THE SPIRIT OF EASTER ISLAND
A cultural tour of Chile

Easter Island (or Rapa Nui) is one of the world's greatest and most remote archaeological sites. The nearest inhabited island is tiny Pitcairn, over 1200 miles to the west. Rapa Nui is almost 2500 miles from the coast of South America and, in the other direction, it is 2000 miles to Tahiti. Its isolation is one of the key factors affecting the culture that evolved here. From what we know of the material culture, language, and customs, it seems that the original settlers came from either the Marquesas Islands or from Mangareva around AD 400-600. The hardy Polynesians who found Rapa Nui came prepared to stay. They brought tools and food, and plants and animals to begin a new life. But the island they found is not a typical Polynesian paradise: it is out of the tropics, and has neither rivers nor protective reefs. But, although small (Rapa Nui is a mere 66 square miles), it had a forest of large palms and other trees, and craters held drinking water. Obsidian was available for tools and weapons as well as easily worked lapilli tuff--the perfect material for making statues. The island is of course best known for the giant stone monoliths, known as Moai, that dot the coastline. The early settlers called the island "Te Pito O Te Henua" (Navel of The World). Admiral Roggeveen, who came upon the island on Easter Day in 1722, named it Easter Island.

Day 1: Arrive the Easter Island
We are warmly received at the airport Mataveri and subsequently transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Iorana Hotel (4 nights)

Day 2: Rano Kau - Orongo
Today we drive to Rano Kau for a spectacular view over the whole island and the crater-lake. We then proceed to the ceremonial village Orongo, site of the birdman competition took place, where we visit the village and petroglyphs and enjoy a view at the 3 islands of the cliffs. Later we drive to Ahu Vinapu, which reminds us on the pre-Inca with its paintings after which we have the rest of the day free to explore.

Day 3: Tour around the Island
We visit Ahus Vaihu and Akahanga (not restored) at the south coast, then drive to Rano Raraku, quarry of stone statues with crater lake, and appreciate the almost 400 statues still lying or standing there, we then visit Ahu Tongariki (restored with 15 Moais) and petroglyphs nearby. We drive to Ahu Te Pito Kura and "Navel of the World" and visit the beach of Anakena with its Ahu Nau Nau, a perfect opportunity to enjoy the warm Pacific Ocean.

Day 4: Ahu Akivi - Puna Pau
Drive to Ahu Akivi (restored, 7 moais), to see the Ana Te Pahu Cave, then visit Ahu Tepeu (not restored) with the biggest original boathouse, and then go to the topknot quarry Puna Pau. We then head back to the hotel and have the remainder of the day free to explore.

Day 5: Departure transfer
Transfer from the hotel to the airport Mataveri for your departure flight.

Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Hotels as mentioned (or similar) All sightseeing and transfers on seat-in-coach basis Services of local multilingual guide Entrance fees to the sites included in the itinerary Any airfares Airport taxes Visa fees Insurance Tips/Beverages

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2008 Coming Soon or call 1.800.663.0844

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour

Canada - West Coast CA $ 1200 USA - West Coast US $ 1200 Canada - East Coast CA $ 1000 USA - East Coast US $ 1000

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 15 participants.

Notes

Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.