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From the iconic statues to the breathtaking beaches, Easter Island lives up to the hype for adventurous travelers. There is not much wildlife to see here, but the old lava formations are quite a site to see with tuff cones, pyroclastic cones, and other volcanic landscapes. The Highlands of Santa Cruz is a very interesting site due to the rich wildlife, hills, ferns, volcanoes and lava tubes present. Here you can see all the different agricultural zones that are present in the Galapagos in one place. Today is a sample itinerary that includes two of the more popular half-day explorations on offer.
onboard Silver Explorer
The island was first seen by Europeans on Easter Sunday in 1722, when Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen came upon it. Those who have studied Easter Island calculate that the Rapa Nui people settled here around 700 A.D. Coming from Eastern Polynesia, and that they created the large Polynesian-style “moai” sculptures between 800 and 1600 A.D. By the time the Europeans came there were just a few thousand inhabitants on the island, and it had been deforested and depleted. By the 19th century a little more than a 100 Rapa Nui people remained. Today we will learn more about the fascinating history of Rapa Nui as we head south along the coast.
Night Easter & Pitcairn Islands: Marooned, Moai & Mutine...Details
Partly destroyed in a 1960 tsunami, in 1990 the ahu was rebuilt exactly as it was. With its 15 giants, this is one of the iconic sites to which travellers often come from half a world away. Its crater protected by 200-metre-tall walls contains a natural reservoir and was used as a quarry for moai building. From Santiago, you’ll fly into Lima, the capital city of neighboring Peru, and be transferred to the Sacred Valley of the Inca. While here, you’ll explore the charming towns, numerous ancient ruins, and learn about the cultural traditions of the area and its people. A highlight will be a tour of the ancient city of Cusco, once capital of the Incan Empire, and its remarkable colonial structures, Inca ruins, and colorful local market.
Welcome to Chile!
Discovered by Dutch navigator, Jakob Roggenveen, on Easter Day 1722, the name Easter Island has stuck. Of course, native people had lived on the island for hundreds of years previous to this and called it many different things such as Rapa Nui and Te Pito O Te Henua. Upon arrival in Chile, you will be picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel.
The next day a flight takes you to the famous Easter Island to explore its archaeological mysteries and extreme beauty altogether. Choosing the right itinerary can sometimes be a stressful time. Luckily, there are not too many cruise itineraries that actually stop at Easter Island. Therefore, the options are slightly limited to either expedition cruises from Tahiti or mainland Chile.
Day Cruises to Easter Island
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Kayaking is top of our list as it provides you a way to explore the coastline in incredible detail. If you are sailing aboard a liner, then you can book a kayak trip once ashore. Rapa Nui Kayak are the best option and there excursions depart from Anakena Beach. Although expedition ships tend to visit in the shoulder months, plenty of the large cruise lines (such as Holland America and Oceania Cruise) visit in the high Summer season around January, February and March. Our first stop will be a place known as Hanga Te’e where we will be able to view a variety of toppled Moai (statues) of Ahu Vaihu. This volcano is home to an ancient quarry that supplied the stone from which about 95% of the island’s sculptures were carved.
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Visit peaceful Hanga Roa
Horse riding trips are one of them most unique ways of exploring Easter Island. Trips can range from several hours to several days and prices start around$50. Guided treks often climb to the top of Terevaka (highest peak on the island) and your guides will point out the unmarked archaeological sites.
Cruises to the Easter Island
Because of their size, you also won't feel the motion of the ship as much. Most cruise ships that visit Easter Island carry between 1,000 and 3,000 passengers and offer Easter Island as part of a 'World' itinerary. From there we take a walk through the pedestrian streets of Huérfanos and Ahumada, where the main commercial activity of the city is concentrated. Afterward, we visit the famous main square of the city, the Plaza de Armas, around which are several important historical buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral. From there we continue our trip on to Santa Lucia hill, the mount upon which the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541.
The mysteries of the moai
The only urban centre on Rapa Nui, in the south of its western side, this village is where most of the island's population (7,000) lives. A lovely time can be had walking around the little Hanga Roa Otai fishing port or visiting Santa Cruz Church (the only Catholic building on the island). Nearby, the artisan market is the place to unearth a typical souvenir made by the island's craftspeople. In the middle of the town, facing the ocean, Vare Vare Park provides some green space in which to relax.
Some of the statues on hillsides in this site are the famous “Big Heads” – with the rest of their bodies buried through centuries of exposure to the elements. Characteristics of the statues include heavy brows, elongated noses and lips that protrude in a thin pout. Moving on, we cross the Mapocho River to get to Bellavista, the cultural and artistic neighborhood of Santiago and home to many artists, actors, and young bohemian people. Bellavista lies at the foot of the San Cristóbal Hill, the highest in town, and is situated in the middle of the Metropolitan Park. We venture up the hill to explore the surrounding areas all the while enjoying beautiful panoramic views of the city. Finally, we visit Providencia with its top restaurants, elegant shops, and modern high-rise buildings.
This is the picture that you will see on nearly every postcard rack on Easter Island. Wander Anakena Beach, the legendary landing place of Hota Matua and take a dip in the cold Pacific. See Ahu Nau Nau, which is the best-preserved platform on the island because the toppled statues were buried under sand for many years, protecting them from damage.
For phenomenally picturesque memories of fifteen silhouetted moai, catch a sunrise at Ahu Tongariki. To admire the island's biggest ceremonial platform, Ahu Tongariki, you have to go east. It has 15 moais standing side by side, including the heaviest on the island which weighs 86 tonnes.
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