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The island was first seen by Europeans on Easter Sunday in 1722, when Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen came upon it. Those who have studied Easter Island calculate that the Rapa Nui people settled here around 700 A.D. Coming from Eastern Polynesia, and that they created the large Polynesian-style “moai” sculptures between 800 and 1600 A.D. By the time the Europeans came there were just a few thousand inhabitants on the island, and it had been deforested and depleted. By the 19th century a little more than a 100 Rapa Nui people remained. Today we will learn more about the fascinating history of Rapa Nui as we head south along the coast.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises to Easter Island
Built in the mid 1400’s it acted as a royal estate to two different Inca rulers, Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui and Tupac Inca Yupanqui. After 80 years of occupancy, it was abandoned, possibly due to Spanish infiltration in other parts of Peru, and remained abandoned until the early last century when efforts Hiram Bingham brought its existence to world attention. The Maras salt mines were an important part of the economy of the Inca culture and to this day the salt produced in these mines, recognizable by its pinkish hue, is amongst the most sought-after and expensive in the world. From there, we take you to the picturesque archaeological site of Moray which is a huge expanse of concentric terraces which the Incas used a botanical laboratory.
Inca Trail & Galapagos
Expedition ships tend to offer South Pacific itineraries only. As we have slept at the airport hotel for convenience, we simply check our departure times and make our way to the check-in counter for our flight home. Welcome to Santiago, the capital and largest city of Chile as well as one of the biggest cities in the Americas. It is situated smack bang in the center of Santiago Metropolitan Region, which is Chile most densely populated region, with a population of 7 million. Each day on board offers delicious dining options, world-class entertainment and enriching activities. If you’re hoping to set sail with your furry companions, finding pet-friendly cruises can be a bit tricky.
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Welcome to Rapa Nui!
This is the picture that you will see on nearly every postcard rack on Easter Island. Wander Anakena Beach, the legendary landing place of Hota Matua and take a dip in the cold Pacific. See Ahu Nau Nau, which is the best-preserved platform on the island because the toppled statues were buried under sand for many years, protecting them from damage.
The next day a flight takes you to the famous Easter Island to explore its archaeological mysteries and extreme beauty altogether. Choosing the right itinerary can sometimes be a stressful time. Luckily, there are not too many cruise itineraries that actually stop at Easter Island. Therefore, the options are slightly limited to either expedition cruises from Tahiti or mainland Chile.
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The only urban centre on Rapa Nui, in the south of its western side, this village is where most of the island's population (7,000) lives. A lovely time can be had walking around the little Hanga Roa Otai fishing port or visiting Santa Cruz Church (the only Catholic building on the island). Nearby, the artisan market is the place to unearth a typical souvenir made by the island's craftspeople. In the middle of the town, facing the ocean, Vare Vare Park provides some green space in which to relax.
Because of their size, you also won't feel the motion of the ship as much. Most cruise ships that visit Easter Island carry between 1,000 and 3,000 passengers and offer Easter Island as part of a 'World' itinerary. From there we take a walk through the pedestrian streets of Huérfanos and Ahumada, where the main commercial activity of the city is concentrated. Afterward, we visit the famous main square of the city, the Plaza de Armas, around which are several important historical buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral. From there we continue our trip on to Santa Lucia hill, the mount upon which the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541.
A FREE Seabourn cruise specialist will help you plan your vacation. Your holiday is ABTA and ATOL protected when you book with ROL Cruise, so you can book with confidence knowing you are fully protected. Whats more, we're here when you need us, 7 days a week for anything you may need. Some historians say that the first Easter Island inhabitants came from Indonesia. But legend has it that the first man to arrive here was the Polynesian king Hotu Matua.
Bird Islands & Bird Cult
Marvel at these huge basalt monoliths as you walk amongst hundreds of specimens in various stages of completion. Some stand proud at four metres tall, others are unfinished and abandoned, while the 21-metre El Gigante lies where it was carved, most likely too heavy to lift. See where archaeologists have transformed protruding heads by uncovering their buried bodies, then admire Tukuturi, the island’s only kneeling statue. We craft monuments to our deities from materials close at hand. On Easter Island the monuments were moai, giant sculptures of ancestors, and the material was almost always tuff, solidified volcanic ash.
Today, we pick you up at your hotel for your tour of Cusco and its most important archeological sites. Cusco, known as the Imperial City, and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is home to Inca structures with a smattering of colonial influence. You start your tour at the iconic San Pedro market, a local market where you can explore the myriad colors, flavors, textures and traditions of modern Cusco. You’ll feel as if you’re on safari, seeing various animals, including flamingos, sea lions, sea turtles, red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, land iguanas, and so much more.
Once finished with this leg of the tour, we enjoy a typical Andean lunch at the Casa de Barro restaurant. Bid farewell to Easter Island as you enjoy your final breakfast before being transferred to the airport for your return flight to Santiago. Upon arrival, you will be collected and transferred to the conveniently located airport hotel, for a good night’s rest before your adventure continues. Today you will begin your day with a transfer to the airport for your flight to Easter Island! The journey to Easter Island from Chile will take approximately 5 hours, so pack an interesting book! Upon arrival at Mata Veri airport, you will be met by the warm staff of Explora, and transferred to your hotel.
Horse riding trips are one of them most unique ways of exploring Easter Island. Trips can range from several hours to several days and prices start around$50. Guided treks often climb to the top of Terevaka (highest peak on the island) and your guides will point out the unmarked archaeological sites.
Both Galapagos and Easter Island tours give travelers the chance to experience the best of South America’s marine environments, full of vibrant fish, rays, and even sharks. Another highlight is a trip up to the grandeur of the legendary Machu Picchu. Your private guide will take you around this majestic archaeological site, sharing its fascinating history and insightful information to make this visit one you’ll long remember and cherish.
Craftsmen worked the quarry at Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater at the center of the island and teams of islanders would transport the sculptures to locations all around the island using a method that is still a mystery. After centuries of neglect, the moai are today protected in Rapa Nui National Park, which is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise visitors can climb up to the craters at Rano Raraku or Rano Kau or drive along the coast.
You will take two flights connected via Lima, re-boarding here for your flight to Ecuador. The visit continues with the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and cult center of the Sun God, above which the order of the Dominicans built a church. Still standing to this day, this temple/church really is a remarkable building and an amalgamation of the two cultures. From there, we ascend to the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive example of Inca military architecture. Afterwards, you will explore Q’enqo archeological site, where important Inca ceremonies took place before moving on to the Plaza de Armas, home to the Cathedral, and the centerpiece of the city. Machu Picchu is divided into two sectors, the urban and the agricultural.
Arriving on Baltra Island, you’ll board the luxury catamaran Petrel. Settle into your choice of either a Standard Cabin or Premium Suite, each with its own hot shower bathroom and private balcony. Spend time on the panoramic deck, soak in the Jacuzzi, and enjoy a cocktail as you sail to distant islands. The open plan indoor lounge and dining area is another perfect place to gather or relax with a book and enjoy some quiet time, and enjoyed both Ecuadorian and international dishes to fuel your adventures. Your epic tour begins in Chile as you arrive in the exciting city of Santiago for a night to relax and ready yourself for the adventures ahead.
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