From the port of Hanga Piko, you’ll head to the ceremonial site of Tahai in the village of Hanga Roa. Here you will see three restored platforms and the only statue (Moai) with its eyes re-inserted. Your next stop is Rano Raraku at the south coast, the quarry that yielded stone for all the Moai statues carved on Easter Island. There are still 397 statues in different states of completion on the slopes of the extinct volcano. Several minutes’ drive away is the restored platform of Tongariki, with fifteen re-erected statues and its platform of 656 feet. Finally, you’ll drive to Anakena Beach, famous for its pink sand and its two restored platforms Ahu Nau Nau and Ahu Ature Huke, before returning to the ship.

Notes:

Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, light clothing and comfortable shoes. The walk at Rano Raraku quarry is over uneven terrain and an incline. Participants must be in good physical condition.  Tourism infrastructure is very limited on Easter Island. Transportation will be by way of several different types of vehicles, including minibuses and vans. A guide waits for you at each point of interest and provides narration and explanation with a loudspeaker rather than riding with you in the vehicle. The ship is at anchor on Easter Island and the Immigration clearance process can take more than an hour. Having your immigration card filled in prior to arrival will expedite the process. No fruits or meat are allowed. Very few vendors on Easter Island accept credit cards. Bring US dollars, Chilean pesos, or travelers’ checks.