4-Day Easter Island Small Group Tour: The Navel of the World

Reception at the Easter Island Airport and welcome with a flower necklace, an Easter tradition. The island, called Rapa-Nui (Big Island) by the islanders, is also known as "Tepito Ote Henua" (the navel of the world), island that was declared a National Park and World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, a large archaeological site with its enormous moai dating from the 13th to the 16th century.
Transfer to your hotel, free afternoon, and accommodation.

Breakfast at the Hotel. Excursion for the day of the Arrival of Hotu Matu'a: Departure to the Ahu Akahanga archaeological site, where according to oral tradition, the first king of Hotu Matua Island would be buried. Continuation to the Raro Raraku volcano, also known as "the quarry" because most of the moai were carved there, where you can see about 400 statues in different stages of carving and state of conservation. Then visit the Ahu Tongariki, the most extensive platform with the largest number of restored moai (destroyed by the tsunami caused by the Valdivia-Chile Earthquake of 1960, considered the largest recorded in the history of humanity, reaching the island with waves up to 10 meters high, and then rebuilt in 1991 with the help of international experts, the support of UNESCO and a Japanese crane company). Lunch on the piece of ground of a local family surrounded by vegetation (trees and flowers) typical of the island. In the afternoon, continue to Te Pito Kura, a rock with magnetic properties that would have been brought by King Hotu Matua and also known as "the navel of the world". Finally, visit Hanga-Rau o Te Ariki, one of the most relevant sites for the Rapa-Nui culture, where the Ahu Nau-Nau is located in front of the beautiful Anakena beach where you will have 30 minutes to enjoy its beach with crystalline waters (don't forget to bring your swimsuit). In the afternoon return to hotel and accommodation.

Breakfast at the Hotel.
In the morning, excursion of The legend of the Birdman: visit to archaeological sites, ceremonial centers and rock art paintings of great cultural value which will allow you to understand Rapa-Nui mythology and the enigmatic history of the ancient inhabitants of this island. Departure to Vinapu, a ceremonial area where the remains of 3 platforms and the Ahu Tahira wall are located, reminiscent of the Inca walls of Peru; then the crater of the Rano Kau volcano, the largest on the island and Orongo, a ceremonial village of Make-Make and Tangata Manu worship, where year after year (Feb 10-18 app.) some of the competitions of the "Tapaty party" are held, which are based on the traditions and legend of the Rapa-Nui culture. Return to the hotel.
In the afternoon, Stargazing Excursion: visit to the archaeological sites of Ahu Akivi, platform with 7 moai, which according to oral legend, would have been created in honor of the first explorers of the island; then Puna Pau, the Pukao quarry (red slag hats that adorn the heads of some moai) with a panoramic view of the Hanga-Roa village; and Ana Te Pahu cavern, formed by the flow of volcanic lava thousands of years ago, which would have been used as a home by the ancient Rapa-Nui and where there are still archaeological remains. This tour will allow you to understand the connection of the ancient inhabitants with the Universe, megalithic archaeological sites that show how astronomy determined the arrangement of the statues and the platforms on which they are held, understanding the worldview of the ancient Polynesian navigators who populated the island. Return to the Hotel and overnight.

Breakfast at the Hotel. At the agreed time, transfer to Mataveri Airport to take your onward flight.