Our day begins before dawn to experience one of the most memorable sunrises you will ever see!
Tongariki Sunrise - The trip starts out very early. About 6:00AM, we will drive down a road that leads to the southern coast area until reaching Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial center in all of Polynesia. This ancient site has fifteen Moais standing there, more than 45.9 ft. tall! Each Moais is representative of the islanders’ ancestors, hence their different shapes and sizes.
The waves crashing against the cliffs and the sun timidly rising from behind the gigantic sculptures are part of this great sunrise spectacle. Great time for photos and walking around the site. (Tour includes a light breakfast)
At the end of the tour, return to your hotel for a quick re-group before our next tour.
Hidden Treasures of Easter Island (half day) - This excursion visits many of the hidden and often missed sites on the island that are difficult to find without a guide. This is a fantastic complement to the Moai Monuments and Historic Pathways Tours. All of the sites on the tour are located a reasonably short walking distance from the vehicle, making it an ideal third day of exploration for those who are unable to manage a day hike. The sites visited are Ahu vaihu , Ahu hanga pokura, Ahu uri aurenga, Ahu one makihi .
After our Hidden Treasures tour, we return to Hotel Altiplanico for an afternoon of relaxing or you can add an additional excursion of your choice. Dinner is on your own this evening. Due to the tight time frame, it is recommended that you eat at our resort this evening.)
This evening after dinner, we will gather for a unique excursion: Easter Island’s only hands-on stargazing and astronomy experience.
Star Gazing We will learn about the principles of basic astronomy, Polynesian voyaging and navigational techniques and the archeo-astronomy of Rapa Nui Gaze at the night sky on one of the most remote islands in the world, looking at the beauty of the stars, planets, clusters, nebulae and galaxies visible through our high-powered telescope, viewing stars and constellations visible only in the Southern Hemisphere. An amazing experience not found anywhere else in the world.
Overnight: Hotel Altiplanico Rapa Nui, Easter Island (B)