Easter Island & the Tapati Festival

Upon arrival in Chile’s capital city, meet your A&K representative and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, join your guide on a visit of the city and its neighborhoods before proceeding to San Cristobal Hill’s cable car for a panoramic view of the city and the towering Andes Mountains. Tonight, on an A&K-exclusive Chef ’s Table experience, attend a welcome dinner at the home of a local chef who introduces you to the delights of Chilean cuisine in a warm, relaxing setting.

This morning, fly to Easter Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated 2,300 miles from the nearest populated point. Considered the world’s largest “open-air museum,” the 64-square-mile island is known for its moai, or human-like stone statues, which remain mysterious even to archaeologists. Upon arrival, you are draped with traditional flower and shell necklaces and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of Hanga Roa and learn about local Rapa Nui culture. Pause for a Scenic Sundowner cocktail at the restored Ahu Tahai ceremonial complex, site of sturdy and fascinating statues. After dinner at your hotel, proceed to Hanga Vare Vare to see the first of the Tapati Rapa Nui activities. These performances may include kai kai (string figure storytelling), takona (body painting), riu and ute (songs), pata’u ta’u (recitations) and a’amu (narratives).

Visit Ahu Vinapu, its incredible stone walls reminiscent of those built by the Incas. Ascend the Rano Kau volcano to the ceremonial village of Orongo, the center of the Birdman Cult. Here, a ceremony was held to elect the island’s religious leader, Tangata Manu. See the village’s meticulously restored, soft-stone houses and the petroglyph-adorned cliff. Take in a vast Pacific panorama of the islets Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao-Kao. Tonight, watch Tapati competitions at Hanga Vare Vare.

Enjoy a breathtaking sunrise silhouetting the 15 moai of Ahu Tongariki, one of the island’s most iconic sites. Drive along the southeastern coast, stopping at the Rano Raraku volcano, a site where most of the island’s moai were originally carved and 394 remain in various stages of completion. As you walk to the top of the crater, discover the pretty freshwater lake. Continue to Anakena Beach, where you enjoy a barbecue lunch, and see the partially restored moai set to be returned to their ceremonial placements. Tonight, enjoy additional festivities at Hanga Vare Vare.

Embark on a boat trip, navigating through the breathtaking Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao-Kao islets. Marvel at this awe-inspiring coastal vista just as the first explorers did so many years ago. After an afternoon at leisure, attend the Tapati Festival once again.

Explore Ahu Akivi, an inland site featuring seven moai looking stoically out to the sea. Proceed to Puna Pau, a crater where the Rapa Nui once carved the pukao (topknot) that was placed atop some of the moai. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner.

Experience a relaxing last morning on Easter Island before flying back to Santiago, arriving by late evening.

Enjoy a day at leisure with a late check out, before transferring to the airport for your flight home.