit them. We’ll head towards the coast, and then follow the coastline back to town, visiting some of the most incredible caves on Easter Island along the way.

Once we’ve wrapped up our cave exploration, it’s back to the hotel for some free time. Enjoy!

Hanga Roa - Santiago de Chile

After breakfast, it’s time for some last-minute souvenirs and taking in the Polynesian island. It’s the last chance to try traditional pastries like tuna empanadas or po’e cakes (a dessert made with banana and pumpkin).

Following a traditional farewell, we’ll go to the airport for our return flight to Santiago de Chile. We will be transported to the hotel in Santiago for an overnight stay.

Santiago de Chile Departure

After breakfast, we’ll take a stroll through Santiago, the capitol of Chile. It’s an unforgettable experience. The city is surrounded by the majestic, snow-capped peaks of the Andes, making the landscape simultaneously impressive and charming. During our walk, you can observe the street life of the capitol and the hustle and bustle of this ever-living city.

Following that, time to go on our way to the airport for our return flight to Chicago.

Home Sweet Home

That concludes our Easter Island getaway. Time to say goodbye to the group and return home… to begin planning the next adventure with Rek Travel!

Check out our wide range of trips here!