Ancient Cultures of Easter Island
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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)
$299
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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."
Your excursion begins with a visit to the ceremonial site of Tahai, located on the west coast of the island. This is where you will find the altars and monolithic Moai statues that have become the icons of Rapa Nui culture.
Head to Rano Kau, the volcano closest to the village of Hanga Roa. From the mirador (viewpoint), you'll have a great view of a crater and its lake whose microclimate promotes the growth of dense, varied vegetation.
A short drive brings you to one of the most outstanding and enigmatic places on the island -- the ceremonial village of Orongo. This was once a small huddle of 52 houses built from flagstone, where the celebration of the birdman culture (tangata manu) and a related competition took place.
Please note:
Easter Island has a hot and humid climate. Bring bottled water from the ship; there is nowhere to purchase water on tour. Minimum age is 12 years. Tour requires walking approximately 900 ft each way over uneven terrain at the volcano. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, light clothing and comfortable 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.