Escape to Easter Island

Book your flight to Mataveri International Airport (IPC) on Easter Island (Rapa Nui). You'll need to connect via Santiago Chile (SCL). See the FAQ on this page for more information about getting there.

Once you touch down on Rapa Nui, typically referred to as Easter Island, you’ll be whisked away to our 5-star hotel, Nayara Hangaroa. Inspired by indigenous tradition, the hotel’s buildings blend into the surrounding environment, letting the natural beauty of this untouched island shine through. 

Settle into your room, each with a handmade clay soaking tub and a private terrace overlooking the ocean. Take some time to unwind after your morning of travel, perhaps soaking in your tub or heading out to sip a cocktail by the pool. 

We’ll meet in Kaloa, one of the hotel’s on-site eateries, for a drink and dinner. Featuring hyperlocal surf and turf dishes alongside tropical-inspired cocktails, this is the perfect, casual introduction to the unique island cuisine of Rapa Nui. The restaurant offers panoramic views of the sunset each night, the perfect backdrop for our toast to the adventure ahead as the sun dips below the horizon. 

Let's discover a completely different side of Rapa Nui, combining underground archaeology, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and an unforgettable adventure on the Pacific.

We’ll begin by exploring the island’s remarkable lava-tube cave system. At Ana Te Pahu, natural openings in the cave ceiling allow sunlight and vegetation to spill into the underground chambers. Once used by Rapa Nui families, these caves offer a fascinating glimpse into how islanders adapted to life in this remote volcanic environment. 

Continuing to Ana Kakenga, known as the “Cave of the Two Windows," we'll make our way through a lava tube to emerge at two spectacular natural openings overlooking the Pacific. The setting is breathtaking, but the caves are also an important part of Rapa Nui’s human story, having been used as places of refuge during periods of conflict. 

Lunch will be at Oheho Surf Cafe. Then, it’s time to experience Rapa Nui from an entirely different perspective as we head out on a private boat adventure along the island’s rugged volcanic coastline. 

We’ll cruise across remarkably clear Pacific waters toward some of the island’s most dramatic coastal scenery. Along the way, we’ll have the opportunity to launch our kayaks and paddle beneath volcanic cliffs and along the shoreline, taking in views that simply aren’t possible from land. 

Then we’ll swap paddles for masks and snorkels and enter the brilliant blue water. Exceptional visibility makes it ideal for exploring the island’s volcanic seascape and marine life.

After our day of caves, boating, kayaking, and snorkeling, we’ll return to the hotel for time to relax before dinner at Te Moana. Overlooking waves crashing onto a black-sand beach, this chic restaurant serves colorful dishes inspired by Chilean and Polynesian cuisines.

Today, we dive deeper into the island’s fascinating history and landscapes. We’ll explore a series of remarkable archaeological sites, each one adding to the story of the island’s past.

Our first stop is Rano Kau, a dramatic volcanic crater that’s about ½ mile wide and filled with lush vegetation. It’s also home to one of only three natural bodies of fresh water on the islands and was used centuries ago by native residents to sustain life. 

From there, we’ll make our way to the cliffside Orongo Ceremonial Village, home of the legendary Birdman religion that was widely followed on the island during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

We’ll also visit Vinapu, known for its precise stonework, along with Huri A Urenga and Puna Pau—the quarry where the red “hats” of the Moai were carved—and other sacred sites that reveal the ingenuity of the indigenous Rapa Nui people.

After a full day of history, we’ll return to the hotel to relax before dinner at the oceanfront Tataku Vave, where we’ll enjoy another memorable evening of Easter Island dishes highlighting locally caught seafood. If you’re in the mood for ceviche, this is the place to order it.

After a few days of exploring, let's slow the pace down this morning. Breakfast is at your leisure before we head out to immerse ourselves in the local culture of the Rapa Nui people. 

Later in the day, we'll enjoy a relaxed lunch, then the afternoon is yours to unwind. Maybe you’ll choose to indulge in a spa treatment at the hotel, relax poolside with a good book in hand, or simply enjoy some quiet time.

In the evening, we’ll come back together for a special Easter Island Ancestral Dinner and Show. After we learn about ancient cooking methods and try our hand at cooking over a ceremonial earth oven, we’ll settle in to enjoy the show. With traditional music, dance, and storytelling, this immersive experience brings the island’s rich culture to life in a beautiful and meaningful way. What better way to celebrate the bucket-list adventure we’ve shared over the past few days? 

For those looking for one last adventure, an early start offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness the sunrise at Ahu Tongariki, where a line of Moai stands silhouetted against the first light of day. It’s one of the most iconic scenes on the island and is well worth the early alarm.

Afterward, we’ll enjoy breakfast before continuing to Rano Raraku, the legendary volcanic quarry where nearly all of Rapa Nui’s Moai were carved. Hundreds of statues remain scattered across the slopes here in various stages of completion, offering an extraordinary glimpse into how these enormous figures were created. This is one of the island's most important archaeological sites and the perfect complement to what we’ve learned throughout our journey. 

From here, we’ll continue to Anakena Beach, where white coral sand, turquoise water, swaying palms, and Moai come together in one spectacular setting. We will enjoy a picnic lunch at the beach, taking some time to soak in the sun and splendor of this gorgeous island. 

The late afternoon is yours to relax at the hotel, perhaps with a spa treatment, a dip in the pool, or simply some quiet time overlooking the Pacific. Tonight, we’ll gather for a special farewell dinner at Neptuno Sunset Restaurant, raising a glass to our extraordinary Rapa Nui adventure.

When it’s time to depart, we’ll transfer to Mataveri International Airport for our flight home, taking with us the stories, landscapes, traditions, and mysteries of this extraordinary place.

If you're joining our connecting trip, The Spirit of Chile, from Santiago to Patagonia, we'll see you in Santiago!