The Rapa Nui Highlights Program is an immersive adventure that invites travelers to uncover the ancient wonders of Easter Island. Through three captivating tours, visitors can explore the island’s rich cultural heritage, from the iconic moai statues to the mystical ceremonial sites. With knowledgeable guides, flexible booking, and free cancellations, this program ensures a memorable and engaging exploration of Rapa Nui’s enduring mysteries. Whether you’re seeking to unlock the secrets of Ahu Akivi, discover the hidden gems of Orongo, or bask in the beauty of Anakena, this program offers a remarkable opportunity to truly experience the essence of this enchanting island.
Key Points
- The Rapa Nui Highlights Program offers three immersive tours that showcase the island’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders.
- The tours, guided in English and Spanish, provide insights into the history and significance of Rapa Nui’s archaeological sites.
- Participants can explore the moai statues facing the ocean, the Rano Kau crater, and the Anakena beach during the three-day program.
- The program is flexible, with no upfront payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the tour.
- The tours are designed to cater to different interests and schedules, with options for half-day and full-day experiences.
Program Overview
The Rapa Nui Highlights Program offers visitors three comprehensive tours to discover the captivating island of Easter Island.
Priced from $210 per person, the program provides a flexible booking experience with no upfront payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tours last 2 days and are led by live English and Spanish-speaking guides.
Hotel pickup is included, and participants need to wait in the lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
Whether you’re interested in the enigmatic moai statues, the Birdman ceremony, or the stunning natural landscapes, the Rapa Nui Highlights Program has something for every traveler.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hanga Roa.
Tour Experiences
Within the Rapa Nui Highlights Program, travelers can explore three distinct tours that showcase the island’s captivating wonders. The Ahu Akivi Tour visits the iconic moai facing the ocean, then explores Puna Pau and Ahu Uri Aurenga. The Half Day Orongo tour departs for Vinapu, Rano Kau, and the Orongo ceremonial village. The Full Day Anakena tour discovers ancient temples, the moai quarry, and the largest statue, Moai Paro, before relaxing at the unique Anakena beach.
Tour | Highlights |
---|---|
Ahu Akivi | Moai facing the ocean, Puna Pau, Ahu Uri Aurenga |
Half Day Orongo | Vinapu, Rano Kau, Orongo ceremonial village |
Full Day Anakena | Ahu Vaihu, Akahanga, Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki, Te Pito Kura, Anakena beach |
Ahu Akivi Tour
On the Ahu Akivi Tour, visitors explore the captivating site where seven moai statues face the vast Pacific Ocean.
They’ll wander through Puna Pau, the quarry where the distinctive red pukao (hats) adorning the moai were carved.
The tour also includes a visit to Ahu Uri Aurenga, an archaeological site aligned with the winter solstice.
Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable guide provides insight into the fascinating history and cultural significance of these ancient structures, transporting participants back in time to uncover the mysteries of Rapa Nui’s past.
Half Day Orongo
Departing from the enigmatic Ahu Akivi, the Half Day Orongo tour takes visitors on a captivating journey to uncover the secrets of Rapa Nui’s cultural heritage.
The first stop is the intriguing Vinapu, renowned for its Inca-like constructions. Next, guests explore the serene Rano Kau, a volcanic crater lake teeming with lush vegetation and unique micro-fauna.
The highlight of the tour is the Orongo ceremonial village, the site of the famous Birdman contest. Here, visitors can enjoy the island’s rich traditions and rituals.
The tour offers a compelling glimpse into the island’s past, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for Rapa Nui’s enduring cultural legacy.
Key Highlights:
- Vinapu and its Inca-like constructions
- Rano Kau, a volcanic crater lake
- Orongo ceremonial village and the Birdman contest
- Insights into Rapa Nui’s rich cultural traditions
Full Day Anakena
The Full Day Anakena tour whisks visitors away to uncover the island’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites.
Explore the ancient temples of Ahu Vaihu and Akahanga, then venture to the quarry of Rano Raraku, home to 397 moai statues.
At the iconic Ahu Tongariki, marvel at the 15 majestic moai silhouetted against the horizon.
Discover the enigmatic Moai Paro, the largest statue on the island, standing tall at 10 meters and 85 tons.
The tour culminates at the stunning Anakena beach, where visitors can relax and take in the breathtaking landscape dotted with these mysterious monoliths.
This comprehensive full-day experience offers an unparalleled glimpse into Rapa Nui’s captivating cultural heritage.
- Private Tour: Full-Day Easter Island Archeological Sites
- Private Tour: Tongariki Sunrise Experience
- Full Day Tour in Rapa Nui
- Easter Island Moai Archaeology Tour: Ahu Akivi, Ahu Tahai and Puna Pauâ Quarry.
- Full Day Private Tour: Factory of the Moai the Stone Giants
- Half Day Private Tour: Rano Kau and Orongo the City of Kings
Inclusions and Exclusions
With the Rapa Nui Highlights Program, travelers will find that the tour package includes the national park ticket, as well as food and drinks.
However, the program may not be suitable for all visitors. Specifically:
- The tours aren’t wheelchair accessible.
- Pregnant women are advised against participating.
- Cruise ship guests are unable to join the program.
Availability
The Rapa Nui Highlights Program offers visitors a variety of tour options on different days of the week.
The Half Day Ahu Akivi tour is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, allowing guests to explore the iconic moai facing the ocean and discover the quarry where the distinctive Pukao (hats) were made.
The Full Day Anakena tour, on the other hand, takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, providing a comprehensive experience visiting ancient temples, the moai quarry, and the picturesque Anakena beach.
The Half Day Orongo tour is scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, immersing visitors in the ceremonial village and the fascinating Birdman culture.
Customer Reviews
Customers have praised the Rapa Nui Highlights Program for its knowledgeable guides and the cultural insights provided during the tours. Based on 9 reviews, the program maintains an impressive 4.7/5 overall rating.
The positive feedback highlights several key aspects:
- Informative and engaging guides who bring the island’s history and traditions to life.
- Immersive experiences that offer a deeper understanding of Rapa Nui’s unique culture and heritage.
- Well-organized tours that efficiently cover the program’s highlighted sites and attractions.
A few service issues, such as delays in pickup, have been reported, but overall the experience is highly recommended for those interested in exploring this captivating Pacific island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Group Size or Age Restrictions for the Tours?
There are no group size restrictions, but the tours may not be suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women. The live tour guides are available in English and Spanish for all ages.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tours?
Guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tours, though meals and beverages are already included in the tour price. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines.
Do the Tour Guides Provide Any Special Equipment for the Hikes?
The tour guides don’t provide any special equipment for the hikes. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring their own water, snacks, and sun protection to enjoy the tours comfortably.
Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The program doesn’t offer options to extend or customize the tour itinerary. The set tours cover the key highlights of Easter Island, but travelers can’t make changes to the scheduled activities or duration of the experience.
Can We Rent Equipment Like Hiking Poles or Binoculars for the Tours?
Based on the information provided, the Rapa Nui Highlights Program doesn’t seem to include rental equipment like hiking poles or binoculars. Customers would need to bring their own gear if they want to use those items during the tours.
The Sum Up
The Rapa Nui Highlights Program offers three captivating tours that immerse visitors in the rich cultural and natural wonders of Easter Island. From the iconic moai statues to the ceremonial sites, each tour provides a unique and engaging experience, allowing travelers to uncover the island’s ancient mysteries. With flexible booking options and knowledgeable guides, this program ensures an unforgettable journey for all those seeking to explore the enchanting world of Rapa Nui.
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