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UNDISCOVERED RAPA NUI:
EASTER ISLAND ADVENTURE

(year-round; depart virtually any date you choose)

T R I P  B A C K G R O U N D

Of all the world’s archaeological treasures, few are more exciting or puzzling than the monuments of Isla de Pascua, or Easter Island. One of the most remarkable open-air museums in the world, Easter Island is an incredible repository of treasures from a sophisticated culture which produced spectacular religious architecture, gigantic sculptures, roads, towers, great stone quarries, petroglyphs, masonry-lined caves and many other unique monuments.

Your adventure begins on mainland Chile, a beautifully diverse country replete with glaciers, volcanoes, fertile valleys, beaches, clear blue lakes, desert and rainforest. After exploring Santiago and its environs, you'll fly west across the Pacific to Easter Island, the most isolated inhabited island on Earth. Under the guidance of local anthropologists, you will investigate an ancient society famous for its engineering accomplishments and a complex social structure that produced the unique and mysterious giant statues called Moais. With ample time for in-depth exploration and discovery, you will attempt to answer many of the archaeological and social questions that remain to this day.

Easter Island also provides an opportunity to experience an active Polynesian culture. You may enjoy a private Rapa Nui dance lesson or take a Rapa Nui carving workshop. You may also retrace the historical Motu route of the Birdman cult swimmers on an exciting and scenic boating excursion. If you are so inclined, you may be able to join the islanders in their daily activities, including dancing and singing, a Polynesian feast, fishing for tuna, swimming, visiting schools, and attending chapel services with memorable Polynesian songs. Life today on Easter Island is enchanting, even as the ahu and moais are profound reminders of the past.

Your Easter Island adventure will also afford exciting “soft” adventure opportunities. You may stop for a swim and explore numerous ruins on an easy horseback riding trek up Terevaka Volcano or on a lovely coastal hike. Other adventures include snorkeling, surfing and caving. Throughout your adventure you’ll wonder how a place of such archaeological and cultural richness could also offer so many topnotch natural attractions!

Note: All included adventures are low intensity and elective.

Optional extensions to Patagonia, Atacama Desert, the Lake District, Argentina or Machu Picchu!

I T I N E R A R Y

Note: We will gladly customize an itinerary to meet your preferences.

Fly to Santiago, Chile, arriving on the morning of day 2. You will be met and privately transferred to your hotel, where you may rest after your international flight.

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a private tour of Santiago, a cosmopolitan city with a delightful blend of Spanish and Peruvian influences. Today’s tour will include visits to the Museo de la Merced, Presidential Palace, Plaza de Armas, Cathedral and Santa Lucia Hill, where you will be treated to panoramic views of Santiago and the snow-capped Andes.

Optional evening Chilean folkloric show and dinner.  Hotel Plaza El Bosque – 5 stars

Note: You may upgrade to the Grand Hyatt or Ritz Carlton, or downgrade to Hotel Atton El Bosque   

Today you have two options. First, you may take a private tour of Vina del Mar, “The Garden City”, known for its abundance of flowers, parks, beautiful beaches and casino.  You'll also explore Valparaiso, an attractive port city with many hills and twisting streets. Your second option is to drive through the lovely Maipo Canyon on your way to the Santa Rita Winery (or Concha y Toro, another topnotch vineyard).  You'll tour the winery, learn about wine making  and visit the old family mansion and ornamental gardens.  You also enjoy lunch and wine tasting.

In the late afternoon, you'll be transferred to the airport for your late afternoon or evening flight to Easter Island. (Note: Please note that the Easter Island flight schedules change frequently, often making it necessary to modify the land itinerary slightly.)  Upon arrival, you will be met and privately transferred to your hotel. Throughout your stay on Easter Island, you will enjoy the services of a private English-speaking guide. (Note: We can offer small group touring if that is your preference.) 

For the next four days you will explore Easter Island, considered the most isolated inhabited place on Earth. Situated approximately 2,350 miles west of the Chilean coastline, Rapa Nui was discovered on Easter Sunday, 1772, by a Dutch explorer. It has been called Te Pito O Te Huenua, the navel of the world. The islanders resemble those from Tahiti and may have come from the Marquesas in French Polynesia, though Thor Heyerdahl maintains in his classic work, Aku Aku, that earlier settlers may have come from the South American mainland. Heyerdahl’s seminal journey in 1941 from the mainland to Easter Island aboard a hand-crafted reed boat called Kon-Tikiwas an attempt to prove his theory to the world.

Easter Island is famous for its unique giant statues, almost a thousand of them in all, which are scattered about the island in clusters. Called Moais, these stone representations of ancestral men are known for their elongated heads and ears. During your stay, there will be daily outings to the major excavations, monuments, caves and historical points of interest. You will also get to know the contemporary islanders and their culture.   Hotel Taha Tai or Hotel Otai (B)  

In the morning, you’ll visit Ahu Vinapu, noteworthy for its incredible stone walls similar in design to those built by the ancient Incas.  Some experts believe that the walls’ architecture indicates that the early islanders came from South America. 

Afterwards, drive to the southernmost volcano of the Island, Rano Kau. With a diameter of one mile and steep slopes that descend to a lovely reed-covered lake, Rano Kau is the island’s most impressive natural attraction.  From there you’ll have wonderfully panoramic views of most of the island, its reed-covered lake, and the islets of Motu Nui (Large Island), Motu Iti (Small Island), and Motu Kao-Kao (Tall Island). The main man-made feature on Rano Kau is the ancient ceremonial village of Orongo that clings to the crater’s edge. In primitive times, Orongo was the site of  the traditional egg-ceremony, an annual event to decide the religious head of the Island. The site is also full of petroglyphs representing Tangata Manu (birdman) and the god Make-Make. Your excursion ends with a visit to the beautiful sea-cliff cave of Ana Kai Tangata, used as a refuge during the days of social conflict. Marvel at the incredible rock formations, prehistoric paintings of birds and at the crystalline waves propagating endlessly toward the cave opening.  

This afternoon, you may take an optional boat excursion (not included) out to the three motus that played such an important role in the Birdman egg ceremony and competition.  Admire breathtaking natural formations along the coast, including numerous caverns, and lovely views of the ceremonial village of Orongo.

This evening you’ll be treated to a folkloric show exhibiting the delightful dances, costumes and music of the Rapa Nui people. Hotel Taha Tai or Hotel Otai (B)

Your private full day tour begins with a visit to the ancient ruins of Vaihu. You will then continue towards Ahu Akahanga, a large ahu (platform) with four big fallen statues.  According to legends, the tomb of the first king of Easter Island is in this area.  You’ll then proceed to the mysterious and fascinating site of Rano Raraku, the volcanic crater that served as the quarry and birthplace of the island’s 400-odd moais. Gigantic statues cover the slopes of the volcano, and they can be admired in the different stages of production: from initial carvings in the rock to the upright position to lying face down on the road to their intended platforms. One unfinished moai, El Gigante, measures 71 feet.  Follow the path up to the crater’s edge and peer into the interior, where you will see more moais and a freshwater lake.

After lunch, you’ll drive to Ahu Tongariki, a truly captivating place that offers the largest collection of standing moais on the island (15), with one statue reaching 22 feet. Destroyed by a tidal wave in 1960, it has since been reconstructed and maintains its mystical allure. Later, you will drive along the north coast, passing by La Perouse Bay to visit Ahu Te Pito Kura (the world's navel) – named for the perfectly rounded and magnetic boulder that was supposedly brought over by King Hotu Matu’a from the Marquesas (because no other rock on the island is like it.) If you are so inclined, you may follow the Rapa Nui custom of touching your forehead to the rock to get mana! From there continue to the beautiful beach and impressive archaeological zone of Anakena, where the first settlers landed on Easter Island.  Return to your hotel via the Vaitea Farm. Hotel Taha Tai or Hotel Otai  (B, L)

Your tour begins with visits to the archaeological area of Ahu Tahai and to the fascinating Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum.  You’ll then be taken to Ahu Akivi to view the seven famous standing statues. These moais, which are oriented toward the summer solstice, are the only statues on the island that face out to sea. Next you’ll visit Puna Pau, the volcanic rock quarry used to make the pukao or topknot that some moais sport. Enjoy panoramic views of Hanga Roa and the coastline. You’ll then proceed to Ana Te Pahu, caves dwellings (formed from lava tubes) that provided refuge for people escaping the island battles. You’ll observe rudimentary living quarters and tools along with a Polynesian horticultural complex filled with sweet potatoes, taro, bananas and other plants. Your morning concludes with a leisurely stop at the pristine, secluded and stunningly beautiful beach of Ovahe. 

This afternoon you’ll have a choice of taking a private Rapa Nui dance lesson or carving workshop. You’ll then have free time to explore Hanga Roa’s Church and two artisan markets. Hotel Taha Tai or Hotel Otai (B)

Free day to explore on your own or to go on one of the optional excursions described below.

You may elect to go on an easy horseback riding excursion up Mt. Terevaka for spectacular views of the island from its highest point. Continue down toward Anakena along coastal ridges that gradually descend to a lovely beach where you may swim. Alternatively, you may enjoy an easy coastal hike or horseback riding excursion during which you will encounter wonderful scenery and numerous archaeological sites including Tahai, Ana Kekeya, Tepeu ceremonial village and the Omohi petrogyphs.  Snorkeling, swimming at the beach, surfing and/or strolling through the two artisan markets are other options to consider. Hotel Taha Tai or Hotel Otai (B)

Private airport transfer for your flight to Santiago. Connect with your evening international flight. You will arrive home on day 9. (Note: you may add time on the mainland before returning home if you prefer).    (B)

End of Tour

(Code: B-Breakfast; L-Lunch; D-Dinner)

Optional extensions to Patagonia, Atacama and the Lake District.

2008 Land Cost Includes:
o   Accommodations for 6 nights in a very comfortable hotel (3 1/2 stars) on 
     Easter island and a deluxe hotel (5 stars) in Santiago, based on double occupancy
o   Private touring with English speaking guide (small group touring option is also 
     available)
o  Private transfers and land transportation  
o 7 meals as indicated above
o All entrance/park fees

2008 Land Cost (per person):

Private Touring Option: $1,990 (check) or $2,050 (credit card)
Small Group Touring Option: $1,790 (check) or $1,845 (credit card)

Trip Length:   9 days
Deposit:          $400
Single Supplement from: $390 (call for exact quote)
Trip Grade:          Easy
Accommodations:          Deluxe hotel (5 stars) in Santiago; "almost first class" hotel (3 1/2 stars) on Easter Island.
Total airfare (approx):          $1,650 (from Miami)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Trip Grade: Comfortable. Emphasis is on "off the beaten track" experience. All included adventures are elective and low-intensity. Accommodations in  a comfortable hotel (3 1/2 stars) on Easter Island and in a deluxe hotel (5 stars) in Santiago. Activities include museum and market excursions and exploration of ruins and villages by car and on foot (and, if desired, on horseback). Because the trip travels into remote areas, some discomfort may result from the elements, cultural differences, rough roads and schedule changes.

Land Cost Includes: All vehicle transportation and transfers as stated in the itinerary; accommodations in a comfortable (3+ star) hotel on Easter Island and a deluxe (5 star) hotel in Santiago, based on double occupancy of twin-bedded room, with private bath; 7 meals as indicated; entrance/park fees; all included touring and sightseeing; private touring with bilingual guide (unless small group touring option is selected).

Land Cost Does Not Include: Airfares (quoted separately); excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; laundry, passports, personal insurance, other personal items; airport departure taxes; hotel nights en route or return.

Accommodations: Accommodations are based on double occupancy of a room with private bath a comfortable hotel (3 1/2 stars) on Easter Island and in a deluxe hotel (5 stars) in Santiago. Singles who sign up will incur a single supplement charge. Call for exact quote.

Climate: Santiago and Easter Island are at low elevations and high latitude. With seasons reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, Santiago’s climate is normally warm and sunny between October and March with a cooler rainy period extending into September. Easter Island’s climate is less predictable, with the most favorable weather from September through April. Rains tend to be intermittent, followed by sunshine and beautiful photographic settings with clouds, green landscapes and changing panoramas.

Reservations and Payments: A deposit of $400 with the completed reservation form will ensure you a place on this trip. Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 travelers. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellations and Refunds: The initial deposit for the trip is refundable up to 90 days before departure, less a $200 handling fee. Any cancellation occurring between 60 and 89 days will result in a cancellation penalty of $400 (the full deposit) based on nonrecoverable deposits and expenses. Any cancellation occurring between 30 and 59 days will result in a cancellation penalty of 50% of the tripcost. Unless a suitable replacement can be found, there will be no refunds for any cancellation within 29 days of departure. There are no refunds for any unused meals, accommodations or other trip activities. In certain cases, the cancellation policies of NEI's subcontractors will supersede NEI's policy.

Insurance: Trip cancellation, accident and baggage insurance are recommended and will be offered to all participants. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly advised; this will protect you in the case of cancellation due to personal or family illness.

Responsibility: Nature Expeditions International is responsible for conducting this trip as outlined in the published itinerary. It reserves the right, however, to cancel the trip should it become affected by conditions beyond the company’s control. In such an event, NEI will return all monies paid to it by the affected participants as full and final settlement.

NEI also reserves the right to substitute other lodging during the trip or to change the trip leader(s), itinerary, or travel arrangements if the staff believes it is in the best interest of all participants. In addition, NEI may decline to accept or retain any member or prospective member of an announced trip. Full refund for the unused portion of the trip will be paid to the affected participant in such an event.

Airline Clause: All arrangements for airline transportation are made by the respective airlines, which companies shall not have or incur any responsibility or liability to any person taking an trip except their liability as common carriers. Nor shall such carriers be or be held responsible for any act, omission, or event occurring after the passenger has disembarked from the conveyance. The usual passage contract in use by the carrier, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between said carrier and the passenger. All rates are based on tariffs currently or those tariffs to be placed in effect and are subject to adjustment in the event of changes therein. The air transportation services of any IATA/ARC member may be used.

© Nature Expeditions International