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Easter Island, originally
named "Te Pito Te Henua"(navel of the world), is the most isolated place
in all the planet, at a distance of 3.000 km from the nearest populated
point and, above all, one of the most fascinating archaeological riddles
of all time. Its inhabitants, whose origin is still an enigma, developed
the only script known to people of America and Polynesia at that time,
carved enormous 100 tons basalt statues(called Moai) from a quarry in
the side of a volcano, transport them many kilometers to the coast and
erect them on giant stone altars. - How and why did they do so?- It may
always remain a mystery thanks to the tragic destruction of the
prehistoric culture by Europeans.
Easter Island, located in the exotic Polynesia, conserves the
enchantment of warm beaches, agreeable climate, transparent oceans and
remarkable volcanic remains. The island itself has a maximum length of
24 km/15 miles and width of 12 km/ 8 miles. The terrain on the treeless
volcanic slopes is fairly grassy, but most of the island is covered by
rugged lava fields. Dotted around the island are several dead craters,
two of which now contain freshwater lakes, and hundreds of caves, once
used as refuges or secret burial places.
 ZZ-CH-AZA014-HK
Rates include accommodations (2 nights hotel and 4 nights
camping) and meals as indicated. English speaking guide. Luggage transfer
by vehicle.
7 days/ 6 nights
02 PAX $ 1,950 / per person
03 PAX $ 1,720 / per person
04+ PAX $ 1,435 / per person
Single room/tent +$ 225
2008/09 Dates:
Weekly from September to May
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May and June have a $100 Low Season discount
Taxes: included
Gratuities: 10% suggested
Meeting: Rapa Nui
Transfer: included
Note: Easter
island is the most isolated place in all the planet, at a distance of
3.000 km from the nearest populated point. The inhabitants carved 100
ton basalt statues (called moai) from a quarry in the side of a volcano.
The statues were then transported many kilometers to the coast and
erected on giant stone altars -How and why the inhabitants of the island
achieved this may always remain a mystery .
The same itinerary is also available for non riders.
ITINERARY
(sample)
DAY 1: (SANTIAGO) - EASTER ISLAND
Reception at Rapa Nui airport. Transfer to the hotel.
DAY 2: After breakfast, we visit Ahu Akivi,. From here
we’ll start our hike in direction of Rano Aroï and Terevaka (507m),
highest point of the island. We enjoy the fantastic panorama of the
island. Descent to the wild and dry north-east coast where we observe
several petro glyphs, caves and Ahus. Cross of Hanga Oteo crater before
arriving at the magnificent site of Anakena - beautiful beach with white
sand - dominated by the Ahu Nau Nau. (CB,L,D)
DAY 3: After a bath (IF POSSIBLE), we walk along the
coast visiting the beautiful Ovahe beach, then the Te Pito Kura, Hekii
and Mahatua sites on the foot of Volcano Poike. Small climb to Parehe,
Tea Tea, Vai Aheva (huge figure carved in the rocks) and Pua Katiki
(360m). Walk down to the south coast in order to arrive at Hanga Nui Bay
where we can observe the huge Ahu Tongariki. (CB,L,D)
DAY 4: Today, we do not change the camp. We are close to
Volcano Rano Raraku, place where all the Moais of the island were born.
We spend most of the day visiting this impressive quarry. Possibility to
have a bath in the crater lake. Relax and taste of the Umu (Polynesian
oven). (CB,L,D)
DAY 5: We pass again in front of the quarry for a last
picture before continuing the “Moai way”. Short transfer from the camp
to Vaihu site with a stop at Haka Hanga on the way. From Vaihu walk
along the coast and climb of Rano Kau through eucalyptus forests to
reach the camp(CB,L,D)
DAY 6: In only a few minutes, we are on the edge of the
impressive Rano Kau crater (1600m of diameter), a mosaic of small lakes,
natural flora reserve. We see the 3 little islands (Motu Nui, Motu Iti
and Motu Kao Kao). Walk along the border of the crater in order to reach
the extreme south-west with the impressive Orongo site. In that place,
about 150 years ago, they started with the bird man culture, a long and
mysterious drama which is celebrated each year in order to name the
political boss of the island. Visit of numerous petro glyphs
immortalizing the bird man and the supreme God Make Make. Later, descent
to Hanga Roa with stop at the Ana Ka Tangata cave (rock paintings), the
port of Hanga Piko and its Ahu.. Night at the hotel in Hanga Roa.. (CB,L)
DAY 7: After breakfast transfer to the airport.
(CB)
A logistic team follows the group to transport
equipment, prepare the caves and cook.
CB= breakfast L=lunch D=dinner |
Tahai Complex Semi-Wild horses
photos by:
Wassmann Photography
Ahu Tahai, Foreground
Rano Kau
Ahu Tongariki
Rano Raraku -The Birthplace of the
Moai
Ahu Naunau
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