Patagonia: Journey to the End of the World with Easter Island

Your Small Group Discovery tour begins! Arrive in Santiago and be met by a Globus representative. Please note: You will meet your Tour Director on day 5 in Santiago.

Island Intrigue Transfer to the airport and fly from Santiago to Easter Island, considered the world’s largest open-air museum boasting over 400 moai, ruins, and temples. Meet with a Globus representative and be transferred to your hotel for a free evening. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & MYSTERY Check off this bucket list destination when you travel to the most remote island in the world. Located 2,200 miles off the coast of Chile, this island is a territory of Chile but feels more like Polynesia. At the time of the arrival of the Europeans in the 18th century, the island had been completely depleted of all resources, the population was no larger than 700 people, the now famous moai toppled, and history forgotten. Many mysteries endure around the island’s history.

Curious Quarries Your first stop on your private tour will be Ahu Vaihu, where eight large moai lie in ruins. Continue on to Ahu Akahanga. According to legend, this is the burial site of the first king of Easter Island (Hotu Matu’a). Next, at the Rano Raraku quarry, you’ll find 394 statues in various stages of completion. It appears that the moai production was abruptly abandoned, leaving us a frozen snapshot that reveals how the moai were carved out of volcanic rocks. At Ahu Tongariki, see 15 beautifully restored moai, and at Ahu Te Pito Kura, see the largest moai ever transported and erected. Last stop is the beach of Anakena, where King Hotu Matu’a first landed on Rapa Nui. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Don’t miss this private tour with your small group companions to marvel at the moai lie in ruins. Over 600 of these massive volcanic rock sculptures pepper the island and many date back to 700 AD. Each of these structures, some close to 40 feet tall and 80 tons, was carved from one single rock. If an imperfection was found, it was abandoned. It remains a mystery how these massive moai were transported from their quarries. Now you get the opportunity to stand next to one and arrive at your own theory!

Cauldrons & Cryptic Carvings This morning, visit the Rano Kau Volcano, with a caldera that contains one of the island’s freshwater lakes. Head to Ana Te Pahu, a tube formed by the flow of volcanic lava thousands of years ago, which the ancient Rapa Nui people are believed to have used as a dwelling and refuge during times of social instability. Here, you can see archaeological remains that will allow you to imagine what life was like. Next, visit Vinapu, an impressive ceremonial platform known for the precision and quality of its stonework. Observe remains of moai and pukao that reflect the remarkable craftsmanship of the ancient Rapa Nui civilization. The day concludes at the Tahai ceremonial complex, one of the most important archaeological ensembles on the island, featuring three restored platforms and moai with distinctive features that represent different periods of Rapa Nui history. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION Immerse yourself in the ancient culture of Easter Island with a stay at Taha Tai Hotel. Feel the warmth of the people who welcome you, watch the waves on the shores just minutes away, and feel the relaxation of island breezes and graceful service. TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Hear the legend of The Birdman Competition on an excursion to the sacred site of Tahai, where an ancient annual competition was used to determine the Birdman, a sacred designation. The challenge required contestants (appointed by a sponsor) to descend the steep cliffs, swim offshore to an islet, and wait for the first tern egg of the season and then return it safely to their sponsor. Upon delivery of the egg, the sponsor became a leader of the island for the year.