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Even more oddly, it belongs to Chile, which lies 3,700 miles away over the eastern horizon. These stylized sculptures stand on the slopes of the island, gazing implacably out to sea, often on stone platforms called ahu. They were apparently carved between the 13th and 16th centuries, for reasons that are debated. But the enigmatic effigies, the dramatic volcanic landscape, the Rapa Nui people themselves and the sheer isolation of the island combine to draw visitors from every corner of the globe to this speck in the world’s largest ocean. Of the 400 statues about half are finished and the rest were never completed. Among the unfinished statues is a 71-foot-high one estimated to weigh 200 tons.
Inca Trail & Galapagos
There also is not the same amount if facilities on board such as pools, casinos, cinemas etc. If visiting by cruise, most expedition cruises tend to sail in the shoulder months, around March, April, May, and August, September, October. Temperatures during the months generally stay between 65°F - 75°F, however, the earlier shoulder months get a lot more rainfall. Subsequently, we make our way to the next highlight, Ahu Tongariki. This is the largest restored Ahu on Easter Island and features 15 impressive moai.
Admire the Ahu Akivi moai facing the ocean
You will have the chance here to buy traditional textiles and other souvenirs for your loved ones back home. Remaining in Chinchero we take in the 17th Century church built by the Spanish invaders and then the surrounding ruins, aqueducts, and agricultural terraces that sustained the local people hundreds of years ago. While your Easter Island-Machu Picchu-Galapagos combination tour may be over, the memories you make will last a lifetime. At Expedition Cruise we partner with a few tried and tested companies to ensure you get the best experience on your cruise.
Torres Del Paine & Chile Wine
All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion. The Constellation Lounge offers Seabourn’s popular Early Morning Riser continental breakfast, while afternoons features the line’s popular and recently enhanced Afternoon Tea service.
Veranda Suite
We recommend you try and arrive by mid-day so that you can take advantage of an afternoon excursion. Tahiti to Easter Island is one of the most popular routes offered by expedition ships in the South Pacific. Please note, there is also the option to visit Easter Island on what is known as 'world' itineraries. These do as they say, visiting much of the world including a day on Easter Island. Most of these cruises are in excess of 100 nights and generally arrive in Easter Island near September. From there, we continue on to Hanga Poukura, a site with a number of ahu in various states of disrepair.
Cruises & Lodges
It is a lone steep rock, covered in vegetation and a great vantage point for viewing the city. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Pinnacle rock is a volcano cone formed by magma expelled by an underwater volcano. The sea cooled the hot lava and as it exploded from contact, the pieces formed together this huge rock of many, many layers of basalt. The huge rock also has a beach where a small population of green sea turtles will nest. Galapagos penguins gather here and swimming can offer beautiful sights of colorful schools of fish and curious sea lions.
One of the most famous and varied statue sites on the Island, where we can see the widest variation of stones, with the famous “topknot” statues featured heavily. After a good rest and a delicious breakfast, we set off to Ahu Akivi, a sacred place that features seven re-erected moai. This Ahu is situated inland, and as such, varies a little from other statue collections. Our guide will tell you about the story and legends around this sight and the belief that these statues represent the first seven explorers who were sent to Rapa Nui by the late king Hotu Matua.
Although there are no cruises specifically oriented around Easter Island, plenty of longer South Pacific and world itineraries stop here. Passengers have the opportunity to go ashore and explore the island for themselves, visiting the town, admiring the statues and taking part in the activities on offer. Scientists have yet to solve the enigmas surrounding the statues including how these heavy volcanic material works of art (some weighing as much as 82 tons) were moved to their present positions by a Stone Age culture. Theories include that the “moai” were rolled into place on tree trunks, that extraterrestrials beamed them down, and last, but not least, that the statues “walked” to their positions. The statues face the land, presumably to protect the people of the island. Easter Island was annexed by Chile in the 19th century and called Isla de Pascua (Easter Island in Spanish); Rapa Nui is its Polynesian name.
Walk around much of the mile-wide crater for outstanding views, both out to sea and into its dramatic flora-lined caldera. At the point where its slopes meet the cliff edge, explore the archaeological ruins of the Orongo ceremonial village. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the 53 windowless stone houses were home to the Tangata Manu (birdmen) who competed annually to retrieve a tern egg from nearby Motu Nui islet. Numerous petroglyphs carved into the rocks are thought to celebrate its winners. An impressive moai known as Hoa Hakananai'a was taken from this site in 1868 and is now housed in the British Museum. The southeastern-most point in the Polynesian Triangle, tiny Easter Island in the South Pacific is one of the most remote places on earth.
See the stone dwellings looking out over the sea towards a couple of rocky islands. This ceremonial village is where the ancient ‘Birdman’ competition was held, pitting representatives from each village on the island against each other in a dangerous climbing and swimming match to one of the offshore islands. The quarry contains 397 moai statues which are all at various stages of carving. Walk along the path that leads to the ancient crater; it is like being in an open-air museum. Marvel at the most famous and best preserved moai platform of Ahu Tongariki, where 15 complete statues stand in an impressive line on their ahu plinth in front of the ocean and cliffs.
You have to imagine the panorama to understand the feel of this place. On one side there are the slopes of Ranu Kao volcano; on the other, a towering cliff plunging in to the Pacific Ocean. Camped out on the southern tip of Easter Island, the 53 little stone houses that make up this hamlet evoke a time when Rapa Nui clan chiefs came together to choose their religious leader. Almost 900 moai (giant iconic statues) populate the island whose native name is Rapa Nui. Pause for a few minutes and understand this faraway culture a little bette.
As we travel along the road, we have the black volcanic rock shoreline as a backdrop, and behind that, some amazing views of the vast Pacific Ocean. Walk through the pedestrian streets of Huérfanos and Ahumada, and visit the famous main square of the city, the Plaza de Armas, where you’ll see the beautiful Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago. Continue to Santa Lucia hill, which is a great vantage point for viewing the city. Stroll around Providencia with its top restaurants, elegant shops, and modern high-rise buildings. Finally, a highlight of any visit to Santiago is taking the funicular up to Cerro San Cristobal, the city’s highest hill, for stunning panoramic views. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rano Raraku is a volcanic quarry where most of the island’s iconic moai were created.
Wish You Were Here: Easter Island adventures - The Mercury News
Wish You Were Here: Easter Island adventures.
Posted: Mon, 08 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Upon our arrival at the Mataveri airport in Hanga Roa, we are received with the traditional Island welcome presentation of a traditional flower necklace. After a short transfer to the hotel, we will have the rest of the day to spend as we please. A visit to the nearby church and village is recommended, where we have the opportunity to observe both Catholic and indigenous symbols and statues (Sunday mass available if time permits). Next to the church, there is a local market and museum rich in Rapa Nui artifacts and culture. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site.
Surfing conditions on Easter Island are actually very good and keen surfers and beginners will get plenty of opportunities should they wish it. Papa beach is ideal for beginners as the waves are long and slow. For more experienced surfers you may want to try Hava beach which is very close by. To help you choose the right cruise, we have written a detailed guide on what to expect during your Easter Island cruise. Please use our quicklinks if you know what section you wish to read.
The 144-guest Silver Explorer is a luxury expedition cruise ship, designed for navigating waters in some of the world’s most remote destinations. A largest ceremonial center of the island with the Pacific Ocean on its back. It has an impressive 15 “moai” displayed on an ahu that make for memorable photographs. On today’s excursion, we explore the historical and modern sights of Santiago de Chile. We start our trip at the main avenue, the Alameda Bernardo O’Higgins, and head to La Moneda, the Government Palace, where we will learn about the historical and contemporary role it plays in Chilean life. Rich in legends, extraordinary landscapes and gorgeous sunsets, this is an unforgettable trip of a lifetime, perfect for couples and families with kids.
Located entirely in the country’s central valley, most of the city lies between 500–650 m (1,600–2,100 ft) above sea level. Founded in 1541 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia, Santiago is rare among South American capital cities in that it has served as the capital city since the colonial occupation. As your adventure turns now to Peru and Easter Island tours become a beautiful memory, you’ll take with you incredible memories on your flight back to the mainland.
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