Between 3 million and 300,000 years ago, three under-water volcanoes erupted and created a landmass—shaped in a near perfect triangle—that lay uninhabited until Polynesians arrived, sometime between 400 and 700AD. The first Westerner to set eyes upon the mystical land, a Dutch sailor named Jacob Roggeveen, arrived on Easter Sunday in 1722, naming it Easter Island, though it is called Rapa Nui by locals and Isla de Pascua by Chileans, who govern the island—which has been described as “a half fantastic land, a land of dreams.”
Work with Indagare to design the perfect itinerary for an immersive journey. Our travel experts know the destination inside and out, and they can make recommendations based on your travel needs and preferences.
Experience the magic and mystery of Easter Island with an immersive, special-access itinerary. Here is just one example of what our destination experts can create for you.
With over 20,000 archaeological sites spread out over 60 square miles, Easter Island might have the highest concentration of pre-historic artifacts in the world. Every part of the island, with the exception of the town of Hanga Roa, is set within a national park, requiring a pass to enter. Indagare can arrange private guiding to lead you through such sites as Ronu Raraku and Tongariki, the most famous spots to see the mysterious head statues.
Easter Island is a great destination for outdoor activities. Indagare can arrange special tours and classes for boating to the Motu Islands, hiking to the Ana O Keke cave and Anakena and Ovahe beaches, fishing expeditions, snorkeling and scuba diving, surfing and more. A major highlight is horseback riding in the plains of Easter Island, which is home to 10,000 horses—many of which are still wild.
After the morning at your leisure, spend your afternoon learning about the native Polynesian culture and history that makes Easter Island what it is today. You can see a traditional Kari Kari dance performance and visit the Orongo Village, where a series of restored stone houses depict the low dwellings where the Rapanui people used to live. In the evening, experience the Chilean with dinner at an Indagare-recommended restaurant and an evening mass at the Iglesia Hanga Roa, where the rites of the Catholic Church are sung in Rapanui, a beautiful and mystical language.
We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special amenities, including upgrades, early check-in, breakfast, spa credits and more. Look for the Indagare Plus logo in the reviews.
The most luxurious option on Easter Island comes from famously all-inclusive Chilean property chain Explora, which also has properties in the Atacama Desert, Patagonia and a few other far-flung South American destinations.
A high-end option on Easter Island (besides Explora Rapa Nui), Nayara Hangaroa is best for those visitors who like their freedom and easy access to town.
Located on the Hanga Hotulti Bay, the 650-foot-long Ahu Tongariki conveys a sense of a lost empire, reminiscent of Petra, the Acropolis or Mayan ruins. The iconic line of 15 statues, which soar as high as 22 feet, is best...
Despite having miles of coastline, there are only two real beaches on Easter Island: Anakena Beach and Ovahe Beach are both on the north side of the island. The water is warm and conducive to swimming, and there are stands...
The moai were all carved from this one extinct volcanic quarry, and the surrounding area formed a de facto outdoor studio. The statues that remain here were all meant to be moved elsewhere, and one of the island’s mysteries is...
Indagare members can contact our bookings team for assistance planning private boat trips to the beautiful uninhabited islands, home to the famous Birdman cult competition.
The Orongo village was the site of the Birdman cult celebrations. Once a year, young men representing the important families of the island would run down the steep and perilous cliff, swim out to the ragged Motu Nui island, search...
Riding on horseback is an excellent way to see Easter Island, especially as it is home to 10,000 horses, many of which are wild. Guides can take riders to the top of Terevaka, the island’s highest point and where visitors...
One mile in diameter, the vast crater that was once a volcano is a breathtaking site. Not only wide, it is also deep—it dips so low, it has its own microclimate at its base, which filled with reeds and water....
Everything we recommend is sourced first-hand by our well-traveled team and incredible network of insiders and resources around the world. Here are some the latest articles, interviews, and book and film recommendations not to be missed.
Indagare's Kial Church traveled to the far-flung island of Rapa Nui (or Easter Island) in January 2023. Here, she shares her guide to this storied destination.
At Indagare, we’re always dreaming of our next adventure (and fondly remembering previous ones). This year, again, planning ahead feels challenging in an unpredictable world. Still, we’re dusting off our proverbial travel wish lists with a renewed sense of wanderlust.
Indagare member Cheryl Faillace recently returned from Santiago and Easter Island, where she stayed at Singular Santiago and Explora Rapa Nui. Here are her tips on making the most of a stay on Easter Island.
Indagare member Robin Noble, from Portland, Me., sent us this postcard of her 2012 trip to the Chilean desert and beyond.
“In Easter Island the past is the present, it is impossible to escape from it… The shadows of the departed builders still possess the land. Voluntarily or involuntarily the sojourner must hold commune with those old workers; the whole air...
A trip here can easily be combined with these amazing destinations and more. Contact our team to craft the perfect itinerary.
Anchored by its historic center, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Lima is a lovely place to explore for a night or two before venturing on to Peru’s main attractions. The city has been gentrified and...
Santiago’s many cultural offerings, including fine food and boutiques, are entirely captivating. The Chilean capital is in the spotlight, and for good reason: old world charm meets with modern amenities, breathtaking landscapes and a vibrant culinary scene. And with both...
Spanning both sides of the Andes Mountains in southern Chile and Argentina, Patagonia tops bucket lists for most outdoor enthusiasts, and can be enjoyed by adventurous travelers of all ages. On the Chilean side, Torres del Paine National Park and...
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