How to Plan Your Full Day Easter Island Tour

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, look no further than the full day Easter Island tour. Exploring Easter Island is a unique experience with the fascinating moai statues, the rich Polynesian heritage, and the stunning natural landscapes. This tour is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the captivating history and culture of the island. In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan your full-day Easter Island tour, so you get the most out of your experience.

Overview

The full day Easter Island tour is a small-group discovery tour of Easter Island’s historical, cultural and natural wonders. With the support of your knowledgeable guide and comfortable headphones, you can take photographs while you learn fascinating facts about the island’s history and culture.

This guaranteed small-group tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers to optimize your learning experience. The tour will include pickup and drop-off from your hotel, professional guides, driver, lunch, and entry fees to all relevant sites.

Itinerary

09:00 AM – Pickup from Hotel

The tour begins at 9:00 am with pickup from your hotel. The tour guides will come and introduce themselves to you and put the headphones on you. They’ll explain everything carefully to make sure you can fully immerse yourself in the tour while taking great photos.

Rano Raraku Volcano

The first site on this tour is the iconic Rano Raraku volcano. This is where the oldest statues were created and still found today. The guides will offer engaging stories about the Polynesian culture and rituals connected with the Moai statues.

Anakena Beach

The next stop of the tour is Anakena Beach. As one of only two sandy beaches on the island, Anakena Beach provides a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. You’ll have time for a quick dip, kayak, or snorkel before lunch.

Lunch Break

After exploring Anakena Beach, it’s time to relax and dine on a delicious lunch. The guide will take you to a local eatery where you can taste authentic Polynesian dishes.

Ahu Tongariki

After lunch, you’ll head to Ahu Tongariki, which consists of 15 Moai statues, making it one of the most imposing structures on Easter Island. This stop is possible only on this tour; the other operators avoid this location due to various reasons like time or road conditions.

Ahu Akivi

The next stop is Ahu Akivi, a platform with seven Moai statues that represent the first Polynesian who came to the island. The guide will show you how the stars align precisely behind the platform at the equinox.

Rapa Nui National Park Visitor Centre

The final stop on the tour is the Rapa Nui National Park Visitor Centre, which overlooks Hanga Roa bay. The visitor centre provides an overview of the island’s history and its inhabitants, the Rapa Nui, with multimedia displays and artifacts.

What’s Included

• Professional Guide
• Professional Driver
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Lunch
• Entry fees to all sites

Things to Note

Here are a few things that you should know before booking this tour:

• The tour is not wheelchair accessible
• The tour is stroller accessible
• Most travelers can participate
• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking

Book the Tour

Book the full day Easter Island tour online via Viator. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the unique and authentic Polynesian culture and its mesmerizing history.

In conclusion, the full day Easter Island tour is a unique opportunity to experience the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. The tour covers all of the significant cultural, historical, and natural highlights of the island, and the knowledgeable, passionate guides bring this incredible island to life. Book your tour now to experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Insider’s Guide to Easter Island

Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is a remote island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Famous for its mysterious Moai statues and captivating beaches, Easter Island is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take you off the beaten path and show you all the hidden gems that only locals know about.

Local Attractions: Beyond the Tourist Spots

Although the Moai statues are the main attraction for anyone visiting Easter Island, there are many more wonders to explore on this remote island. One of our top picks would be Rano Raraku, or the Moai quarry, located on the eastern side of the island. Here you can witness the giant statues being carved out of the rocks and the remains of unfinished statues scattered around the site. Another spot not to be missed is Anakena Beach, which is not only a beautiful white sand beach with clear blue water, but also has a rich history linked to the early settlers of the island.

For a unique experience, explore the Ana Kakenga cave, also known as the ‘cave of the two windows’. This cave has two openings overlooking the sea and is considered a sacred spot. Locals believe that if you crawl through the small opening, you will be granted good luck and happiness in life.

Dining Spots and Food Culture

The food culture in Easter Island is a mix of Polynesian and South American traditions. One of our favourite dining spots on the island is Te Moai Sunset, located on the island’s west coast. Here you can enjoy fresh seafood with a spectacular ocean view, and you won’t be disappointed with their ceviche served in a Polynesian style.

For a more authentic local experience, try the food trucks located in the main town of Hanga Roa. These trucks offer traditional dishes such as tuna empanadas or the island’s signature dish “Tuna Colo Colo”. Don’t forget to try the island’s national drink, Pisco Sour, made with lemon juice and Pisco, a grape brandy from South America.

Cultural Experiences and Traditions

Easter Island has a rich cultural heritage, with Polynesian and South American influences. One of the best ways to experience this is by attending festivals, such as Tapati Rapa Nui, which is held in February each year. The event showcases traditional music, dance, and sports competitions.

If you are interested in arts and crafts, be sure to visit the central market in Hanga Roa. Here you can find handmade souvenirs made by local artisans, including traditional clothing, woodcarvings, and jewelry.

Local History and Stories

Easter Island has a history full of fascinating stories, such as the mystery surrounding the construction of the Moai statues and the collapse of the Rapa Nui civilization. To learn more about the island’s history, we recommend visiting the Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum, which houses artifacts, photographs, and exhibits about the culture and society of Rapa Nui.

Another interesting historical site is Ahu Tongariki, which is a restored platform with 15 Moai statues on the east coast of the island. This site was destroyed by a tsunami in 1960, but was later restored with help from Japanese funding.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

One unique experience is taking a horseback ride on the island’s beautiful countryside. The best way to see the island’s natural beauty is on horseback, and you can visit hidden bays and hills that are not accessible by car.

For adventurous souls, try snorkeling off the coast of Orongo. With crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life, you’ll feel like you’re floating in an aquarium.

Lastly, a visit to the abandoned Moai site of Akahanga provides visitors with an eerie, mystical atmosphere, with stone structures and Moai statues scattered among the rolling fields.

Easter Island is a destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, and a rich cultural heritage. By exploring beyond the tourist spots and taking part in local traditions, you will experience the true essence of this remote and enchanting island.