ITINERARY
RAPA NUI – EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
Day 1
➜ Flight and transfer
Flight: Santiago – Rapa Nui:
Shared transfer: Mataveri Airport – Accommodation in Rapa Nui
Check-in – Accommodation: From 3:00 PM
Day 2
➜ Full Day – The Arrival of Hotu Matu’a
The Full Day – The Arrival of Hotu Matu’a excursion visits some of the main archaeological sites on Rapa Nui and offers insight into the origins of the island’s culture through ceremonial platforms, the moai quarry, and areas linked to the first settlements.
The tour begins from the accommodation in Hanga Roa and heads to Ahu Akahanga, an archaeological site where, according to oral tradition, the island’s first king was buried after leaving his settlement in Anakena. The excursion then continues to Rano Raraku, the volcano known as the moai quarry or “moai factory,” where most of the statues were carved. Here, it is possible to see nearly 400 moai in different stages of construction and preservation. From there, the route continues to Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial platform on the island and one of the most representative archaeological complexes of Rapa Nui.
After the lunch break, the tour continues to Te Pito Kura, where the stone known as the “Navel of the World” is located, along with the moai Paro, the largest moai ever transported from the quarry. Finally, the visit continues to Hanga Rau or Te Ariki, where Ahu Nau-Nau stands in front of Anakena Beach, one of the most historically significant places on the island. This excursion has an archaeological and cultural focus, allowing visitors to learn more about the history of the site and its connection to the origins of the Rapa Nui people. At the end of the excursion, return to the accommodation in Hanga Roa is provided.
Sites to visit: Ahu Akahanga, Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki, Te Pito Kura, Hanga Rau Anakena
Departure time: (Departure from the accommodation)
- Between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM approx.
Return time: (Return to the accommodation)
- From 4:30 PM approx.
- Return times may vary depending on weather conditions or other operational circumstances
Includes:
- Shared round-trip transportation from and to the accommodation in Hanga Roa (bus)
- Certified bilingual guide
- Entrance to Rapa Nui National Park (included at the national passenger rate)
Not Included:
- Meals not specified
- Other expenses not mentioned
- Other services not specified
- Personal insurance or travel insurance
- Drinks and snacks during the excursion
- Technical clothing or appropriate attire for the activity
Important information:
- Total tour duration: approximately 6 to 7 hours
- Low difficulty, suitable for the whole family
- The tour operates normally even in rain or wind
- Entrance to Rapa Nui National Park is included at the national passenger rate
- After the visit to Ahu Tongariki, there is a stop for lunch. As the location of this stop may vary depending on the day, bringing a prepared box lunch is recommended
- Alternatively, a box lunch can also be arranged for the tour (from $52,000 CLP), and this must be coordinated up to one week before the trip
What to bring:
- Food
- Personal water (mandatory)
- Camera or mobile phone with a fully charged battery
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Personal drinks and snacks during the excursion (optional)
- Comfortable clothing and footwear appropriate for the service, destination and weather conditions
Day 3
➜ The Legend of the Birdman – Half Day AM
The Legend of the Birdman – Half Day AM excursion visits some of the most iconic archaeological sites in the southern and western areas of Rapa Nui, connecting volcanic landscapes, ceremonial architecture and traditions linked to the Tangata Manu cult.
The excursion begins from the accommodation in Hanga Roa and heads to Orongo, an ancient ceremonial village where the worship of Make-Make and the Tangata Manu competition took place, one of the most important traditions of Rapa Nui culture. At this site, it is possible to observe petroglyphs and archaeological remains associated with the spirituality and social organization of that time. The tour then continues to the crater of Rano Kau, the largest and deepest volcano on the island, offering wide panoramic views that help explain the volcanic geography of Rapa Nui.
The route ends at Vinapu, a ceremonial platform recognized for the precision and quality of its stonework, where remains of moai and pukao can still be seen. This excursion offers insight into the mythology, history and worldview of the Rapa Nui people, connecting landscape, archaeology and tradition in a deep cultural experience. At the end of the excursion, it is possible to return to the accommodation or request drop-off in downtown Hanga Roa for lunch before the afternoon activity.
Sites to visit: Orongo, Rano Kau, Vinapu
- In case of rain, strong winds or site closures:
- Tahai will replace Orongo
- Ahu Huri a Urenga will replace Vinapu
Departure time: (Departure from the accommodation)
- Between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM approx.
Return time: (Return to the accommodation or downtown Hanga Roa)
- From 12:00 PM approx.
- Return times may vary depending on weather conditions or other operational circumstances
Includes:
- Shared round-trip transportation from and to the accommodation in Hanga Roa (bus)
- Certified bilingual guide
- Entrance to Rapa Nui National Park (included at the national passenger rate)
Not Included:
- Meals not specified
- Other expenses not mentioned
- Other services not specified
- Personal insurance or travel insurance
- Drinks and snacks during the excursion
- Technical clothing or appropriate attire for the activity
Important information:
- Total tour duration: approximately 3 hours
- Low difficulty, suitable for the whole family
- The tour operates normally even in rain or wind
- Entrance to Rapa Nui National Park is included at the national passenger rate
What to bring:
- Food
- Personal water (mandatory)
- Camera or mobile phone with a fully charged battery
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Personal drinks and snacks during the excursion (optional)
- Comfortable clothing and footwear appropriate for the service, destination and weather conditions
Recommendations:
- Ideal for those who want to learn about Rapa Nui culture and mythology
Day 3
➜ Looking at the Stars – Half Day PM
The Looking at the Stars – Half Day PM excursion visits archaeological sites in the central area of Rapa Nui that help explain the relationship between astronomy, landscape, ceremonial architecture and the worldview of the island’s ancient inhabitants (this is not an astronomical tour).
For this afternoon departure, the vehicle will pick up from the accommodation if the traveler returned there after the morning excursion. If the traveler remained in downtown Hanga Roa, they must present themselves at the designated office for the start of the tour. The route begins toward Puna Pau, the pukao quarry from which the red scoria used for the topknots of some moai was extracted. It then continues to Ahu Akivi, a ceremonial platform with seven moai which, according to oral tradition, was created in honor of the first explorers of Rapa Nui. The final visit is to Ana Te Pahu, a cave formed by volcanic lava flow thousands of years ago and used by the ancient Rapa Nui as a place of shelter and refuge during periods of social instability.
This excursion includes sites created and used during the late Ahu-Moai period. The places visited help explain different stages of the history of Rapa Nui and the connection between its ancient inhabitants and the universe, while also offering a panoramic view of Hanga Roa from the Puna Pau area. At the end of the excursion, return to the accommodation in Hanga Roa is provided.
Sites to visit: Puna Pau, Ahu Akivi and Ana Te Pahu
Departure time: (Departure from the accommodation or from the office in downtown Hanga Roa, as applicable)
- Between 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM approx.
Return time: (Return to the accommodation)
- From 5:00 PM approx.
- Return times may vary depending on weather conditions or other operational circumstances
Includes:
- Shared round-trip transportation from and to the accommodation in Hanga Roa (bus)
- Certified bilingual guide
- Entrance to Rapa Nui National Park (included at the national passenger rate)
Not Included:
- Meals not specified
- Other expenses not mentioned
- Other services not specified
- Personal insurance or travel insurance
- Drinks and snacks during the excursion
- Technical clothing or appropriate attire for the activity
Important information:
- Total tour duration: approximately 3 hours
- Low difficulty, suitable for the whole family
- The tour operates normally even in rain or wind
- Entrance to Rapa Nui National Park is included at the national passenger rate
What to bring:
- Food
- Personal water (mandatory)
- Camera or mobile phone with a fully charged battery
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Personal drinks and snacks during the excursion (optional)
- Comfortable clothing and footwear appropriate for the service, destination and weather conditions
Recommendations:
- Ideal for those who want to learn about the ancestral worldview of Rapa Nui
- Do not forget to bring water and sun protection
Day 4
➜ Rapa Nui Cultural Show
The Rapa Nui Cultural Show activity offers the opportunity to discover different traditional artistic expressions of the island through dances, songs, storytelling and stage performances linked to the Rapa Nui cultural heritage.
The activity begins from the accommodation in Hanga Roa and heads to the Te Ra’ai Cultural Center, where guests receive a welcome and have the opportunity to take part in takona, the traditional body painting art that conveys meanings and symbols of Rapa Nui culture. The live Haha Varua show then begins, featuring different dances, music and interactive storytelling that help visitors understand the cultural essence of the island.
During the evening, expressions such as Hoko, Ori Api, Kai-Kai and Riu are performed, accompanied by traditional costumes and stage elements that showcase an important part of the richness of Rapa Nui culture in a nighttime show format. At the end of the experience, return to the accommodation in Hanga Roa is provided.
Sites to visit: Te Ra’ai Cultural Center, Haha Varua Folkloric Show, Po Uri Bar (optional)
Departure time: (Departure from the accommodation)
- Between 8:45 PM and 9:15 PM approx.
Return time: (Return to the accommodation)
- From 12:00 AM approx.
- Return times may vary depending on weather conditions or other operational circumstances
Includes:
- Shared round-trip transportation from and to the accommodation in Hanga Roa
- Entrance to the Haha Varua cultural show
- Participation in takona (body painting)
- Traditional clothing for photographs
- Interactive storytelling in Spanish, English and Rapa Nui
Not Included:
- Meals not specified
- Other expenses not mentioned
- Other services not specified
- Personal insurance or travel insurance
- Drinks and snacks during the excursion
- Drinks and cocktails at Po Uri Bar (additional consumption)
- Snacks and sharing platters (additional consumption)
- Technical clothing or appropriate attire for the activity
Important information:
- Available all year round
- Total experience duration: approximately 2 hours
- Cultural and artistic activity, suitable for all audiences
What to bring:
- Personal water (mandatory)
- Camera or mobile phone with a fully charged battery
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Comfortable clothing and footwear appropriate for the service, destination and weather conditions
Recommendations:
- Ideal for those who want to experience Rapa Nui culture in an authentic way
- Arrive ready to participate actively in the experience
Day 5
➜ Introductory Diving Experience in Rapa Nui
The Introductory Diving Experience in Rapa Nui is a guided dive designed for people with no previous experience, offering a first approach to the island’s underwater environment with the constant support of certified instructors.
The activity begins at the diving center on the coast of Rapa Nui, where an introductory briefing is given to explain the basic underwater communication signals, how to use the mask, and the correct breathing technique. The dive then takes place in the coral reef of Rapa Nui, a natural habitat for much of the island’s marine life, where participants can explore the surroundings in a safe and guided way.
The experience includes full diving equipment, personalized assistance throughout the entire immersion, and access to lockers and showers at the diving center. It is also possible to bring a USB drive, memory card or USB cable to transfer photos and videos from the experience. At the end of the activity, participants return to the diving center on the coast of Rapa Nui.
Sites to visit: Coral reef in Rapa Nui, marine life area
Departure time:
- Every day: 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM (subject to weather conditions. Please read the important information section)
Starting point of the activity: Diving center on the coast of Rapa Nui
Includes:
- Introductory briefing
- Full diving equipment (mask, wetsuit, fins, buoyancy vest and air tank)
- Certified instructor (personalized assistance)
- Round-trip boat transfer
- Photos and videos of the activity (bring a USB drive, memory card or USB cable to transfer files)
- Lockers and showers at the diving center
Not Included:
- Round-trip transportation
- Meals not specified
- Other expenses not mentioned
- Other services not specified
- Personal insurance or travel insurance
- Swimsuit, towels, robe and sandals
- Drinks and snacks during the excursion
- Comfortable clothes for before and after the activity
Important information:
- It is not necessary to know how to swim
- Maximum diving depth: 10 meters
- The activity may be suspended or rescheduled depending on availability
- Total activity duration: approximately 3 hours (30-minute dive)
- Activity subject to weather conditions and authorization from the Maritime Authority
- If the diving center informs one day in advance, or if the activity cannot begin due to weather conditions once participants are already at the diving center, the dive will be rescheduled to the next available time slot on the same day. If the activity cannot be carried out, rescheduling during the trip will first be evaluated and, if that is not possible, the corresponding refund for the tour will be issued
What to bring:
- Personal water (mandatory)
- A change of clothes
- Swimsuit, towels, robe and sandals
- Comfortable clothes for before and after the activity
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Personal drinks and snacks during the excursion (optional)
- USB drive, memory card or USB cable to transfer photos and videos from the experience
Restrictions:
- Not suitable for pregnant women
- Not suitable for people with recent surgeries
- Not suitable for those with ear pain or nasal congestion
Recommendations:
- Avoid very heavy meals before the activity
- Keep valuable personal belongings in lockers or bring only what is necessary
- Arrive with enough time to get ready calmly before the briefing
Taxi information for the transfer that is not included: It is recommended to book a few days in advance
- Taxi Luis: +56 9 52011291
- Taxi Paola: +56 9 23912047
Day 6
➜ Transfer and return flight
Check-out – Accommodation: 10:00 AM
Shared transfer: Accommodation in Rapa Nui – Mataveri Airport
Flight: Rapa Nui – Santiago
End of our services.
