Easter Island Panorama
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Port
Easter Island, Chile
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$279
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Rapa Nui National Park
"Rapa Nui, the indigenous name of Easter Island, bears witness to a unique cultural phenomenon. A society of Polynesian origin that settled there c. A.D. 300 established a powerful, imaginative and original tradition of monumental sculpture and architecture, free from any external influence. From the 10th to the 16th century this society built shrines and erected enormous stone figures known as moai, which created an unrivalled cultural landscape that continues to fascinate people throughout the world."
Leaving the harbor of Hanga Piko, your coach drives through the village of Hanga Roa.
At the ceremonial site of Tahai, located on the west coast of the island, you will see altars and the monolithic Moai statues that have become an iconic symbol of Rapa Nui culture.
A stop at the handicrafts market allows you some time to admire some of the crafts in wood and shell made by the islanders.
Leave the village and relax during a 20-minute drive to the archaeological site of Ahu Akivi, featuring seven restored statues. Hear the legend and lore surrounding these statues which represent the seven ambassadors sent to Easter Island by King Hotu Matua.
Then, enjoy a scenic drive back to the pier with a short photo stop at Ahu Poukura -- an unrestored statue.
Please note:
Easter Island has a hot and humid climate. Shade is limited; please dress accordingly. Bring a hat and wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water from the ship; there is nowhere to purchase water on tour. Minimum age is 12 years. Walking is over uneven terrain at the volcano. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Tourism infrastructure is very limited on Easter Island. Transportation will be by way of several different types of vehicles, including minibuses and vans. A guide waits for you at each point of interest and provides narration and explanation with a loudspeaker rather than riding with you in the vehicle. The ship is at anchor at Easter Island and the Immigration clearance process can take more than an hour. Having your immigration card filled in prior to arrival will expedite the process. Very few vendors on Easter Island accept credit cards; bring US dollars or Chilean pesos.