Legacy of the Incas
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru:
Machu Picchu - Lake Titicaca
(11 days/10 nights)
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru:
Machu Picchu - Lake Titicaca
(12 days/11 nights)
Empire of the Sun
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru:
Machu Picchu - Lake Titicaca
(14 days/13 nights)
Ancient Civilizations of Peru
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru:
Colca Canyon - Machu Picchu
Lake Titicaca
(16 days/15 nights)
Archaeological & Ecological
Treasures
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru & Ecuador:
Galapagos - Machu Picchu
Lake Titicaca (or Amazon)
(18 days/17 nights)
Grand Tour of the Inca Empire
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru:
Colca Canyon - Amazon
Machu Picchu- Lake Titicaca
(22 days/21 nights)
Ancient & Colonial Capitals
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru:
Machu Picchu
(10 days/9 nights)
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru:
Machu Picchu
(13 days/12 nights)
Machu Picchu & Galapagos
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Peru & Ecuador:
Machu Picchu - Galapagos
(15 days/14 nights)
Galapagos & Machu Picchus
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Ecuador & Peru:
Galapagos - Machu Picchu
(18 days/17 nights)
Enchanted Isles of the Galapagos
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Ecuador:
Galapagos
(11 days/10 nights)
Galapagos & the Kingdom of Quito
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Ecuador:
Galapagos - Andes
(16 days/15 nights)
Galapagos & the Amazon
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Ecuador:
Galapagos - Amazon
(16 days/15 nights)
Historic Haciendas of the Andes
Machu Picchu Luxury Tours
Ecuador:
Cotopaxi - Antisana - Otavalo
(7 days/6 nights)
© 2013 Inka's Empire Corporation.
All rights reserved.
Cultural Easter Island Tours & Travel
Moai at Rano Raraku, Easter Island.
Photo: Cliff Wassmann. Cultural Easter Island Tours & Travel.
Cultural 4 nights
Land Price (6 days/5 nights)
With overnight in 3-star Cabañas Mahia US$ 2,835 per person
With overnight in 4-star Hotel Altiplanico Easter Island US$ 4,075 per person
The land price includes escorted transfers, private excursions with professional guides and chauffeurs, entrance fees, selected category of accommodations, all meals except one dinner noted as "on your own", all land and water transportation, and travel insurance for guests through the age of 59 years (over that age, there is a supplementary fee). All prices are per person based on two people sharing a guest room. For a detailed description of our services, see Opulent Itineraries. Season: September through March.
Intra-Tour Flights & Fares
Air fares are in addition to the land price.
Santiago - Easter Island - Santiago
Note: Flights are not daily at some times of the year.
Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is an open-air, archaeological museum of a fascinating but vanished culture, a stark lesson in what can happen when humans fail to live in harmony with nature. We still do not know for sure how or why the first inhabitants carved, transported and raised their monolithic stone statues, or why the "moai" gaze inland instead of out to sea. But, as you walk with your private guide, you can contemplate the enigma of almost 900 mysterious idols created over a period of five centuries by a civilization that later tried to destroy them. Inka's Empire Tours, long recognized for its handcrafted itineraries to uncommon destinations, invites you to The Idols of Easter Island. Beginning and ending in Santiago, Chile, a flight takes you to the Pacific Ocean island known to its natives as "the navel of the world".
Hike to the quarries at the Rano Raraku Volcano, where the stone statues were carved, to view about 300 of the moai in different states of completion. See standing moai at Ahu Tongariki, Ahu Akivi and Anakena Beach. Next, drive to the village of Orongo, once home of the birdman cult, immortalized in more than one-thousand artistically carved petroglyphs. Among the adventures is a walk to Ahu Vinapu, where the unique quality of the stonework may evidence a legendary Inca voyage from South America, twenty-four hundred miles away. Another adventure is a horseback ride to the highest point on the island for a panorama of an endless sea.
Ponder ancient idols and a lost civilization on this 5-night cultural expedition.
Trail past statues at Rano Raraku, Easter Island.
Photo: Cliff Wassmann. Cultural Easter Island Tours & Travel.
The Dream at the End of the World...
-- Edward Albee, The New York Times, April 30, 2006
"What really makes Easter Island unique among the ancient places of the world is its preservation of the lifecycle of Neolithic ritual. Most realms of antiquity, like Pompeii or Machu Picchu, are frozen in time or represent the final manifestation of a culture, its zenith. But on Easter Island you can see the birth, life, and death of the ancient culture - the womb of the moai in the statue quarry, the stately triumph of the moai on their platforms, and the solemn (some might say pitiful) decadence of their fall from grace ... the moai lying deaf, dumb, and blind in the volcanic dust whence they came."
-- Shawn McLaughlin, The Complete Guide to Easter Island, 2004
Authentic Easter Island...
This unique cultural program presents a personal insight into the history, traditions and beliefs of the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island. The Tuki Family, one of the oldest and most important families on the island, will not only show you the archeological sites but allow you to take part in their daily life. Experience authentic activities, ceremonies and cuisine as you explore the Polynesian world of earlier centuries.
What our guests have to say:
If you want the real taste of the Rapa Nui people, then the Cabañas Mahia is the place to stay. I was just pointing out that some of your clients, who may expect 4- to 5-star service and elegance, would be disappointed when arriving at a very "almost camping" atmosphere.
No way would we have wanted to stay elsewhere, as where else would you get a real feel of the native people and their culture first hand? We are really adaptable to whatever surroundings we're involved (of course pending cleanliness and acceptable necessary services). The Rapa Nui people are genuine in their hospitality, and it's not just an act they put on for the guests.
This kind of hospitality more than covered the lack of amenities. Rafael is in the process, (albeit, may be a long and expensive one, as all the materials must be brought in by ship) putting a second story on the main building over his kitchen. This will be a bar and more dining space and the location on the Pacific road is to be unsurpassed with sunsets and the pounding surf across the road.
It's a pretty good hike into town, which was just fine for us, and afforded a time on our own shopping/browsing day. One day, after our lengthy car trip with Vanessa, our guide, she dropped us off in town to "do our thing" and then we walked back. I think that was the night we ate dinner (on our own) on the other side of the marina in a fantastic little restaurant, the Tataku Vave, and Bonnie has pictures of that meal and the most beautiful sunset ever witnessed.-- Lee MacPherson
Easter Island... was a goal in my lifetime. I wasn't disappointed.
-- David Waller
Every step was as planned. Sabrina was an outstanding representative of the Rapa Nui community. We truly had a wonderful trip and learned a lot.... be sure that we will recommend your organization to anyone interested in Easter Island.
-- Thomas, Beverly & Elizabeth Marlow
Just to let you know that the Marlows and I had a marvelous visit to Santiago and Easter Island. All of the connections were very prompt and the guides were knowledgeable, affable, accommodating, and reliable.
-- Prudence Noon
The Festival... was great. A real highlight of our trip. The evening we got there was the evening of the parade. It was a great pre-Mardi Gras event... It's so festive. Naked painted people, queens, floats, street food, music, dancing, fireworks, and just general merriment.
-- Laurie Williams
We had a wonderful time... Our guide on Easter Island, Josie, was spectacular! I can't say enough wonderful things about her.
-- Allison Branson & Jean Rikhoff
Had a great time. Everything went smoothly. Have nothing but nice things to say about the tour guides you set up for me (Josefina Mulloy out on Easter Island was fantastic).
-- Mark Benning
Ahu Vinapu, Easter Island.
Photo: Cliff Wassmann. Cultural Easter Island Tours & Travel.
Highlights
Easter Island
Intra-tour flight Santiago to Easter Island, Day 1, 8:00 am - 11:55 am, LAN 841, TBA
Day 1: Santiago - Easter Island. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Easter Island. Brunch on board. Upon arrival, reception by your hosts, the Tuki Family, and transfer to the oceanfront Cabañas Mahia. Afternoon visit to the Padre Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum to see the only intact moai eye ever found. Return to the hotel. Tonight and any night, star gazing on Easter Island is an unforgettable experience. Dinner and overnight in the 3-star Cabañas Mahia or the 4-star Hotel Altiplanico Easter Island.
Day 2: Easter Island (Ahu Akahanga - Rano Raraku Volcano - Ahu Tongariki - Rapa Nui Curanto). In the morning, view the most important of the famous Moai statues. First, we visit Ahu Akahanga, a holy place for the Rapa Nui people. According to their beliefs, the first king of this Polynesian island, Hotu a Matu'a, is buried here. Afterward, we continue to the Rano Raraku volcano, where the majority of the Moai were created, and along the north coast to Ahu Tongariki, the most important ceremonial site of Easter Island, with 15 figures. Our excursion ends at the periphery of Hanga Roa, where we prepare a traditional Rapa Nui curanto together with the Tuki Family. After having prepared this labor-intensive but wonderful dish, we enjoy it for an early dinner. Overnight in the 3-star Cabañas Mahia or the 4-star Hotel Altiplanico Easter Island.
Day 3: Easter Island (Ahu Akivi, Anakena Beach & Polynesian Customs). Today’s excursion leads us to Puna Pau, a crater of red lava rock. This rock is the material used to fabricate the "pukao", the headdresses of the Moai. From Puna Pau, we continue to Ahu Akivi – the only Moai that face the sea. Afterward, we visit Anakena Beach. In the area of Poike, near Rano Raraku, we find the caves of Hanga Tu Hata. On the coast, we collect mussels and catch fish. We prepare our catch in the traditional Polynesian way and enjoy it for lunch. Return to the hotel to relax. Walk to the oceanfront Tataku Vave or another restaurant for dinner on your own. Overnight in the 3-star Cabañas Mahia or the 4-star Hotel Altiplanico Easter Island.
Day 4: Easter Island (Vinapu - Orongo & Fruit Harvest). In the morning, an exploration of the archeological sites of Vinapu, Ana Kai Tangata and Orongo. At Vinapu, built with a technique similar to the Inca constructions in Peru, the ancestors of the island families were honoroed. Our tour continues to the Ana Kai Tangata Caves and the holy village of Orongo, where your guide will tell you the legend of the Birdman and its culture. Lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, we visit the fields of the grandfather of the Tuki Family to pick fruits and vegetables (depending on the season). Dinner on your own. Overnight in the 3-star Cabañas Mahia or the 4-star Hotel Altiplanico Easter Island.
Day 5: Easter Island (Ma-unga Terevaka & Traditional Dances). This morning, we go to the Ma-unga Terevaka volcano on horseback for a 360° view of the biggest ocean on the planet. On the horizon, we can clearly see the curvature of the Earth. Lunch at the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore Hanga Roa. To end a day full of new experiences, your hosts will prepare a farewell dinner served in the traditional manner with rhythmic Rapa Nui dances and music. Overnight in the 3-star Cabañas Mahia or the 4-star Hotel Altiplanico Easter Island.
Intra-tour flight Easter Island to Santiago, Day 6, 1:05 pm - 7:55 pm, LAN 842, TBA
Santiago
Day 6: Easter Island - Santiago. Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. As the last goodbye, a traditional necklace of small mussel shells will be placed over your head by a member of the Tuki Family. Flight to Santiago. Lunch on board. Transfer to your hotel.
Details
Rano Raraku caldera, Easter Island.
Photo: Cliff Wassmann. Cultural Easter Island Tours & Travel.
Day 1: Santiago - Easter Island
Early transfer to the airport for the flight from Santiago to Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, as it was called by the natives. Brunch on board. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with a flower necklace, or lei, and receive an introduction into island customs and traditions by your hosts, the Tuki Family. Enjoy a welcome drink with them after transfer to the oceanfront Cabañas Mahia in Hanga Roa, the capital. Afternoon visit to the Padre Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum to see the only intact moai eye ever found. It is carved from white coral and has a red scoria pupil. Most of the other artifacts are reproductions of originals that were removed from the island. Return to the hotel. Tonight and any night, star gazing on Easter Island is an unforgettable experience. Bring your handbook of the Southern constellations. Dinner and overnight in the 3-star Cabañas Mahia or the 4-star Hotel Altiplanico Easter Island.
Statue on slope of Rano Raraku, Easter Island.
Photo: Cliff Wassmann. Cultural Easter Island Tours & Travel.
Day 2: Easter Island (Ahu Akahanga - Ahu Tongariki & Rapa Nui Curanto)
Breakfast. In the morning, we depart to view the most important of the famous Moai statues. First, we visit Ahu Akahanga, approximately 13 kilometers from Hanga Roa, on the south coast of the island. This ceremonial center is a holy place for the Rapa Nui people. According to their beliefs, the first king of this Polynesian island, Hotu a Matu'a, is buried here. Afterward, we continue to the Rano Raraku volcano, where the majority of the Moai were created, and along the north coast to Ahu Tongariki, the most important ceremonial site of Easter Island, with 15 figures. The tallest one is 14-meters high, including his pukao (headdress). Our excursion ends at the periphery of Hanga Roa, where we prepare a traditional Rapa Nui curanto together with the Tuki Family. Nowadays, curanto, a variety of seafood and vegetables cooked on hot rocks and covered with banana leaves, is a typical food on Chiloé Island, as well, which supports the theory that there was an early Polynesian settlement there. After having prepared this labor-intensive but wonderful dish, we enjoy it for an early dinner, and celebrate a small ceremony for success on our travel days to come. Overnight in the 3-star Cabañas Mahia or the 4-star Hotel Altiplanico Easter Island.
Erected moai with red lava rock headdress, called pukao, Easter Island.
Photo: Cliff Wassmann. Cultural Easter Island Tours & Travel.
Day 3: Easter Island (Ahu Akivi, Anakena Beach & Polynesian Customs)
Breakfast. Today’s excursion leads us to Puna Pau, a crater of red lava rock, approximately 15 kilometers from Hanga Roa. This rock is the material used to fabricate the "pukao", the headdresses of the Moai. From Puna Pau, we continue to Ahu Akivi – the only Moai that face the sea. According to legend, these seven Moai represent the first seven settlers who arrived on the island, sent by King Hotu Matu'a before his own travel. Afterward, we visit Anakena Beach, famous for its warm turquoise waters and coral sand.
In the area of Poike, near Rano Raraku, we find the caves of Hanga Tu Hata. On the coast, we collect mussels and catch fish in the way that the Rapa Nui people did in this place for centuries. Along with the Tuki Family, we prepare our catch in the traditional Polynesian way, roasted on a fire, which is covered with stones. Together, we enjoy a lunch of the food that we hunted and prepared ourselves. Return to the hotel to relax. Dinner on your own at the Cabañas Mahia or a five-minute walk away at the oceanfront Tataku Vave, Hetu´u, Au Bout de Monde or Aringa Ora. Overnight in the 3-star Cabañas Mahia or the 4-star Hotel Altiplanico Easter Island.
Birdman petrogylphs at Orango, Easter Island.
Photo: Cliff Wassmann. Cultural Easter Island Tours & Travel.
To the many mysteries of Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, add one more: Inca oral history tells of a voyage to the west by Inca king Tupac Yupanqui. The precisely carved and fitted stone walls at Ahu Vinapu may evidence that visit. Other mysteries are revealed in Nova's Secrets of Easter Island.
Day 4: Easter Island (Vinapu - Orongo & Fruit Harvest)
Breakfast. In the morning, depart for the exploration of the archeological sites of Vinapu, Ana Kai Tangata and Orongo. Vinapu is located about 8 kilometers from Hanga Roa on the southwest coast. Here, the ancestors of the island families were honoroed. We will have sufficient time to examine the three Ahus in detail, which have been built with a technique similar to the Inca constructions in Peru.
Our tour continues to the Ana Kai Tangata Caves, on the cliffs south of Hanga Roa, near the village of Mataveri. Here, we find the wall paintings of Manutara, a sea swallow, whose egg was the object of the traditional Birdman competition. This competition took place at the border of the holy village of Orongo, which we will visit afterward. Your guide will tell you the legend of the Birdman and its culture and show you the petroglyphs with images of Tanga Mau (birdman), Make Make (the god that created him) and Komari (fertility symbol). This site looks out over the three island rookeries -- Motu Nui, Moto Kau and Moto Iti. Lunch at the hotel.
In the afternoon, we have another encounter with the customs and traditions of the Rapa Nui -- we visit the fields of the grandfather of the Tuki Family to pick fruits and vegetables (depending on the season). A part of the harvest will be sold at the market in Hanga Roa, while the other part will be used for our farewell dinner tomorrow night. Dinner on your own at the Cabañas Mahia or a five-minute walk away at Hetu´u, Au Bout de Monde or Aringa Ora. Overnight in the 3-star Cabañas Mahia or the 4-star Hotel Altiplanico Easter Island.
Day 5: Easter Island (Ma-unga Terevaka & Traditional Dances)
Breakfast. This morning, we go to the Ma-unga Terevaka volcano on horseback. At 512 meters of elevation, it is the highest point on the island. From the top, there is a 360° view of the biggest ocean on the planet. On the horizon, we can clearly see the curvature of the Earth. Lunch at the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore Hanga Roa.
To end a day full of new experiences, your hosts will prepare a farewell dinner. Freshly-picked fruits and delicious local dishes will be served in the traditional manner. As usual during family visits and according to custom, there will a presentation of rhythmic Rapa Nui dances and music. Overnight in the 3-star Cabañas Mahia or the 4-star Hotel Altiplanico Easter Island.
Thin moai at Rano Raraku in sunset light, Easter Island.
Photo: Cliff Wassmann. Cultural Easter Island Tours & Travel.
Day 6: Easter Island - Santiago
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. As the last goodbye, a traditional necklace of small mussel shells will be placed over your head by a member of the Tuki Family. Flight to Santiago. Lunch on board. Transfer to your hotel.
© 2013 Inka's Empire Corporation, Machu Picchu Luxury Tours. All rights reserved.
