Private Full-Day Easter Island Highlights North and West

Explore the enchanting beauty and rich history of Easter Island on a private full-day tour. Venture to the island’s north and west regions, where iconic sites like Puna Pau and the Rano Kau volcanic crater await. Marvel at the impressive moai statues facing the ocean at Ahu Akivi. This small group adventure promises an immersive cultural experience amidst picturesque landscapes. Discover why this remote island captivates visitors from around the world.

Key Points

• Explore the cultural and historical highlights of Easter Island’s northern and western regions, including the quarry site of Puna Pau and the iconic Rano Kau crater.
• Visit the extraordinary Ahu Akivi, the only site on the island with moai statues facing the ocean, and learn about the site’s significance.
• Enjoy a personalized, small-group experience with a knowledgeable guide, ensuring an immersive and in-depth understanding of the island’s renowned sites.
• Convenient round-trip hotel transportation is included, making the tour accessible for all travelers.
• The tour package includes admission to the Easter Island National Park, providing excellent value for the comprehensive sightseeing experience.

Overview of the Tour

This full-day private tour allows travelers to explore Easter Island’s captivating culture, rich history, and fascinating folklore.

Guests will visit key landmarks like Puna Pau, Rano Kau, and Ahu Akivi, learning insightful stories from a knowledgeable guide. The small group size ensures personalized attention throughout the experience.

Guests visit key landmarks like Puna Pau, Rano Kau, and Ahu Akivi, learning insightful stories from a knowledgeable guide. The small group size ensures personalized attention.

Convenient round-trip hotel transportation is included, and the tour isn’t available for cruise ship passengers.

With an expert driver/guide, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive look at the island’s most renowned sites and the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of its remarkable heritage.

Exploring Puna Pau

The tour begins at Puna Pau, a quarry site that provided the distinctive red scoria stone used to craft the distinctive pukao, or topknots, that adorned the famous moai statues across Easter Island.

Visitors can explore the remnants of this historical site, which offers insights into the island’s artistic and cultural heritage.

Key highlights at Puna Pau include:

1. Viewing the partially excavated quarry pits where the pukao were carved.

2. Observing the intricate details and patterns on the preserved pukao.

3. Learning about the complex logistics involved in transporting and placing the heavy pukao.

4. Understanding the sacred significance of the pukao and their relationship to the moai.

Discovering Rano Kau

Next, the tour moves on to the awe-inspiring Rano Kau, a vast volcanic crater lake that’s one of Easter Island’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

Visitors take in the stunning views of the crater’s lush, green slopes and the shimmering turquoise waters below. The guide shares insights into the lake’s cultural significance, explaining how it was an important source of freshwater for the island’s inhabitants.

Travelers have the chance to explore the crater’s rim, taking in panoramic vistas stretching across the Pacific. This natural wonder provides a captivating contrast to the monumental Moai statues that dot the island’s landscape.

Visiting Ahu Akivi

After exploring the breathtaking Rano Kau, the tour moves on to the iconic Ahu Akivi.

This remarkable site features seven moai statues facing the ocean, a unique arrangement unlike the more common inland-facing moai.

Visitors can:

1. Admire the impressive size and detail of the statues, standing at over 4 meters tall.

2. Ponder the significance of the ocean-facing orientation and its potential connection to Rapa Nui culture and beliefs.

3. Explore the surrounding archaeological site and learn about its history and theories surrounding the statues.

4. Capture stunning photos of the moai against the backdrop of the vast Pacific Ocean.

Experiencing the Small Group Adventure

Although the group size is limited to a maximum of eight travelers, the small-group experience provides a more personalized and immersive exploration of Easter Island’s rich history and culture.

With a dedicated driver-guide, travelers enjoy undivided attention and the flexibility to adjust the itinerary based on interests.

The intimate setting encourages engaging discussions, allowing guests to delve deeper into the island’s mysteries and folklore.

This personalized approach ensures an authentic, memorable experience that larger tours may not offer.

Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to connect with the island on a more intimate level.

Inclusions and Pricing Details

The tour package from $280.00 per person includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a knowledgeable driver-guide, and all transportation.

The price also covers:

The price also covers admission to the Easter Island National Park, a value of $80 USD.

• Bottled water throughout the day

• Admission to the Easter Island National Park ($80 USD value)

• Small group experience with a maximum of 8 travelers

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts

Gratuities and lunch aren’t included, but the overall package provides excellent value.

With a private tour, travelers can expect a personalized adventure focused on the island’s culture, history, and folklore.

Meeting and Pickup Information

The tour pickup location is from any hotel, hostal, or cabin on Easter Island. Pickup time is at 9:30 AM.

Travelers must have a national park ticket, which can be purchased online or in the town center. The tour is conducted in both English and Spanish.

Infants must sit on laps, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Tour confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Transfers may vary in duration based on traffic conditions. The small group tour ensures a personalized experience for each traveler.

Traveler Reviews and Ratings

What do traveler reviews and ratings say about this tour? Based on 83 reviews, the tour boasts an impressive 4.9 out of 5 rating, with 98% of travelers recommending it.

The positive feedback highlights:

1. Knowledgeable and engaging guides, such as Marcus, Merahy, Sophia, and Bruna, who share insightful stories about the island.

2. The small group experience, which allows for personalized attention.

3. The tour’s ability to immerse visitors in Easter Island’s culture, history, and folklore.

4. Travelers praise the tour as a must-do activity for those visiting the enigmatic Easter Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use My Drone During the Tour?

The tour operator does not allow the use of drones during the tour. Guests are advised to leave their drones at their accommodations, as the use of drones is prohibited in the national park and on private property visited during the tour.

What Are the Different Languages Available for the Tour?

The tour is conducted in both English and Spanish. The guide can provide insights and explanations in these two languages, ensuring all travelers can fully engage with and understand the cultural and historical highlights of Easter Island.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can’t be extended, but private tours ensure flexibility to accommodate guests’ needs. Additional time or customizations may incur an extra charge, which the tour operator can discuss upon request.

Can I Request a Specific Tour Guide?

Yes, you can request a specific tour guide. The tour provider allows you to request a preferred guide, and they’ll do their best to accommodate your preference based on availability.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Infants can join the tour but must sit on a parent’s lap during transportation.

The Sum Up

Exploring the north and west regions of Easter Island on a private full-day tour provides a captivating glimpse into the island’s iconic landmarks and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can marvel at the red scoria stone of Puna Pau, the stunning Rano Kau volcanic crater, and the unique moai statues facing the ocean at Ahu Akivi, all while experiencing the island’s enchanting natural beauty and history.