Easter Island Highlights

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

What you will visit:

Ahu Tahai and Ancient Statues
One of the oldest ancient statue sites on the island, this complex is composed of three separate ahu (or 'platform') sites dating from the 6th century. Ahu Tahai and Ahu Ko Te Riku each feature single statues, the latter of which gazes serenely from piercing white eyes. Ahu Vai Ure/Uri once was the site of five regal monuments, one of which stands intact today. The archaeologist William Mulloy, whose tomb is located nearby, restored this remarkable collection between 1968 and 1970.


Rano Raraku Volcano

This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as 'the quarry,' for it was here that the incredible stone moai were hewn from the hardened volcanic ash that issued from the Rano Raku Volcano and were transported around Rapa Nui. Steps to the crater yield to a natural reservoir and enclosed garden. From this unparalleled point, one can see the 397 moai in various stages of development, as if they are waiting, frozen in time, for their ancient craftsmen to return.


Ahu Tongariki

The moai of Ahu Tongariki were toppled during the islands' civil wars then devastated by a tsunami in 1960, but a painstaking restoration, sponsored by the University of Chile and taking over three years to complete, has returned this site to its original majesty. This ahu is the largest on the island, where 15 stoic moai gaze from their platform on the top of spectacular vertical cliffs overlooking the crashing ocean below and facing sunset during the summer solstice.

Anankena

Anakena is a glorious destination on Rapa Nui. Home to one of the few sandy beaches on the island, it is a perfect place to relax under a shady palm and enjoy the view of Ahu Ature Huke and Ahu Nua Nua. The latter boasts seven statues, four with remarkable and intact top knots (or 'pukao'), and is one of the most well preserved ahu sites on the island, thanks to the restoration work by archaeologist Sergio Rapu Haoa.

What you see along the way:

This stunning and remote island boasts rocky coastlines, dramatic seascapes, charming villages and stunning coral reefs. As there is no industry on the island, the air is pristine and perfectly clear.

Special Notes:

A $80 National Park entrance fee is included in the cost of the tour.

Guests who have purchased tickets for IPC-100 and who have also purchased tickets for IPC-205 will be able to purchase this tour at a reduced rate. Please see the tour office on board for details.

Vehicles are not air-conditioned. Guides provide narration during site visits only. No narration is provided during travel time.

Medical Restriction:

The walk at Rano Raraku quarry is over uneven tearrain and with inclined surface.