Easter Island

Day Trips

Begin your three-hour tour with a drive from your hotel to Ahu Akivi, one of the few platforms on the island where the moai face the ocean. Legends say these structures represent the seven explorers sent by King Hotu Matu’a before his colonization voyage. Afterwards, continue to the site of Puna Pau, a small red scoria crater. It was here the pukao were made – the hats or topknots placed on some of the moais around the island. Finally, visit Ahu Huri a Urenga, home to a lone statue that appears to be orientated toward the winter solstice, marking the beginning of the season and regulating fishing activities on the island.

After pickup from your hotel in Hanga Roa head to the dive center, where you will listen to a safety briefing. Put on your suit and board a boat to your first dive. Then, descend into the impressive waters surrounding Rapa Nui. The North Coast has numerous coral formations on a sandy sea bed and the beaches of Anakena and Ovahe are suitable for snorkeling. The East Coast, more exposed to winds and storm surges, offers an alternative area for diving when the north wind blows, and is where you will find lava fields and corals.  The West Coast is where the village of Hanga Roa is located. It is very popular for autonomous diving because it has a colossal underwater reef covered by numerous coral formations. You will be able to make as many dives as you want, in different places along the coast. As you explore the coastline of the island, you will see many caverns, arches, cliffs and lava platforms. At the end of the activity, you will receive a CD with a recorded a video, before being dropped back to your hotel.

After pickup from your hotel in Hanga Roa, start the tour with a visit to Ahu Vaihu and Akahanga. These temples are where Pukaos hats have been placed on top of some Moai statues. Akahanga originally contained about a dozen Moai and is believed to be the burial site of the Polynesian king Hoto Matu’a. Continue the journey and head to Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater that also contains a lagoon. The volcano has historical significance for the island, because the Moai were carved on its slopes. Currently, 397 of these impressive sculptures remain there. Then visit the most amazing Ahu, a ceremonial platform, on the island. Ahu Tongariki is the largest ceremonial site with an impressive row of 15 upright Moai. It is one of the most visited tourist spots in Easter Island. The Tongariki Moai underwent a restoration process, not only due to the collapse caused by the tribes that lived there, but also due to a large tsunami that damaged and moved some statues. Finally, finish the day resting in Anakena, the most popular beach on the island. In addition to its natural beauty, what makes it a unique beach is a row of Moai that face away from the sea. Admire this unique landscape before returning to your hotel.

Start your tour with a pickup from your accommodation in Hanga Roa and head to Maunga Terevaka, the highest peak on the island at 511 meters (1676 feet).  Climb up a nice little rise that offers 360-degree views of the entire Easter Island. After arriving, ascend on horseback to the highest point of the island. Pass by Rano Aroi, a small crater with an interior lagoon covered with reeds, which is a reserve of freshwater on the island. Continue the tour to the Rano Kau and Rano Raraku deposits, to be able to see them up close.  At the end head back to the base on the back of a horse.

After pickup in Hanga Roa, pass through the Mataveri sector and learn from your guide about the Ana Kai Tangata cave and its use. Continue to the beaches of the northern coast where the snorkeling takes place. Enjoy the best snorkeling on the island at Anakena Beach. The water is well protected from currents and offers good visibility, whilst on land the area boasts palm trees, white sand and moai - the famous monumental statues of Rapa Nui. Ovahe Beach is located on the other side of the ridge from Anakena, and also offers great snorkeling conditions. Look down at the coral reefs and colorful fish of the area. Benefit from the great visibility of the clear water of Easter Island.