Mysterious Moai of Easter Island

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Easter Island
Duration:
4 days / 3 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £495 per person (excluding flights)

Best known for its massive stone statues staring out across the endless Pacific Ocean, Easter Island is probably one of the most mysterious places on earth. Easter Island is one of the few places in Chile where you can kick off your hiking boots and pull on a pair of sandals. The island's iconic statues are surrounded by hills and the island is known for its idyllic sun, sea and beach atmosphere.

Day 1 – Arrival on Easter Island

Flying from Santiago it’ll take you around 5 hours to get to Polynesia’s most south-easterly island: Easter Island. It’s one of the world’s most remote islands, thousands of kilometres away from any other inhabited area. It won’t be long before you get a taste of the laidback island atmosphere. You’ll be met and transferred to your posada just off the main street of Hanga Roa, the island’s only town.

You’ll spend the next few nights at a modest hotel with comfortable rooms. The posada is surrounded by a tropical garden and has a swimming pool; an excellent place to recuperate from your travels through South America. At the end of the day you can watch traditional entertainment whilst sipping on a tropical cocktail.

Days 2-3 – Easter Island – free time

Today you will set off in an international group to visit the famous Moai statues. After a beautiful drive through the rolling landscape, you will first stop at a cave that was created by lava flows. Then you will drive to Ahu Akivi, the most photographed place on the island because of the colossal Moai statues that look out to sea. Your guide will tell you all about it and of course there will be plenty of time to take pictures. On the way back you will make a short stop at the quarry where the stone for the statues comes from.

Easter Island is dominated by the world-famous monolithic Moai, three large volcanoes and massive cliffs battered by relentless ocean waves. That’s why you’ll have another day to explore the island and unravel its secrets. You could hire a car locally, giving you the freedom to see what you want. Climb volcanoes, relax on windswept beaches or learn all about the local legends.

Day 4 – Departure from Easter Island

After breakfast and a quick dip in the pool, this Easter Island trip will come to an end. Most travellers fly back to Santiago and then fly home from there. If you don’t fly home until evening you’ll have the rest of the day to spend exploring the island.