Easter Island Tour

Days

5+

Activity Level

Easy

Host City

Hanga Roa, Chile

From

$2,495 USD

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Journey to Easter Island

Join The Explorer’s Passage (TEP) on a journey to the enigmatic island of Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island. Discover the ancient culture and history of the Rapa Nui people as you visit important archaeological sites such as Ahu Akahanga and the Rano Raraku quarry. Embark on a tour around the island, taking in the natural beauty of the landscapes, from the rocky coastlines to the lush interior. Learn about the island’s indigenous people and participate in traditional activities such as dancing and singing. The tour traverses the base of the iconic Moai statues, leading into charming villages of the island. This wild and mysterious island will draw you in and undoubtedly make it hard for you to have to go back home at the conclusion of your trip with The Explorer’s Passage.

Explore easter island with TEP

Trip Highlights

Explore the Rano Raraku volcano, a volcanic crater located on the southeastern coast of the island where a surplus of the moai statues were made around the 13th century. Also known as the ‘Quarry”, where you can see almost 400 moai statues in different stages of carving.

Discover the ceremonial village of Orongo, located on Easter Island near the Rano Kau volcano. It was used primarily for the annual Birdman competition, where participants from different clans competed to retrieve the first egg laid by a manutara bird on the nearby islet of Motu Nui. This ritual played a crucial role in the island’s social and religious practices, marking a significant cultural event in Rapa Nui history.

Explore the Tahai, an archaeological site on Easter Island featuring restored moai statues and ceremonial platforms. It is notable for its well preserved examples of moai and is a significant cultural and historical landmark, offering insights into the island’s ancient civilization and religious practices.

Visit Puna Pau Volcano, a small volcanic crater located on Easter Island, known for its red scoria rock. This rock was quarried and used exclusively for making the pukao, or topknots, placed on top of some moai statues, adding a distinctive feature to these figures of Rapa Nui culture. The site provides valuable insights into the craftsmanship and quarrying techniques of the island’s ancient inhabitants.

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Let’s Plan Your Trip Today:


TRIP COST

From $2,495 USD per person
Our Easter Island trips are all-inclusive, crafted with the intent of providing you with an unforgettable adventure travel experience.

*More info. on pricing

More questions? Read more about pricing here

Start dates

Custom Dates Available

To inquire about a custom date,
please contact us!

Duration

Starts at 5 Days / 4 Nights 

Accommodations

Relax in comfort & luxury

*Various Options

Choose between 3.5 Star and 5 Star hotel options.

*Read more about your accommodations in Chile

max. group size

No minimum or maximum

*All Private Groups

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Easy*

Primary activities:

Light Walking, hiking

*Please refer to our Trip Activity Level Guide for more information

6 Day / 5 Night Trip Daily Overview

Sample Trip Itinerary

Custom trip itineraries are available for any size group. Please contact us for a complete detailed itinerary.

Want more information? Download a detailed itinerary.

Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights, and more. It’s the perfect resource to help you choose!

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Historic building in Punta Arenas, Chile, near the main square

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago, Chile

Today marks the beginning of your adventure as you arrive in the morning and embark in the afternoon on a private half-day tour of Santiago, Chile. You will have the opportunity to explore the heart of the city and its iconic sites such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, Santiago’s historic Central Postal Office, and more. You will also visit the Moneda Palace, which is the government’s headquarters, as well as the traditional neighborhoods of the historic city center. Round-trip tickets on the Teleférico cable cars – which offer excellent views of the city – are also included. For lunch and dinner, you will be able to explore the gastronomy of the city at your leisure.

Accommodations: Hotel Pullman el Bosque

Day 2: Arrive on Easter Island

On the second day of your adventure, you will be transferred to the airport in the morning and depart for Easter Island, a remote and mystical island located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Known for its ancient statues, or Moai, and rich history, Easter Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is sure to leave an impression. Once you arrive on the island, you will have the afternoon to explore on your own and discover the island’s unique culture, history and natural beauty. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience on this mysterious island.

Accommodations: Hotel Vai Moana

Penguins on Magdalena Island, Chile (near Punta Arenas)
A vicuña stands in front of a lake in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Day 3: Vaihu & Ahu Tongrariki

Explore the south coast of Easter Island, visiting the ruins of the temple of Vaihu and meeting Ahu Akahanga, an archaeological site with remains of platforms where, according to oral tradition, the first king of the island Hotu Matua was buried. After that, we will go to the Rano Raraku volcano, also known as the quarry, where you can see almost 400 statues in different stages of carving, with different characteristics and states of conservation. Next is Ahu Tongariki, the most extensive platform with the largest amount of restored Moai in the whole island. You will see Te Pito Kura, where you will find a rock with magnetic properties that would have been brought by the first King from Hiva himself. Lastly, the beach of Anakena, a paradisiacal beach with fine white coral sand where you will find the Ahu Ature Huki and Ahu Nau Nau.

Accommodations: Hotel Vai Moana

Day 4: Rano Kau Volcano & Orongo

Embark on a private excursion in Orongo lasting for around 3.5 Hours. Explore Rano Kau volcano and the ceremonial village of Orongo, seeing petroglyphs and the breathtaking view towards the 3 islets Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao Kao opposite the coast. Visit Vinapu and the cave of Ana Kai Tangata. From there you will return to your hotel.

Accommodations: Hotel Vai Moana

The iconic towers of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile
Landscape view of the mountains of Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Day 5: Akivi

After being picked up from your hotel, you will visit Akivi for another excursion for 3.5 Hours. Visit the Tahai with its three ahu or ceremonial platforms, Ahu Vai Uri, Ahu Tahai and Ahu Ko Te Riku, continue to Ahu Akivi, the most important and elaborate platform, it has seven Moai that it is said, are the only statues that look at the sea of the whole island. Visit Puna Pau volcano where the red pukao, or headdress, were extracted and carved. After the excursion, the afternoon is free for you to explore Easter Island’s main town of Hanga Roa.
Today’s hike is approximately 11.5 miles / 18.5 kilometers.

Accommodations: Hotel Vai Moana

Day 6: Depart Easter Island

Today, your journey will come full circle as you return to the vibrant city of Santiago. You’ll be whisked away from Easter Island with a shared transfer to the airport, where you’ll board your flight back to Santiago. Depending on the time of your flights, a private transfer will be waiting to escort you to your hotel in Santiago City, where you’ll spend one final night before your journey comes to an end. Otherwise, you will fly back home tonight.

Accommodations: N/A

Hiking the W Trek in Torres del Paine, Patagonia
Create your OWN Unique Experience

Customizing Your Easter Island Adventure

Are you interested in another activity or destination in Chile? Planning to spend extra time in the region, or interested in specific travel dates? No problem. As experts in tailored trip planning, we can weave your interests and your timeframe into our customizable itineraries so that every detail of your extraordinary trip unfolds precisely the way you want it to. Click the options below to learn more:

While in/around Easter Island, you can choose to add on one or several of the following activities:

  • Private Full Day Hiking North Coast
  • Private Full Day Hiking South Coast & Poike
  • Private Hiking Caves
  • Private Excursion Terevaka
  • Dinner and Show at Restaurant Te Ra’ai – UMU Dinner
  • Necklace (Korone Pipi) Workshop
  • Flower Crowns (Hei Tiare) Workshop
  • Tātū Workshop
  • UMU (“Curanto”) Workshop

In addition to their time on Easter Island, many travelers choose to add in other nearby destinations to their trips, including (but not limited to) some of the following:

  • Guided tour of Santiago and/or nearby cities such as colorful Valparaíso and Viña del Mar (La Ciudad Jardín or “The Garden City”)
  • Torres del Paine (Chilean Patagonia and home to the W Trek adventure)
  • Atacama Desert (lagoons, thermal geysers, ‘dark sky’ stargazing, hiking, and more)
  • Lake District in Chile (volcanoes, temperate rainforests, boating or kayaking, rafting, hiking, mountain biking, etc.)
  • Chilean wine country
  • Cajón del Maipo (a very unique area in the Andes Mountains near Santiago)
  • 🇦🇷 Argentine Patagonia (El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chaltén, Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park, and much more)

With The Explorer’s Passage, you can choose between a wide variety of trips all throughout South America and Antarctica as noted below:

  • Argentina 
  • Galápagos Islands
  • Peru
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Colombia
  • Uruguay
  • Paraguay
  • Antarctica

Contact us today to get started customizing your dream trip to Chile!

Hear what travelers are saying:

5-Star Review Average on TripAdvisor! Read More >
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“The Explorer’s Passage was super easy to work with from planning all the way through execution.”
– Laura B.
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“Explorer’s Passage made our W trek adventure not only possible but seamless and amazing. It was clear from the start that they had thought of everything – from the transfers to tickets to gear. We were very prepared from all their detailed checklists and training guide. And we knew what to expect from all our pre-trip calls and emails. The level of detail in all they do is remarkable. We were able to enjoy the adventure that much more because we had so much trust in their guidance as well as execution of all those details.”
– Kate W.
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“My wife and I just got back from Patagonia after completing the W Trek that Explorers Passage had arranged for us. From our first contact with Jeff Bonaldi to our last transfer, our experience was stellar. Jeff guided us through the rather complicated logistics and was very responsive to concerns before and during the adventure. His focus was always on how to make the adventure memorable not on the bottom line for his company. I rarely write reviews but felt compelled to do so because our experience was beyond 5 stars.”
– Steve B.
relax in comfort and luxury

Trip Accommodations

For your time in Easter Island, you can relax in the comfort of 3.5 Star and 5 Star premium accommodations – featuring some of the finest hotels in Chile. ‘Single supplement’ options are also available for solo travelers who prefer a private room.

5 Star Accommodations

Ritz Carlton | Santiago, Chile

Nestled between sandy Pacific beaches and the snow-capped Andes Mountains, The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago redefines personal service with a personal passion, making each stay in our Santiago, Chile, luxury hotel more memorable than the last. This sophisticated retreat in the heart of El Golf, one of Santiago’s most prestigious neighborhoods, delivers unforgettable experiences. Like soothing spa services at the Santiago, Chile, hotel’s rooftop Health and Fitness Center or exquisite dining at one of four distinctive restaurants all complemented by impeccable service.

Ritz Carlton website

Hotel Hanga Roa Eco Village

This property is a 10-minute walk from the beach. Featuring free WiFi and a terrace, Hanga Roa Eco Village & Spa offers accommodations in Hanga Roa. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Free private parking is available on site. All rooms are fitted with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes and free toiletries.

Hotel Hanga Roa Eco Village website

3.5 Star Accommodations

Hotel Vai Moana | Easter Island, Chile

Nestled just 1.4 miles (2.2 kilometers) from the airport, Hotel Vai Moana offers a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service for guests. Indulge in a relaxing massage before enjoying a delicious meal at the hotel’s on-site coffee shop. Additional amenities include a winery, an outdoor swimming pool, and a bar. Guests appreciate the hotel’s central location and proximity to popular local attractions.

Hotel Vai Moana website

Hotel Pullman El Bosque | Santiago, Chile

Nestled in the upscale Las Condes area of Santiago, this hotel features modern, bright rooms with streamlined wood furnishings. Each room offers free wi-fi and TVs, and room service is also available to meet your needs and make your stay unforgettable. The hotel has an on-site pool, a 24-hour fitness room, a business center, an airy restaurant/bar with a terrace, and a full buffet breakfast is included to give you energy for your adventures.

Hotel Pullman El Bosque website

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Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for something?

Check here for our Frequently Asked Questions for Easter Island, and if you can’t find the answer you are looking for then send us a message.

Click the button below to access our general FAQ section!

SEE ALL FAQS

Yes, you most certainly can go to Easter Island! In fact, a trip to this mysterious isle located far out in the South Pacific Oceans promises to be a real bucket-list adventure rich in history and natural wonder. There are two ways to reach Easter Island: on extended ocean cruises or by direct flight via Santiago, the capital of Chile. We take the latter, quicker, option on our tours.

Easter Island officially belongs to Chile. Along with the Juan Fernández Islands, which are also located in the South Pacific Ocean, it’s designated as a special region of the country. That means there’s a certain degree of self-autonomy here and laws might differ slightly from the mainland. It wasn’t always this way, though. Easter Island only became part of Chile in the late 1800s. Before that, it was the ancestral homeland of the Rapa Nui people, who have lived on the island since as early as 300 AD.

Easter Island is surely most famous for its colossal Moai stone statues. These are monolithic statues that were carved by the Rapa Nui people between 1,200 AD and 1,500 AD. It’s thought that they depict the living likenesses of lost ancestors and are notable for their uniquely oversized heads. You can find Moai statues all over the island, but the biggest collection is at the quarries of Rano Raraku, which we visit on our Easter Island tour.

Estimations of the exact number of Moai statues on Easter Island vary considerably because some people only count statues that are fully intact, while others count partial and ruined statues. Going by the first number, it’s estimated that there are 1,043 remaining heads, with the largest group of 394 still in place at the Rano Raraku quarries.

The summer, between December and March, is the best time to visit Easter Island. The weather tends to be most pleasant then, with good amounts of sunshine and relatively low rainfall – perfect for seeking out those Moai statues. To avoid the crowds, you could also go just before or after the peak period. It tends to be a lot less busy in late November and early April.

There are loads of unanswered questions about Easter Island and its history. While anthropologists believe that the great Moai heads were made to honor deified ancestors and chiefs, it’s still unclear how the Rapa Nui people managed to transport such massive monoliths all over the island. There are also still great mysteries surrounding the Birdman cult (Tangata manu), a religious order that’s centered on the stone village of Orongo on the south side of the island. And that’s just the beginning!

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Trip Support

easter island TRIP Support

There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to your travel experience.

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Personal Attention & Preparation Before Every Trip

There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to you before your adventure on Easter Island. We get very involved with our clients before each trip by offering a series of pre-planning calls in the months and weeks before departure. This provides you with an opportunity to hear directly from us on preparation, trip experience, and training. It also gives you the platform to ask questions about any aspect of the trip.

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Staff Support & Logistics

Our knowledgeable support staff take care of the details of your in-country transportation, lodging, meals, tours, park fees, and activities. We’ve even scheduled in a bit of free time for you to explore, relax, shop, or eat on your own.

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Additional Information

Check out our detailed educational content on the best places to visit in Chile, written by our adventure team. The article provides a complete overview of everything that you need to know about this amazing journey to Chile.

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