The Easter Island Adventure

The Easter Island Adventure

This Easter Island tour opens the door for you to discover the enigmatic history of this most mysterious of islands. You’ll explore its landscapes and experience the power of the iconic Moai figures that have gazed out across the Pacific for centuries. You’ll also visit Chile’s dynamic capital Santiago, wander the charming streets of Valparaiso and get to know local communities in the places that you visit.

  • Explore Chile’s thriving capital Santiago and find out about its tumultuous past
  • Meet a Mapuche community in the city and see how ancient and modern cultures collide
  • Visit the UNESCO protected seaside town of Valparaiso and explore its picturesque streets
  • Savour the traditional flavours of Chile in a traditional restaurant
  • Fly across the Pacific Ocean to discover the landscapes and history of Easter Island
  • Walk amongst the iconic Moai figures and soak up the atmosphere of this ancient place
  • Meet local Easter Island artisans and talk to them about life on the island
  • Soak in a beautiful thermal hot spring high in the Andes Mountains

This is a private tour and you will be accompanied by an English-speaking local guide during all excursions and throughout your time on Easter Island. The price displayed is per person based on two people sharing. All of tours can be tailor-made to suit your interests and requirements.

Easter Island lives in the collective consciousness as a mysterious realm outside of time. No one really knows why the enigmatic Moai figures were built there, but there is no escaping the power of their presence there on the edge of Easter Island, gazing west across the Pacific. On this trip you’ll find out all there is to know about the history and legends of the island, originally known as Rapa Nui by its people. You’ll also see how history meets the modern world by meeting local Rapa Nui people and seeing how they produce their traditional handicrafts and make a living on this remote Polynesian island.

You’ll begin your trip in the cosmopolitan capital Santiago, with its rich history and refined culture. The city sits on the edge of the Andes and is flanked by fertile valleys that are perfect for wine growing. Wine enthusiasts may well want to add a tour of the vineyards to their trip itinerary. As well as taking a guided tour you’ll learn about the tumultuous history of the city and meet local Mapuche community who have made their home in the capital.

Valparaiso is a charismatic seaside town with a distinctive atmosphere. It has been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its dramatic architecture and character. Brightly painted houses cling to steep cliff faces and the port is busy with fishing boats and colourful local life. You’ll spend a day exploring the town, meeting the locals and dining in a private restaurant that specialises in a traditional local restaurant. Foodies prepare for some brand new and unique flavours!

From Valparaiso you’ll return to Santiago and then take your flight to Easter Island. Throughout the trip you’ll be gaining a unique insight into modern-day Chile and its recent and ancient past. You’ll be guided by local people throughout and have the privilege of getting to know a fascinating cross-section of Chile’s people.  The tour winds up with a relaxing day soaking in some beautiful thermal hot springs high in the Andes Mountains.

  • La Sebastiana - Pablo Neruda Museum

    Day 1 Santiago (-/-/-)

    Upon arrival in Santiago, you’ll be met at the airport by your local guide and driven to your hotel in the heart of this cosmopolitan capital. On the way your guide will be bursting with tips for enjoying the city, so go ahead and ask any questions that you have. The day is free for you to relax at your hotel or explore the city before enjoying dinner in one of the capital’s great restaurants.

  • Santiago de Chile

    Day 2 Santiago (B/L/-)

    After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel for a visit to a Mapuche community living within Santiago. You will learn about their traditions and how they make their living in the city, so far away from the woods and mountains where they were born. You’ll enjoy a special lunch with them and then in the afternoon you’ll take a guided city tour through the historic center of Santiago. You’ll also visit the Museo de la Memoria where you will come face to face with both the sorrow and the courage of the Chilean people during the dictatorship.

  • View of beautiful Valparaiso, Chile

    Day 3: Valparaíso Daytrip (B/L/-)

    You will be picked up at your hotel after breakfast for the journey to Valparaiso (appox 2 hours). Colorful painted houses cling to steep cliff sides in this lovely seaside town which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your local guide will take you on a private walking tour of the town showing you where the local communities meet and make their living. You’ll visit the Pablo Neruda museum. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon you’ll walk to the harbor and the lookout points at Paseo Atkinson and Yugoslavo. You’ll return to Santiago in the evening.

  • Monumental moais in Easter Island, Chile

    Day 4: Santiago to Easter Island (B/-/-)

    The morning is free for you to relax in Santiago, and in the afternoon you’ll be picked up at your hotel for your transfer to the airport and your flight to Easter Island (or Rapa Nui as the island was originally called). It takes five hours to reach this distant Chilean outpost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, so take a good book or just sit back and daydream about the mysteries of the island. You’ll be welcomed at the airport upon arrival and transferred to your well-located hostel in Hanga Roa, the main town on Easter Island. For the next 4 days we’ll tour through the island with Vanessa Teao and Salomón Teao, local guides and great friends!

  • Panoramic view of the Ana Kai Tangata cave in Eastern Island, Chile

    Day 5 (B/BL/-) Easter Island (Rano Kau Volcano)

    After breakfast, when we go on tour our first stop is in the Ana Kai Tengata cave, characterized by its cave paintings and interesting stories related to local myths and ancient activities. Then we will visit the Rano Kau volcano, which is where the ancestral ceremony of the Tangata Manu was held. Upon leaving the volcano, we go towards the east of the island by the coast, where we will visit different Ahu (moais platforms) and ceremonial centers, the first of them Vinapú.
    Afternoon is for fishing on shore, enjoying a nice and delicious Tunuahi (traditional barbecue). Then we head back to our accommodation.

  • Ahu Tongariki. The largest ahu on Easter Island, Chile

    Day 6 (B/BL/-) Easter Island (Rano Raraku)

    We start with the pick up at accommodation to go to the historic quarry of the Moai: the volcano Rano Raraku. Among other wonders on this volcano we can see the Moai Tukuturi sitting on his knees; the biggest Moai ever, which did not leave the quarry and others who are buried but have their entire body carved.
    Once at the top of the volcano it is possible to visualize the next stop: The Ahu Tongariki, platform of 15 Moais and petroglyphs reconstructed from the 60s, with the help of the Japanese government.
    We bid farewell to the Ahu Tongariki, to travel north where the ceremonial center is Te Pito Kura, famous for having the highest Moai outside the quarry. Here we will also get to the round stone that represents the navel of the world. We close this day with the visit to the beaches of Anakena and Ovahe.
    In Anakena we can appreciate the Ahu Nau Nau, which tells the story of the first 7 explorers who came to the island after the dream of Haumaka. Return to the hostel to rest for a couple of hours.
    Then, head out to see one of the most incredible sunsets, in Tahai’s ceremonial center.

  • Ahu Akahanga-Moais tumbados in Eastern Island, Chile

    Day 7: Easter Island (B/-/D)

    We will continue our adventure towards the hill Puna Pau, where formerly the Pukao (hats of the Moai) were made.
    In front of this hill, there is the Ahu Akivi platform, which has the particularity of gathering the only Moai that look towards the sea (All other Ahu and Moais of the Island look inward). Legend tells they look to the ancient land of the Rapa Nui, where they emigrated from after the floods.
    We end this day with a visit to three ancestral caves: Ana Kakenga, Ana Tepeu and Ana Tepora.
    Back at the hostel to have lunch (not included) and rest. Free afternoon.
    In the evening, we will enjoy an exquisite dinner with the family of a local sculptor, where we will know his art gallery and his delicate work.

  • Enjoying Easter Island, Chile

    Day 8: Easter Island to Santiago (B/-/-)

    Today we activate our body! We will ascend to the highest point of the island, called Maunga Terevaka. If we have a full moon, we can see the moon hide and the sun rise at dawn.
    We will have the rest of the morning free, to visit some local stores. Take some souvenirs and prepare us for the flight that will return us to Santiago. Upon arrival to the city, transfer to the hotel.

  • The Santiago Skyline at the beginning of dusk, Chile

    Day 9: Colina Hot-springs Daytrip (B/BL/-)

    You’ll be met at your hotel for a private full-day excursion to Baños Colina, a natural hot spring located more than 3500 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Andes. There you can spend the day soaking in the warm waters of the spring and enjoying beautiful views over the river to some of the highest peaks of the region. After a truly relaxing day you’ll return to Santiago, arriving in the evening.

  • Panoramic view of Santiago, Chile from Cerro San Cristobal

    Day 10: Santiago (B/-/-)

    At arranged time, transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

  • Trip duration: 10 days
  • Countries visited: Chile
  • Level of difficulty: Low
  • Accommodation: 5 nights at a hotel in Santiago, 4 nights at a hotel on Easter Island
  • Transport: Internal flights, private car, public transportation, coach trip to Valparaiso.
  • Meals included: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 boxed lunches, 1 dinner
  • Additional information:

    You will be greeted at the airport on arrival by a local guide who will take you to your hotel and will be able to answer any questions, make any additional arrangements and generally ensure everything goes smoothly.

    No minimum number of passengers required and you will not be travelling with a group of people you do not know. Prices quoted are per person and based on at least 2 people travelling. You should expect a cheaper price for bigger groups.

    Your passport is required at time of booking. For information on visa requirements, immunisations and health formalities please visit the FCO Travel Advice Website or the US Travel Advice Website  (direct links to Chile page)

    Information on money changing in each destination, as well as what it is customary to tip for various services, will be provided.

    This tour of Chile, like most of our adventures through Latin America, has a low level of physical difficulty and participants can choose to do as much or as little as they like. If you have any concerns or require special arrangements please call or email us to discuss.

    What to bring: Travel insurance, passport, binoculars, alarm clock, walking shoes, water bottle, daypack, sun protection, insect repellent, sun glasses and hat, swimwear, flip-flops, torch with extra batteries.

  • Best time to travel: All year round
  • Extra budget recommended: Around £300 / $350 pp to cover meals and all other expenses not included in the itinerary.
  • What is included: Welcome reception at the airport. Transfers (some may be shared) and internal flights. Overland transport. Accommodation. Entrance fees to sites of interest, museums and national parks mentioned in the itinerary. Guided activities and excursions with English speaking guides (some private, some as part of a small group). Meals as stated in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner). Contributions to the social projects visited. Donation to help in preserving the Amazon rainforest through agro-forestry and education.
  • What is not included: Flights from your country of origin. Travel insurance. Alcoholic drinks. Additional meals or snacks. Travel within and around each town. Visa fees (if any). Tips. Souvenirs. Entrance fee to Rapa Nui National Park ($US 80).

To start creating your ideal, tailor-made tour to Chile, please complete and send this form. Our Chilean partner will be in touch shortly:





    activeagriculturearchaeologyartisan fisherybird-watchingcultural experiencescultural heritageecolodgesfamily-friendlygeysershandcraftinghikinghistoryhoneymoonhorse-ridinghot springsindigenous peoplesMapuche culturesalt flatssightseeingsocial and environmental projectstraditional gastronomyunspoiled beachvolcanoeswater sportswhale-watchingwildlifewine and vineyards