ITINERARY
RAPA NUI – EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
Not included:
- Meals not specified
- Other expenses not mentioned
- Other services not specified
- Personal insurance or travel insurance
- Technical clothing or appropriate attire for the activity, unless otherwise indicated in each excursion
What to bring:
- Personal water (mandatory)
- Camera or mobile phone with fully charged battery
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for the service, according to the destination and weather conditions
➜ Flight and transfer
Flight: Santiago – Rapa Nui:
Shared transfer: Mataveri Airport – Accommodation in Rapa Nui
Check In – Accommodation: From 15:00 hrs
➜ Full Day The Arrival of Hotu Matu’a
The Full Day The Arrival of Hotu Matu’a excursion allows you to visit some of the main archaeological sites of Rapa Nui and understand part of the origin of the island’s culture through ceremonial platforms, moai quarry areas and sectors linked to the first settlements.
The excursion begins from the accommodation in Hanga Roa toward Ahu Akahanga, an archaeological site where, according to oral tradition, the island’s first king would be buried after leaving his settlement in Anakena. The route then continues to Rano Raraku, known as the quarry or “factory of the moai,” where most of these statues were carved and where it is possible to observe around 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 rock known as “the navel of the world” is located, along with the moai Paro, the largest one ever transported from the quarry. Finally, the excursion visits Hanga Rau or Te Ariki, the area where Ahu Nau-Nau stands in front of Anakena Beach, one of the most important places in the island’s history. The focus of the excursion is archaeological and cultural, offering insight into the history of the place and its relationship with the origins of the Rapanui people. At the end of the excursion, return to the accommodation in Hanga Roa is included.
➜ The Birdman Legend – Half Day AM
The Birdman Legend – Half Day AM excursion allows you to visit some of the most emblematic archaeological sites in the south and west 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 toward Orongo, the ancient ceremonial village where the worship of Make-Make and the Tangata Manu competition took place, one of the most significant traditions in Rapanui culture. At this site, it is possible to observe petroglyphs and archaeological remains related to the spirituality and social organization of that period. The route then continues to the crater of Rano Kau, the largest and deepest volcano on the island, offering broad panoramic views that help understand the volcanic geography of Rapa Nui.
The route finishes at Vinapu, a ceremonial platform recognized for the precision and quality of its stonework, where remains of moai and pukao are preserved. This excursion offers a deeper understanding of the mythology, history and worldview of the Rapanui people, connecting landscape, archaeology and tradition in a rich 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.
➜ 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 indicated office for the beginning of the excursion. The route begins toward Puna Pau, the pukao quarry where the red scoria used for the headpieces of some moai was extracted. The route then continues to Ahu Akivi, a ceremonial platform with seven moai that, according to oral tradition, was created in honor of the first explorers of Rapa Nui. Afterwards, the excursion visits Ana Te Pahu, a cave formed by volcanic lava flow thousands of years ago and used by the ancient Rapanui as a dwelling and refuge during periods of social instability.
This excursion includes sites created and used during the late Ahu-Moai phase. The places visited help explain different stages of Rapa Nui history and the connection of its ancient inhabitants with the universe, also including 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 included.
➜ Rapa Nui Cultural Show
The Rapa Nui Cultural Show activity allows travelers to experience different traditional artistic expressions of the island through dances, songs, storytelling and live performances connected to Rapanui cultural heritage.
The activity begins from the accommodation in Hanga Roa toward the Te Ra’ai Cultural Center, where a welcome is offered along with the opportunity to participate in takona, the traditional art of body painting that conveys symbols and meanings unique to the culture of Rapa Nui. The live Haha Varua show then takes place, 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 presented, accompanied by traditional clothing and stage elements that showcase an important part of the richness of Rapanui culture in a nighttime performance format. At the end of the experience, return to the accommodation in Hanga Roa is included.
➜ Introductory Diving or Discovery Dive in Rapa Nui
The Introductory Diving or Discovery Dive in Rapa Nui activity is an assisted immersion designed for people without previous experience, allowing a first approach to the island’s underwater environment with permanent support from certified instructors.
The service begins at the diving center on the coast of Rapa Nui, where an introductory briefing is given to learn the basic hand signals for underwater communication, the use of the mask and breathing techniques. The immersion then takes place in the coral reef of Rapa Nui, a natural habitat for much of the island’s marine life, where participants can safely explore the environment under guidance.
The experience includes full diving equipment, personalized assistance throughout the 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 souvenir photos and videos from the experience. At the end of the activity, return is made to the diving center on the coast of Rapa Nui.
➜ Return transfer and flight
Check Out – Accommodation: 10:00 hrs
Shared transfer: Accommodation in Rapa Nui – Mataveri Airport
Flight: Rapa Nui – Santiago
End of our services.
