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Easter Island Extension

Chile - Trip code EIE Discovery
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109Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Isolated Rapa Nui has long held a sense of mystery and fascination for outsiders. Discover this remote Pacific island, thousands of miles from its nearest neighbours, and the unique culture, traditions and ancestry that are being kept alive today. Two full days to explore the 25-kilometre square island give us a superb introduction to the giant stone heads, or moai, that dot its rugged coastline. We'll leave with one burning question: Why are they there?

Why we love this trip
  • Ceremonial platforms (Ahu) - Walk among moai at ocean-facing platforms, including monumental Ahu Tongariki
  • Rano Raraku - Visit the quarry from which the moai were cut, where heads still poke out of the volcanic stone
  • Hanga Roa - Stroll the little streets of the island's only village, with its picturesque fishing harbour
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 3

    Lunch: 1

  • Trip staff

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

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    Accommodation

    3 nights comfortable hotel

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    Trip pace:

    Moderate

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    Group Size:

    14 - 20

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip on Easter Island

Known by its inhabitants as Rapa Nui, Easter Island was discovered by the Dutch on Easter Sunday 1722 (hence its European name), but the inhabitants of this remote and dramatic island called it Rapa Nui. Today it remains one of the most remarkable archaeological sites on the planet, renowned for the stone heads, or moai, that pepper the coastline, magnificent and mysterious monoliths that once numbered some 800 in all and now lie as silent and broken sentinels, looking out across the deep waters of the Pacific.

Our extension holiday begins at Easter Island's Mataveri International Airport (code: IPC), where you'll be picked up by the local team and driven the short distance to our hotel in the tiny, laid-back fishing village of Hanga Roa. You'll have free time on arrival and, depending on the time of your flight, you might want to take a stroll around the small harbour, grab a sunset drink at one of the village's west-facing restaurants, or walk along the coastline and see some of the archaeological sites and beaches here (such as Ahu Tahai, or Playa Poko Poko)

Please note, this is a stand-alone extension and can be booked on any date of your choosing, subject to availability. Whilst this itinerary has been designed to complement several of our group tours and Polar cruises, we'd like to point out that you may not be travelling with other Explore customers. Excursions will be shared with a maximum of 22 people, likely non-Explore travellers from around the world, and will be accompanied by local Easter Island guides.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Full day trip to Ahu Akahanga, Rano Raraku and Anakena Beach

An 'Ahu' is a ceremonial platform, usually a stone pedestal or a sacred site where several moai stand. Over the next two days we'll visit many different Ahu, each of different size and character - our first stop on today's excursion takes us to Ahu Akahanga, a small but important platform and ceremonial village that is thought to be the final resting place of the first 'King' of Easter Island, Hotu Matu'a.

We continue to the impressive volcanic crater at Rano Raraku. This enormous quarry is the foundry, if you like, of all moai heads, and the largest unfinished moai can be found at a shocking 21 metres. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch in this scenic spot, before moving on to the largest Ahu in Polynesia, Ahu Tongariki, which has 15 gigantic restored moai all standing sentinal along its majestic platform.

Finally, we drive to the white-sand beach of Anakena on the northern coast of the island. This beautiful, palm-tree fringed spot is home to Ahu Nau Nau, a superbly photogenic platform that really captures the wonder that these incredible statues must have evoked. After our visit here, you will be dropped off at the hotel for a free evening.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3 - Visit Orongo Ceremonial Village and Ahu Akivi

Our second day sees us visiting the village of Orongo on the southernmost tip of the island, one of the island's most culturally important sites and the setting for the annual competitions that played such a vital factor in the ancient birdman cult. Each year, chosen warriors from each of the tribes would dive into the waters and swim to the nearby island of Motu Nui in search of the first of the eggs laid by the manutara (sooty tern). The successful swimmer would win the right for his clan to control the distribution rights of the island's resources for the coming year, making it not only a culturally important event, but also one that had far reaching implications for the entire population. The remains of a number of ruined buildings and petroglyphs are dotted about the site, offering a fascinating insight into the cult and its influences.

Lunch is at leisure in Hanga Roa, before an afternoon excursion to Ahu Akivi, a west-facing altar consisting of 7 moais whose eyes are fixed on the sunset over the ocean. We'll continue to Puna Pau, a quarry on the hills of Rano Kau, where pukaos were manufactured, hats worn by the moais and made of red volcanic ash, and Ahu Vinapu, a restored platform whose construction is similar to the technique used by the Incas. After this afternoon excursion, you will be dropped off at the hotel for the final evening on the island.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Trip ends on Easter Island

Our tour ends in Easter Island today, and you will be transferred back the short distance to the airport to meet the one flight per day back to Santiago. This flight usually departs in the afternoon and lasts approximately 4.5 hours. This usually means that you'll have a free morning on the island before flying to mainland Chile again. Flights are not included within the cost of this extension, but can be quoted to you upon booking, at your request.

If you do have a free morning on the island, the hotel is able to organise morning excursions, cycle hire or transport for you to rediscover your favourite spots. We recommend that you discuss this with them on arrival.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Chile

Climate

The best time to visit is spring (Sept-Nov) and autumn (March- April). Between June and September the heat in the northern part of the country is less intense. Remember rain can fall at any time of the year and the weather is changeable in the mountains. Easter Island has a tropical climate so is likely to be quite hot and humid. It can also rain there in the evenings and become chilly.

Time difference to GMT

-4

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Predominantly Roman Catholic.

Language

Spanish, Aymara, Rapanui.

Budgeting and packing

Clothing

Bring a range of clothes for both warm and cool temperatures. Shorts and t-shirts is fine, as well as a pair of long trousers, a jumper and a long-sleeved top. A raincoat is useful, and we also recommend packing your swimsuit.

Footwear

A comfortable pair of trainers, suitable for walking in.

Luggage

20Kg

Luggage: On tour

We recommend taking a lightweight daysack on this Easter Island extension tour, for your daily excursions.

Equipment

Tipping

Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided.

Accordingly, you should allow US$ 40 for tipping your local guides.

Chile

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£13
Dinner price
£20
Beer price
£3.00 - 4.00
Water price
£2
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Chilean Peso (CLP)
Recommended Currency For Exchange
You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. The exchange rate with the CLP is approximately CLP 880 to the British Pound. We recommend you take some emergency cash in USD as the GBP exchange isn’t very good. Notes should be in good condition otherwise they may not be accepted. Please check on line for up to date information
Where To Exchange
Tour Leader will advise on arrival
ATM Availability
ATMs can be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in CLP. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants but some may be subject to a service charge
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus

Accommodation notes

Our usual hotel is the Hotel Manutara, a lovely, comfortable hotel with a pool, tropical gardens, WiFi and a hearty breakfast served each morning. As this extension holiday is on a request basis, we are not pre-holding any rooms. We'll advise you at the time of booking if there are any changes to the planned hotel due to availability, and we'll make sure to reserve a hotel of a similar standard.

Chile

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Chile: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Australians are now required to have a visa to enter Chile

Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Chile

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue Fever and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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Print Trip Notes

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