Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park, with its iconic granite Towers, is one of Patagonia's most popular destinations: a paradise for hikers and outdoor adventure activities.
Discover MoreDeep roots in Patagonia: We are ex-guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, & adventurers.
We’ve got our feet on the ground: Impartial advice, a bespoke service, and at no extra cost.
For the ends of the Earth: Sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
Located in the South Pacific, more than 2,000 miles west of the Chilean coast, is the remote Easter Island. Famed for its archaeological sites and hundreds of monumental statues known as moai and its windswept, volcanic scarred landscape. Easter Island was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
Easter Island is considered part of the region of Valparaiso in Chile. At just 14 miles long by seven miles wide, it is easy to get around. There are still hundreds of standing moai to visit as well as beautiful beaches, subterranean caves, rolling hills and steaming volcanoes. It has a subtropical climate. Daily flights generally run from Santiago and the minimum flight time is five hours. It is possible to fly from Tahiti.
Easter Island can be explored properly in two or three days, but you'll need to add on one day either side for travelling to and from the island. Easter Island vacations are best through the summer months of December-February. The walks along the coastline and around the Rano Kau volcanic crater are well worth doing for the wonderful views.
Unravel the mysteries of Rapa Nui, the most isolated—populated—island on Earth... You'll travel 2,180 miles from Santiago across the Pacific to this remote Polynesian paradise. Explore a vibrant culture, ancient traditions, and the famous moai statues that make this such…
Easter Island, Chile
Rapa Nui (the Polynesian name for Easter Island; its Spanish name is Isla de Pascua) was first populated around 300-400AD by a settlement party of emigrants, most likely from a Polynesian subgroup such as the Marquesa Islands. The first king of Rapa Nui was Hoto-Matua, who landed at Anakena, a beautiful white coral beach to the very north of the island.
These first settlers of Rapa Nui and their descendants are believed to be responsible for the construction of nearly 900 giant stone figurines, dotted across the island. Averaging 13 feet high, with a weight of approximately 14 tons, these enormous moai are placed atop ceremonial stone platforms called ahus. The exact reason why the Rapa Nui people undertook such a task remains a mystery and it is still not understood how these stone blocks were moved around the island.
Somewhere between 700AD and 1050AD, evidence suggests that many of the early statues were destroyed and rebuilt as much larger moai, many of which still stand to this day. From 1050-1680AD, ahus also contained burial chambers and even larger figures were erected, suggesting that some moai represented important deities. The biggest statue found dating to this period measures about 32 feet tall, and consists of a single block weighing about 82 tons.
From around 1680 onwards, the island’s civilisation was characterised by civil war and general destruction. As the population grew so did pressure on the island’s environment. Deforestation gradually increased and as the supply of wood was depleted, the islanders found it difficult to continue making rope, canoes, hunting tools and possibly the transport of even more moai. Tension within the community rose and many statutes were toppled. A lot of obsidian spearpoints have been found dating to that period suggesting the breakout of violence. With little food or other ways to obtain sustenance, it is believed some of the islanders resorted to cannibalism.
The first known European visitor to Easter Island was Admiral Jacob Roggeveen, who arrived on Easter Sunday in 1722, leading a Dutch expedition. The Dutch named the island Paaseiland (Easter Island) to commemorate the day they arrived. Several other European voyagers passed through Easter Island, including the infamous Captain James Cook. However Chile eventually annexed Easter Island in 1888 after the War of the Pacific and leased much of the land for sheep raising. The Chilean government appointed a civilian governor for Easter Island in 1965 and the island’s residents became full Chilean citizens.
Easter Island Explora was amazing. It was truly amazing and the whole experience top notch. From amazing guides, food, service and room. Read the full review
Travelled: September 2024
James Andy - USA
Add Easter Island to the trip. If you are going that far it is worth it!!! Read the full review
Travelled: November 2019
John Williams - United Kingdom
Review:
Patagonia is a vast and varied region, with a wealth of things to see and do, a range of places to stay and a limited transport network.
Tap into 400,000 hours of lived experience. As guides, guardians and travellers, we know these incredible places intimately and care about them deeply. From a world of options, we'll help you discover your perfect adventure.
Torres del Paine National Park, with its iconic granite Towers, is one of Patagonia's most popular destinations: a paradise for hikers and outdoor adventure activities.
Discover MoreRemote, beautiful and with one of the most famous road-trip roads in the world, Aysen is a destination for those seeking the very best of Patagonia without the crowds.
Discover MoreChile’s cosmopolitan capital is a great place to explore, from its rich heritage and views of the Andes to its easy access to fantastic wineries.
Discover MoreChile's Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, but it's extraordinary diversity of landscapes make it the ideal add-on to a Patagonia adventure.
Discover MoreWe are guides, guardians, and travellers with over 400,000 hours of lived experience in Patagonia.
From a world of options, we’ll help you discover your perfect trip.
We care deeply about protecting Patagonia, that’s why 1% of our revenue goes to conservation.
Our dedicated support throughout will make sure you have the experience of a lifetime.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
1 888 970 4571This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Privacy policy