Easter Island Stopover
Day 1
Easter Island
Welcome to one of the most isolated islands in the world: Easter Island (Isla De Pascua or Rapa Nui), discovered in 1722 by a Dutch seaman, Jacob Roggeveen. An extraordinary culture secretly evolved on Easter Island over centuries of isolation and it's original inhabitants developed an unique way of life, rich in stories, myths, legends, music, dances, sport, writing, architecture, fine handicrafts and gigantic sculptures, Moai. There are more than 300 moais on the slopes of Rano Raraku volcano alone. Not all of the moais were finished, and there are many unfinished moais to be found in different stages of construction. In 1935 Easter Island was declared an open air museum by the Chilean government. This afternoon, visit to Tahai temple. Ahu Vai Uri, Ahu Tahai and Ahu Ko Te Riku are the best examples of a ceremonial center featuring three Ahu. Ahu Vai Uri with five moai, Ahu Thai with 1 moai, and Ahu Ko te Riku with 1 moai which was fitted with eyes and 1 Pukao for tourist purposes. Continue to the southernmost volcano on the island to orongo, the ancient ceremonial village, with impressive views above the crater of RANO KAO volcano.
Day 2
Easter Island
Today you will have a full day tour to visit the south coast of the island. In the morning, visit Vaihu, Akahanga , Tongariki temples, Rano Raraku Volcano which is the site of the original quarry where the giant statues (Moai) were made. Many can be seen in different stages of completion. Continue to Te Pito Kura, 'the navel of the world' before crossing the island for a picnic lunch under the palm trees at Anakena beach, and an opportunity to inspect the important Moai platforms being restored by Thor Heyerdahl. After lunch, continue your journey across the island - several Ahu temple platforms will be visited en route. BL
Day 3
Easter Island
This morning visit to Vinapu temple, with its incredible stone walls similar to those built by the ancient Incas; the architecture of these walls is sometimes used as an argument to support the theory that the early islanders came from South America. Continue to Puna Pao quarry, Akivi temple and te Pahu cave and this afternoon transfer to Mataveri airport for your departure flight. B
