I. General Descrition of this Wonder of the World
Easter Island belongs to Chile since 1888. Before that, it was literally nobodies land except the land of the Rapa Nui people. Something that very few respected. Chile annexed this island to the continent basically for estrategical reasons; a good stop to get supplies for longer voyages westward.
Today, it has become an icon for any Chilean though little by little, this tiny piece of land has also started getting the support from the government that any Chilean territory deserves.
The first impression to the visitor of this land is how small it is. But second, the still mystery of how developed this civilization must have been in a given moment. The presence of the silent stone-caved "moais" represent the age of glory of Isla de Pascua.
The most interesting aspect of a visit to this island is not just for the "moais". We believe that it is the culture. It is not enough to just join regular excursions to the "ahus" (platforms with "moais"). We believe that visitors have to embrace the culture and the people who live there. We visit one of the many clubs with live Polynesian music, attend a performance of the Kari-Kari folklore ballet with traditional music and dance. It is an amazing display of energy, color and grace.
II. Gradosur offers 2 different alternatives to explore and enjoy the wonders of this Island.
a) Exploring Rapa Nui by bus (6 days - 4 nights)
From Santiago we take a 4-5 hour flight direct to Matavery Airport. We stay in a hotel in Hanga-Roa, the only urban area in the island.
We take off in our vehicle on daily excursions with one of Gradosur guides, plus a local who can take us deeper into the local history, traditions and mysteries. We also sail around the small islands (motus), the place where the "birdman competition" used to take place, in search for the first egg of the Manutara bird.
We spend one full afternoon at Anakena Beach. Cook out.
b) Exploring Easter Island on Horses, bikes & out-riggers (6 days - 4 days)
From the same lodging in Rapa Nui, we explore the same places but we access them either on bikes, horses or out-rigger to visit the small islands (motu).
We spend one full afternoon at Anakena Beach. Cook out. |
