Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Explore Chile Tours takes you to discover Easter Island known locally as “Rapa Nui.” Easter island is filled with myths and legends that will captivate your attention as you discover this beautiful island. The island is home to the famous Moai statures which are large statures made of rocks that to this date is unknown how they were made and transported. During your trip you will explore many different landscapes, beautiful nature, local cuisines, and culture.

We will drive to restored Ahu Akivi with 7 Moais, built in the middle of the island. The legend tells us that these statues are representing the 7 explorers who were sent to Rapa Nui by the king Hotu Matua. Proceed to the unrestored Ahu Hanga Poukura. Then visit the topknot-quarry Puna Pau with its red scoria stone, where all the Pukaos were made. Back to hotel. If passengers did not book Citytur, we also visit the ceremonial site of Tahai with 3 Ahus and restored statues, remains of boathouses, a boatramp and other features. Here we see the only statue with eyes re-inserted.

Full day (Duration 7 hours)

During our full day tour we will drive to the southcoast coast and visit representative examples of not restored platform, Ahus Vaihu in the bay of Hanga Te’e, where we also visit the reconstruction of a former village. Then we visit Akahanga, where supposedly the famous king Hotu Matua was buried. Proceed to Rano Raraku, quarry of almost 900 stone statues, 397 of them still lying or standing at the slopes of the extinct volcano with crater lake. Then visit Ahu Tongariki (restored with 15 Moais), most recent and biggest restauration on the island. For lunch we stop at a little restaurant with view at Rano Raraku. Afterwards drive to the eastcoast and visit Ahu Te Pito Kura and the “Navel of the World”. Last but not least visit the beach of Anakena with its restored Ahus Nau Nau and Ature Huke. There you will have the opportunity to enjoy the warm Pacific Ocean before returning back to the hotel.

Half day Orongo (Duration 3 hrs)

We will visit the extinct volcano Rano Kau, appreciate on the way a view over the whole island and see its distinct geological features, proceed to an outlook at the crater lake. Afterwards drive to the ceremonial village of Orongo, where the birdman competition took place and you can see the spectacular petroglyphs related to this culture, enjoy the breathtaking view towards the 3 islets Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao Kao opposite the coast. Drive down again to Ahu Vinapu (not restored) and for some still proof of the influence of pre-inca arquitects in Easter Island culture. Last stop is the fishermen’s harbour Hanga Piko, where we visit the restored Ahu Riata. Back to hotel.

Half day – Tahai, City Tour, and Musuem (Duration 3 hrs)

10:30: Premium Wine Tours – Viña Montes

Walk through our beautiful vineyards, with a great view of the Valley. Tour of our mystical winery where Premium and Ultra-Premium wines are vinified: Montes Alpha M, Montes Folly, Purple Angel and Montes Alpha. Visit our Barrel Room, where our best wines rest and mature accompanied by Gregorian Songs. You can also go to the wine and souvenir shop, where you will find all the Montes wine lines at special prices.

Traditional “Umu” dinner with typical dance and music show

Umu, or “curanto”, is a traditional Rapa Nui way of cooking that is frequently made as an offering, to request the blessing of the ancestors for a holiday or special event, or to ask for well-being. Chicken and fish are the most common meats, because they were part of the diet of the ancient Rapa Nui. Along with this, vegetables such as sweet potato or taro, among others, are cooked over hot coals and stones covered with banana leaves. The dinner is accompanied by a typical dance and music show highlighting the ancient Rapa Nui culture.