
Easter Island, Chile
The monoliths of Easter Island have fascinated and puzzled Westerners since the Dutch seaman Roggeven made landfall there on Easter Sunday, 1722. The mystery of Easter Island's first settlers remains just that - a mystery. Today, most anthropologists believe the island was settled as part of the great wave of Polynesian emigration. (The oldest of the Moai, as the great monoliths are called, date to 700 A.D.) The society that produced the Moai flourished during the 16th and 17th centuries, but population growth, deforestation and food shortages led to its collapse. Today some 3,400 souls inhabit this 64-square-mile island, which lies some 2,200 miles equidistant from Tahiti and South America.
The society of Rapa Nui possessed stone-working skills on a par with those found in the Inca Empire. Islanders also possessed a script called Rongorongo, the only written language in all of Oceania.
Please note: The current fee for entry into the National Park is $80 per person, this fee is included in all organized shore tours. Independent passengers are required to pay this fee on arrival at the park.
Easter Island is an anchorage port. Transportation from the ship to shore will be via the ship's tender service.
Points of Interest
- Orongo Village
- Ahu Tahai
- Ahu Akivi
- Rano Raraku
- Rano Kau
- Vinapu
- Terevaka Mount
Ahu Tahai & Island Drive
- Ahu Tahai
Soak up the magnificent sights of Easter Island on a panoramic tour that offers fascinating moai, souvenir shopping and lots of breathtaking wonders. Visit the enigmatic stone statues of Ahu Akivi as they gaze out at sea and later, marvel at Ko Te Riku, the only moai with eyes.
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity
AUD$379.95
Orongo Village & Ahu Akivi
- Orongo Village
- Ahu Akivi
- Rano Kau
Experience the dramatic ruins and natural beauty of Easter Island. Enjoy a photo stop at Ranu Kau, a 1,000-foot tall volcano. Marvel at the ancient ceremonial village of Orongo, site of a death-defying competition. And see the rare ocean-facing moai at Akivi.
Strenuous Activity
AUD$379.95
Ahu Tahai & Rano Raraku
- Ahu Tahai
- Rano Raraku
Marvel in the majestic and mystical powers of one of the world's most famous archaeological sites on a photography tour of the stone monoliths called moai. Photo stops include Tahai, one of the island's oldest sites; Rano Raraku, a volcanic quarry containing 397 statues; and Tongariki, set against magnificent cliffs.
Strenuous Activity
AUD$399.95
Best of Easter Island
- Ahu Tahai
- Rano Raraku
The drama, history and ancient Polynesian culture of Easter Island comes to life on this scenic half-day tour. Travel through picturesque beauty, admire the tableau of iconic 'moai' sculptures, and survey the visual intensity of Rano Raraku Volcano and the sacred ceremonial sites of Ahu Tongariki.
Strenuous Activity
AUD$424.95
Ultimate Easter Island Moai & Umu Feast - Discovery Exclusive
- Ahu Akivi
Delve into cultural and historic wonders when you combine a visit to the rare ocean-facing moai at Akivi with an authentic umu feast, a savory Polynesian tradition that includes foods prepared over a stone oven heated with hot lava rocks. A folkloric show entertains while you dine.
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
AUD$654.96