EASTER ISLANDS
Easter
Island is a Polynesian island in the south-eastern
Pacific Ocean, at the south easternmost point of the Polynesian triangle. The
island is a special territory of Chile. Easter Island is famous for its
monumental statues, called moai , created by the Rapanui people. It
is a world heritage site with much of the island protected within the Rapa
Nui National Park.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Hanga roa
After your arrival at Mataveri airport you will experience a
traditional reception with flower necklaces. A short transfer takes you
to your hotel. We recommend you to use the remainder of the day to visit
the church of the village; among the various statues there you will find
traditional Roman Catholic symbols together with indigenous ones. On
Sunday morning you are welcome to attend mass. The artisan market and
the local museum are located next to the church. In the museum you can
marvel at the Rapa Nui artefacts; two originals were removed from the
island and replaced by reproductions, but the remainder of items in the
museum and the other two Rongorongo carvings are original artefacts.
Day 2:
Anakena
Today you will learn more about the fascinating history of Rapa Nui.
After leaving Hanga Roa, we will drive to the south along the coastal
road. You will have views of the Poike Peninsula and the whole coastline
consisting of black volcanic rock. We will make our first stop in Vaihu
to visit archaeological sites. On the road to the next stop we will pass
several Moai, lying along the street indicating the "Camino de los Moai",
the "Trail of the Moai" on which they were maneuvered to their
destinations. At Ranu Raraku - the quarry where a lots of Moai were
sculpted - we will have a picnic lunch, and afterwards we will start
walking up the Ranu Raraku volcano. You certainly will be impressed by
our next highlight - the restored giant Ahu Tongariki and its 15 moai,
which are the largest worship site on the island.
Continuing
on our excursion, we will take a small break to visit two beaches, one
of them being Ovahe, a small bay with a cave and nearly pink-colored
sand; after another short drive we will reach Anakena with its white
sandy beach and coconut palm trees inviting you to rest in the sand and
swim in the warm Pacific water. Drive back to Hanga Roa. (B,BL)
Day 3:
Ceremonial Village Orongo
From Hanga Roa it is a 30 minute drive to the volcano Rano Kau with the
ceremonial village Orongo. You will be surprised by the perfect round
shape of the Crater Lake. Orongo is the ceremonial center of the cult to
the bird-man "Hombre Pajaro", which started after the further building
of Moai had stopped. Your guide will explain this "new" culture of the
island and show you the petroglyph images of Tangata Manu (bird man),
Make Make (the god who created him) and Komari (a fertility symbol).
This site commands a view of three small islets in the Pacific: Motu
Nui, Motu Kao Kao and Motu Iti. You will have the rest of the day for
your leisure and relaxation. (B)
Day 4:
Santiago to Calama - San Pedro and the Moonvalley
Transfer to airport in time to board the flight to Santiago and on to
Calama (not included) (B)
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