Private Full-Day Easter Island Highlights South and East

Exploring the captivating south and east sides of Easter Island is a must-do for any visitor. This private full-day tour showcases the island’s iconic landmarks, from the stunning Ahu Huri A Urenga to the volcanic quarry of Rano Raraku, where the famous moai statues were carved. With an expert guide providing deep insights into the island’s rich history and culture, travelers can enjoy the unique heritage of this remote Pacific gem. What secrets will this tour reveal about the enigmatic Rapa Nui people?

Key Points

• This private full-day tour showcases the iconic moai statues and ancient sites on the south and east sides of Easter Island.
• Highlights include visits to Ahu Huri A Urenga, Ahu Vinapu, Rano Raraku, and the renowned Ahu Tongariki.
• The knowledgeable local guide provides insights into the island’s rich history and culture throughout the tour.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and national park entry, but lunch is not provided.
• Past participants have given the tour a 4.8 rating, with 95% highly recommending the experience.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This private full-day tour showcases the south and east sides of Easter Island, allowing visitors to discover the iconic moai statues and ancient sites scattered across the island.

Highlights include Ahu Huri A Urenga, Ahu Vinapu, Hanga Poukura, Rano Raraku, and Ahu Tongariki.

Travelers will learn about Easter Island’s history and culture from a knowledgeable guide.

Recommended by 95% of past participants with a 4.8 rating, this tour provides a comprehensive and immersive experience exploring the island’s renowned archaeological wonders.

Itinerary and Stops

The tour begins with hotel pickup at 9:30 AM.

Guests will discover Ahu Huri A Urenga, an intriguing site with a single moai facing inland.

Ahu Huri A Urenga, an intriguing site with a single moai facing inland, is discovered by guests on the tour.

They’ll then explore Ahu Vinapu, known for its Inca-like stonework.

After, the tour stops at Ahu Vaihu and Ahu Akahanga, offering a glimpse into Easter Island’s moai culture.

The highlight is a visit to Rano Raraku, the volcanic quarry where the iconic moai were carved.

Finally, the tour concludes at Ahu Tongariki, home to an impressive line of 15 restored moai.

Throughout, the guide shares insights into Rapa Nui’s rich history and heritage.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes the services of a local driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, bottled water, and the required national park entry ticket, which costs $80 USD per person.

Lunch isn’t provided, so guests will need to purchase their own meal during the scheduled break.

Plus, gratuities for the guide and driver aren’t included in the tour price.

Cruise ship passengers aren’t eligible for hotel pickup, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Tour Experience and Feedback

Positive reviews of the tour highlight the knowledgeable guides and the informative nature of the experience.

Travelers appreciated the personal service and the opportunity to learn about Rapa Nui culture. One reviewer noted, "Our guide’s deep knowledge and passion for the island’s history made this a truly memorable tour."

However, some feedback mentioned discomfort with the van accommodations. As one guest remarked, "The van was a bit cramped, but the sights we saw made up for it."

Booking Information

Priced starting at $280.00 per person, the tour’s cost varies based on group size.

Travelers can book with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. The tour is bilingual, offered in both English and Spanish, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.

With a 4.8 rating from 59 reviews, the tour comes highly recommended by 95% of travelers.

Those interested can book this private full-day exploration of Easter Island’s highlights on the south and east sides, discovering moai statues and ancient sites with a knowledgeable guide.

History and Culture of Easter Island

Although Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is renowned for its iconic moai statues, the island’s history and culture go far beyond these enigmatic figures.

The Rapa Nui people are descendants of Polynesian settlers who arrived centuries ago, developing a unique language, traditions, and spiritual beliefs. Petroglyphs, cave paintings, and other archaeological finds provide insights into their lives and rituals.

Today, the islanders strive to preserve their heritage, sharing their traditions with visitors through music, dance, and storytelling. Understanding this rich cultural history enriches the experience of exploring Easter Island’s remarkable landscapes and monuments.

Exploring Rano Raraku and the Moai Statues

The tour’s highlight is undoubtedly the visit to Rano Raraku, the ancient quarry where the famous moai statues were carved. Here, travelers can witness the scale and grandeur of these enigmatic stone figures, frozen in time.

The guide shares fascinating insights into the island’s history and the intricate process of carving the moai:

The guide’s expertise brings to life the rich cultural traditions and beliefs that imbued the moai with profound significance.

• Visitors marvel at the partially-carved moai still embedded in the volcanic rock, offering a glimpse into the monumental undertaking.

• Exploring the quarry’s steep slopes, they gain a deeper appreciation for the immense physical effort required to transport these colossal statues.

• Atop the crater, sweeping views reveal the island’s dramatic landscape, further emphasizing the moai’s connection to the land.

• As the tour progresses, the guide’s expertise brings to life the rich cultural traditions and beliefs that imbued the moai with profound significance.

The Significance of Ahu Tongariki

Despite being the final stop on the tour, Ahu Tongariki stands as one of the most iconic and visually striking sites on Easter Island.

This impressive ahu, or ceremonial platform, features 15 colossal moai statues, some standing up to 23 feet tall and weighing over 80 tons.

The moai are aligned precisely, facing the rising sun, a testament to the engineering prowess and astronomical knowledge of the Rapa Nui people.

Visitors are awed by the sheer scale and grandeur of this ancient site, which offers a profound connection to the island’s rich cultural heritage and the mysteries of its past.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Currency Is Accepted on Easter Island?

The US dollar (USD) is the main currency accepted on Easter Island. Travelers can also use Chilean pesos, as the island is a special territory of Chile, but USD is the preferred currency for most transactions.

Are There Any Medical Facilities on the Island?

Yes, there are medical facilities on Easter Island. The main hospital is located in Hanga Roa, the island’s only town. It provides basic medical services to both residents and visitors. Travelers are advised to check with their insurance providers about coverage prior to visiting.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

You can bring your own food and drinks on the tour, but the itinerary includes a lunch break where you can purchase a meal. Bottled water is provided during the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the tour, though it’s important to note that the van accommodations may not be the most comfortable for young kids.

Can I Take Photos of the Moai Statues?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos of the moai statues during the tour. However, the guide may provide specific instructions on where and how photos can be taken to respect the cultural significance of the sites.

The Sum Up

This private full-day tour offers a captivating exploration of Easter Island’s iconic southern and eastern highlights. Travelers will explore the island’s rich history and culture, visiting remarkable sites like Ahu Huri A Urenga, Ahu Vinapu, and the renowned Rano Raraku quarry. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this highly-rated tour provides deep insights, making it a must-do experience for any visitor to this enigmatic and awe-inspiring destination.