Easter Island Extension

• 4 days

DAY 1: Arrival transfer in Easter Island

Arrival into Easter Island and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 1: Arrival in Easter Island

UNESCO World Heritage Listed Easter Island is a remote volcanic island that lies in the Pacific Ocean some 3,700kms to the west of Chile. One of the most isolated places on earth and one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world, Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is famed for its archaeological sites that include around 900 moai statues. These carved human figures were created during the 10th-16th centuries and many are found resting on massive rock altars.

DAY 1: Easter Island Entrance Fee

Easter Island Entrance Fee included.

DAY 2: Easter Island Anakena Tour

Most of Easter Islands 900 moai come from the slopes of the Rano Raraku volcano and it is here on the South Coast of the island that we head for our first stop today. We will see more than 300 of the volcanic stone statues that were produced by skilled craftsman between the year 1000 and 1680. Lunch will be enjoyed at the base of the volcano before we continue to the Tongariki Platform and Te Pito Kura where we find the island's biggest moai.

In the afternoon we make our way to Anakena beach where pure white sand and calm waters make it an ideal place to swim and relax. It is also probably the only beach in the world that boasts two important archaeological sites, Ahu Ature Huki and Ahu Nau Nau which you are free to explore.

At the end of the day we head inland in order to return to Hanga Roa Toen.

Includes lunch.

DAY 3: Easter Island Orongo

We set off for the Orongo village which sits on the edge of the extinct volcano Rano Kau. The village which consists of 54 stone houses is believed to have been a ceremonial centre for the birdman culture from the 16th century until its abandonment in the mid-19th century. In addition to its incredible natural beauty, the site boasts a high number of petroglyphs depicting tangat manu - the birdman. This is a truly a magical place where the views will memorise you and the stories and legends will intrigue you.

DAY 3: Easter Island Ahu Akivi

We head to Ahu Akivi the site of the seven moai. The sculptures which are close to 4.5 metres tall, are thought to represent the seven young explores sent to scope out the island before the arrival of Horu Matu and his people. We will also visit Pun-a-Pau quarry from where the Pukao cylindrical hats were sourced . The 1 - 2 metre cylindas weighed between nine and twenty tonnes and were rolled down hill to the moai sites.

DAY 4: Transfer to airport for your onward destination

Transfer to the airport for your outward flight from Easter Island.

• Explore the Chilean capital of Santiago, before heading to Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most spectacular parks in South America. Head to El Calafate on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and from here visit the world famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Find out more

• Additionally, you can take an incredible journey and bear witness to the awe-inspiring and stunning beauty of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. See incredible wildlife at Ainsworth Bay or be mesmerised by the colossal Pia Glacier on a 5-day cruise that will take you to ‘The end of the World’. Find out more.

• Experience the breathtaking landscape of the Atacama Desert. Undertake a 4-day luxury experience in a spectacular and private location. Tucked in a valley of scenic beauty you may choose to visit salt flats, hot springs, steaming geysers or even climb a volcano. Or simply unwind by visiting local museums or embracing local cultural encounters. Find out more.

Being environmentally accountable is a crucial part of our organisation. Chimu is currently striving towards using less paper, taking several initiatives to do so and tracking our progress along the way. Our goal: A paperless organisation. For this reason, all information given to you will be sent electronically. We encourage those who choose to travel with us to support our aspirations and actions and ask that you reconsider printing out documentation. To view these documents, you can download them to your iPad or portable computer before and during your trip.

Chimu is passionate and dedicated to sustainability measures and understands the crucial part sustainability plays within the tourism industry.

We use local guides and office staff to both maximise local employment opportunities and minimise carbon footprint. Local guides also ensure you benefit from the intimate knowledge, passion and culture of the country you’re visiting. Our guides are all highly qualified (most with university degrees) or equip with many years of experience and are paid above the standard wage. Whether it be our knowledgeable local guides, locally produced meals or the transport on tour, we do not use imported goods when local products are available. We aim to minimise our impact on the environment and give as much back as possible to the communities we work in.

While visiting the many national parks, heritage sites, museums and landmarks our travellers are encouraged to explore whilst remaining culturally aware and sensitive. We further encourage you to buy appropriate souvenirs and discourage the buying of anything wrongfully made or taken from the environment i.e. shells and endangered species products. Information on how you can be environmentally conscious, and travel responsibly will be made available in our Travellers Guides and provided during your travels by guides and staff.

For more information on our sustainability policies, including how we are striving towards being a paperless organisation, click HERE