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Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Easter Island: The Majesty and Mystery of Rapa Nui

Program No. 16342RJ
Alongside an archaeologist, dig into one of the world’s most enduring mysteries as you explore Easter Island and its ancient moai. Plus, share a traditional meal with a local family!

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At a Glance

At the turn of the millennium, the island of Rapa Nui — later named Easter Island by a Dutch explorer — flourished with the communities of early Polynesians. Delve into their legacy and history as you explore Easter Island and relish in an opportunity to study the monolithic moai that still exist. Meet archaeologists and historians who study these ancient peoples as well as local residents who continue to call this sub-tropical island their home.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Physically demanding program with extensive walking over uneven terrain and along hillsides. Some stairs required.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Walk around the quarry from which the massive moai were carved, which includes nearly 400 unfinished giants and spectacular petroglyphs.
  • Connect with local Rapanui people.
  • Explore the island's most important archaeological sites — including Ahu Tongariki, Orongo Ceremonial Village, and Ahu Vinapu — and examine the mystery of why the moai were built, why they were toppled, and why the cult of the birdman arose.

General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Claudio Le Roy
Claudio Le Roy has been leading Road Scholar adventures in Chile and Peru for more than 20 years. He has also designed and carried out a number of personal volunteer initiatives in these areas with a focus on the most needed, especially children. He holds degrees in second language teaching and a bachelor’s in English language and literature. Besides his career as a language teacher, Mr. Le Roy worked for ten years as a professional dancer for the National Folkloric Ballet of Chile.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Claudio Le Roy
Claudio Le Roy View biography
Claudio Le Roy has been leading Road Scholar adventures in Chile and Peru for more than 20 years. He has also designed and carried out a number of personal volunteer initiatives in these areas with a focus on the most needed, especially children. He holds degrees in second language teaching and a bachelor’s in English language and literature. Besides his career as a language teacher, Mr. Le Roy worked for ten years as a professional dancer for the National Folkloric Ballet of Chile.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
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Meals
23 Meals
8 Breakfasts
7 Lunches
8 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 21, 2025
  • Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 21, 2025
  • Sep 16, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024
  • Oct 07, 2024 - Oct 17, 2024
  • Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 21, 2025
  • Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 13, 2025
  • Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025
  • Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025
  • Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025
  • Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025
  • Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025
  • Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025
1 night
Santiago
Situated in the center of Santiago’s business and financial district, the Hotel Plaza San Francisco is conveniently located within walking distance of historical attractions, such as the Santiago Opera House and the Chilean Pre-Columbian Museum, as well as shopping areas. Soothing décor that includes hardwood paneling, tapestries, period furniture and art evoke a sense of the true Chile and its Bristol Restaurant has received a variety of national and international culinary distinctions, including the Best Chilean Modern Kitchen Restaurant in 2014.
6 nights
Rapa Nui-Easter Island
The Hotel Otai is a quaint, locally-owned hotel located in the heart of Hanga Roa town and a short walk from, shops, restaurants, municipal buildings, community markets and the coastline. Otai means "In the Coast" in the Rapa Nui language. It is in an excellent location to get a real feel for community life on Rapa Nui. A short distance below the Hotel Otai is the pier where fishing boats return every evening with their catch of huge tuna and pacific lobsters. Archeology sites with restored statues abound along the coastline and this area of the coast provides a favorite sunset walk for tourist and locals alike. Originally, Hotel Otai was a small guesthouse called “Rosita’s. Rosita and Nico Haoa were the first Rapa Nui family to host tourists at their home in the late 1960’s. Their home was where the archeologist William Mulloy lived with his family in 1960 while working on the restoration of Ahu Akivi. The Hotel Otai has also hosted many famous visitors, movie stars and scientists over the years and can rightly claim its place as the “Historic Hotel” of Rapa Nui. The beautiful gardens and informal atmosphere of the Hotel Otai is a perfect to place to get a feel for Rapa Nui culture and experience the attitude of hospitality that is a unique blend of Polynesian and Latin American culture.
1 night
Santiago, Providencia
Diego de Almagro Providencia is well located in the bustling retail neighborhood of Providencia. The natural beauty of the area can be appreciated at Plaza Perú and Parque Bicentenario. It is walking distance from well known attractions such as Sky Costanera, Jardin Japones, Grand Santiago Tower, and multiple Metro lines. There are also multiple shopping centers and many popular restaurants throughout the neighborhood.
1 night
Santiago
Situated in the center of Santiago’s business and financial district, the Hotel Plaza San Francisco is conveniently located within walking distance of historical attractions, such as the Santiago Opera House and the Chilean Pre-Columbian Museum, as well as shopping areas. Soothing décor that includes hardwood paneling, tapestries, period furniture and art evoke a sense of the true Chile and its Bristol Restaurant has received a variety of national and international culinary distinctions, including the Best Chilean Modern Kitchen Restaurant in 2014.
6 nights
Rapa Nui-Easter Island
The Hotel Otai is a quaint, locally-owned hotel located in the heart of Hanga Roa town and a short walk from, shops, restaurants, municipal buildings, community markets and the coastline. Otai means "In the Coast" in the Rapa Nui language. It is in an excellent location to get a real feel for community life on Rapa Nui. A short distance below the Hotel Otai is the pier where fishing boats return every evening with their catch of huge tuna and pacific lobsters. Archeology sites with restored statues abound along the coastline and this area of the coast provides a favorite sunset walk for tourist and locals alike. Originally, Hotel Otai was a small guesthouse called “Rosita’s. Rosita and Nico Haoa were the first Rapa Nui family to host tourists at their home in the late 1960’s. Their home was where the archeologist William Mulloy lived with his family in 1960 while working on the restoration of Ahu Akivi. The Hotel Otai has also hosted many famous visitors, movie stars and scientists over the years and can rightly claim its place as the “Historic Hotel” of Rapa Nui. The beautiful gardens and informal atmosphere of the Hotel Otai is a perfect to place to get a feel for Rapa Nui culture and experience the attitude of hospitality that is a unique blend of Polynesian and Latin American culture.
1 night
Santiago, Providencia
Diego de Almagro Providencia is well located in the bustling retail neighborhood of Providencia. The natural beauty of the area can be appreciated at Plaza Perú and Parque Bicentenario. It is walking distance from well known attractions such as Sky Costanera, Jardin Japones, Grand Santiago Tower, and multiple Metro lines. There are also multiple shopping centers and many popular restaurants throughout the neighborhood.
1 night
Santiago
Situated in the center of Santiago’s business and financial district, the Hotel Plaza San Francisco is conveniently located within walking distance of historical attractions, such as the Santiago Opera House and the Chilean Pre-Columbian Museum, as well as shopping areas. Soothing décor that includes hardwood paneling, tapestries, period furniture and art evoke a sense of the true Chile and its Bristol Restaurant has received a variety of national and international culinary distinctions, including the Best Chilean Modern Kitchen Restaurant in 2014.
6 nights
Rapa Nui-Easter Island
The Hotel Otai is a quaint, locally-owned hotel located in the heart of Hanga Roa town and a short walk from, shops, restaurants, municipal buildings, community markets and the coastline. Otai means "In the Coast" in the Rapa Nui language. It is in an excellent location to get a real feel for community life on Rapa Nui. A short distance below the Hotel Otai is the pier where fishing boats return every evening with their catch of huge tuna and pacific lobsters. Archeology sites with restored statues abound along the coastline and this area of the coast provides a favorite sunset walk for tourist and locals alike. Originally, Hotel Otai was a small guesthouse called “Rosita’s. Rosita and Nico Haoa were the first Rapa Nui family to host tourists at their home in the late 1960’s. Their home was where the archeologist William Mulloy lived with his family in 1960 while working on the restoration of Ahu Akivi. The Hotel Otai has also hosted many famous visitors, movie stars and scientists over the years and can rightly claim its place as the “Historic Hotel” of Rapa Nui. The beautiful gardens and informal atmosphere of the Hotel Otai is a perfect to place to get a feel for Rapa Nui culture and experience the attitude of hospitality that is a unique blend of Polynesian and Latin American culture.
1 night
Santiago, Providencia
Diego de Almagro Providencia is well located in the bustling retail neighborhood of Providencia. The natural beauty of the area can be appreciated at Plaza Perú and Parque Bicentenario. It is walking distance from well known attractions such as Sky Costanera, Jardin Japones, Grand Santiago Tower, and multiple Metro lines. There are also multiple shopping centers and many popular restaurants throughout the neighborhood.
1 night
Santiago
Situated in the center of Santiago’s business and financial district, the Hotel Plaza San Francisco is conveniently located within walking distance of historical attractions, such as the Santiago Opera House and the Chilean Pre-Columbian Museum, as well as shopping areas. Soothing décor that includes hardwood paneling, tapestries, period furniture and art evoke a sense of the true Chile and its Bristol Restaurant has received a variety of national and international culinary distinctions, including the Best Chilean Modern Kitchen Restaurant in 2014.
8 nights
Rapa Nui-Easter Island
The Hotel Otai is a quaint, locally-owned hotel located in the heart of Hanga Roa town and a short walk from, shops, restaurants, municipal buildings, community markets and the coastline. Otai means "In the Coast" in the Rapa Nui language. It is in an excellent location to get a real feel for community life on Rapa Nui. A short distance below the Hotel Otai is the pier where fishing boats return every evening with their catch of huge tuna and pacific lobsters. Archeology sites with restored statues abound along the coastline and this area of the coast provides a favorite sunset walk for tourist and locals alike. Originally, Hotel Otai was a small guesthouse called “Rosita’s. Rosita and Nico Haoa were the first Rapa Nui family to host tourists at their home in the late 1960’s. Their home was where the archeologist William Mulloy lived with his family in 1960 while working on the restoration of Ahu Akivi. The Hotel Otai has also hosted many famous visitors, movie stars and scientists over the years and can rightly claim its place as the “Historic Hotel” of Rapa Nui. The beautiful gardens and informal atmosphere of the Hotel Otai is a perfect to place to get a feel for Rapa Nui culture and experience the attitude of hospitality that is a unique blend of Polynesian and Latin American culture.
1 night
Santiago, Providencia
Diego de Almagro Providencia is well located in the bustling retail neighborhood of Providencia. The natural beauty of the area can be appreciated at Plaza Perú and Parque Bicentenario. It is walking distance from well known attractions such as Sky Costanera, Jardin Japones, Grand Santiago Tower, and multiple Metro lines. There are also multiple shopping centers and many popular restaurants throughout the neighborhood.
1 night
Santiago
Situated in the center of Santiago’s business and financial district, the Hotel Plaza San Francisco is conveniently located within walking distance of historical attractions, such as the Santiago Opera House and the Chilean Pre-Columbian Museum, as well as shopping areas. Soothing décor that includes hardwood paneling, tapestries, period furniture and art evoke a sense of the true Chile and its Bristol Restaurant has received a variety of national and international culinary distinctions, including the Best Chilean Modern Kitchen Restaurant in 2014.
6 nights
Rapa Nui-Easter Island
The Hotel Otai is a quaint, locally-owned hotel located in the heart of Hanga Roa town and a short walk from, shops, restaurants, municipal buildings, community markets and the coastline. Otai means "In the Coast" in the Rapa Nui language. It is in an excellent location to get a real feel for community life on Rapa Nui. A short distance below the Hotel Otai is the pier where fishing boats return every evening with their catch of huge tuna and pacific lobsters. Archeology sites with restored statues abound along the coastline and this area of the coast provides a favorite sunset walk for tourist and locals alike. Originally, Hotel Otai was a small guesthouse called “Rosita’s. Rosita and Nico Haoa were the first Rapa Nui family to host tourists at their home in the late 1960’s. Their home was where the archeologist William Mulloy lived with his family in 1960 while working on the restoration of Ahu Akivi. The Hotel Otai has also hosted many famous visitors, movie stars and scientists over the years and can rightly claim its place as the “Historic Hotel” of Rapa Nui. The beautiful gardens and informal atmosphere of the Hotel Otai is a perfect to place to get a feel for Rapa Nui culture and experience the attitude of hospitality that is a unique blend of Polynesian and Latin American culture.
1 night
Santiago, Providencia
Diego de Almagro Providencia is well located in the bustling retail neighborhood of Providencia. The natural beauty of the area can be appreciated at Plaza Perú and Parque Bicentenario. It is walking distance from well known attractions such as Sky Costanera, Jardin Japones, Grand Santiago Tower, and multiple Metro lines. There are also multiple shopping centers and many popular restaurants throughout the neighborhood.
1 night
Santiago
Situated in the center of Santiago’s business and financial district, the Hotel Plaza San Francisco is conveniently located within walking distance of historical attractions, such as the Santiago Opera House and the Chilean Pre-Columbian Museum, as well as shopping areas. Soothing décor that includes hardwood paneling, tapestries, period furniture and art evoke a sense of the true Chile and its Bristol Restaurant has received a variety of national and international culinary distinctions, including the Best Chilean Modern Kitchen Restaurant in 2014.
6 nights
Rapa Nui-Easter Island
The Hotel Otai is a quaint, locally-owned hotel located in the heart of Hanga Roa town and a short walk from, shops, restaurants, municipal buildings, community markets and the coastline. Otai means "In the Coast" in the Rapa Nui language. It is in an excellent location to get a real feel for community life on Rapa Nui. A short distance below the Hotel Otai is the pier where fishing boats return every evening with their catch of huge tuna and pacific lobsters. Archeology sites with restored statues abound along the coastline and this area of the coast provides a favorite sunset walk for tourist and locals alike. Originally, Hotel Otai was a small guesthouse called “Rosita’s. Rosita and Nico Haoa were the first Rapa Nui family to host tourists at their home in the late 1960’s. Their home was where the archeologist William Mulloy lived with his family in 1960 while working on the restoration of Ahu Akivi. The Hotel Otai has also hosted many famous visitors, movie stars and scientists over the years and can rightly claim its place as the “Historic Hotel” of Rapa Nui. The beautiful gardens and informal atmosphere of the Hotel Otai is a perfect to place to get a feel for Rapa Nui culture and experience the attitude of hospitality that is a unique blend of Polynesian and Latin American culture.
1 night
Santiago, Providencia
Diego de Almagro Providencia is well located in the bustling retail neighborhood of Providencia. The natural beauty of the area can be appreciated at Plaza Perú and Parque Bicentenario. It is walking distance from well known attractions such as Sky Costanera, Jardin Japones, Grand Santiago Tower, and multiple Metro lines. There are also multiple shopping centers and many popular restaurants throughout the neighborhood.
1 night
Santiago
Situated in the center of Santiago’s business and financial district, the Hotel Plaza San Francisco is conveniently located within walking distance of historical attractions, such as the Santiago Opera House and the Chilean Pre-Columbian Museum, as well as shopping areas. Soothing décor that includes hardwood paneling, tapestries, period furniture and art evoke a sense of the true Chile and its Bristol Restaurant has received a variety of national and international culinary distinctions, including the Best Chilean Modern Kitchen Restaurant in 2014.
6 nights
Rapa Nui-Easter Island
The Hotel Otai is a quaint, locally-owned hotel located in the heart of Hanga Roa town and a short walk from, shops, restaurants, municipal buildings, community markets and the coastline. Otai means "In the Coast" in the Rapa Nui language. It is in an excellent location to get a real feel for community life on Rapa Nui. A short distance below the Hotel Otai is the pier where fishing boats return every evening with their catch of huge tuna and pacific lobsters. Archeology sites with restored statues abound along the coastline and this area of the coast provides a favorite sunset walk for tourist and locals alike. Originally, Hotel Otai was a small guesthouse called “Rosita’s. Rosita and Nico Haoa were the first Rapa Nui family to host tourists at their home in the late 1960’s. Their home was where the archeologist William Mulloy lived with his family in 1960 while working on the restoration of Ahu Akivi. The Hotel Otai has also hosted many famous visitors, movie stars and scientists over the years and can rightly claim its place as the “Historic Hotel” of Rapa Nui. The beautiful gardens and informal atmosphere of the Hotel Otai is a perfect to place to get a feel for Rapa Nui culture and experience the attitude of hospitality that is a unique blend of Polynesian and Latin American culture.
1 night
Santiago, Providencia
Diego de Almagro Providencia is well located in the bustling retail neighborhood of Providencia. The natural beauty of the area can be appreciated at Plaza Perú and Parque Bicentenario. It is walking distance from well known attractions such as Sky Costanera, Jardin Japones, Grand Santiago Tower, and multiple Metro lines. There are also multiple shopping centers and many popular restaurants throughout the neighborhood.
1 night
Santiago
Situated in the center of Santiago’s business and financial district, the Hotel Plaza San Francisco is conveniently located within walking distance of historical attractions, such as the Santiago Opera House and the Chilean Pre-Columbian Museum, as well as shopping areas. Soothing décor that includes hardwood paneling, tapestries, period furniture and art evoke a sense of the true Chile and its Bristol Restaurant has received a variety of national and international culinary distinctions, including the Best Chilean Modern Kitchen Restaurant in 2014.
6 nights
Rapa Nui-Easter Island
The Hotel Otai is a quaint, locally-owned hotel located in the heart of Hanga Roa town and a short walk from, shops, restaurants, municipal buildings, community markets and the coastline. Otai means "In the Coast" in the Rapa Nui language. It is in an excellent location to get a real feel for community life on Rapa Nui. A short distance below the Hotel Otai is the pier where fishing boats return every evening with their catch of huge tuna and pacific lobsters. Archeology sites with restored statues abound along the coastline and this area of the coast provides a favorite sunset walk for tourist and locals alike. Originally, Hotel Otai was a small guesthouse called “Rosita’s. Rosita and Nico Haoa were the first Rapa Nui family to host tourists at their home in the late 1960’s. Their home was where the archeologist William Mulloy lived with his family in 1960 while working on the restoration of Ahu Akivi. The Hotel Otai has also hosted many famous visitors, movie stars and scientists over the years and can rightly claim its place as the “Historic Hotel” of Rapa Nui. The beautiful gardens and informal atmosphere of the Hotel Otai is a perfect to place to get a feel for Rapa Nui culture and experience the attitude of hospitality that is a unique blend of Polynesian and Latin American culture.
1 night
Santiago, Providencia
Diego de Almagro Providencia is well located in the bustling retail neighborhood of Providencia. The natural beauty of the area can be appreciated at Plaza Perú and Parque Bicentenario. It is walking distance from well known attractions such as Sky Costanera, Jardin Japones, Grand Santiago Tower, and multiple Metro lines. There are also multiple shopping centers and many popular restaurants throughout the neighborhood.
1 night
Santiago
Situated in the center of Santiago’s business and financial district, the Hotel Plaza San Francisco is conveniently located within walking distance of historical attractions, such as the Santiago Opera House and the Chilean Pre-Columbian Museum, as well as shopping areas. Soothing décor that includes hardwood paneling, tapestries, period furniture and art evoke a sense of the true Chile and its Bristol Restaurant has received a variety of national and international culinary distinctions, including the Best Chilean Modern Kitchen Restaurant in 2014.
6 nights
Rapa Nui-Easter Island
The Hotel Otai is a quaint, locally-owned hotel located in the heart of Hanga Roa town and a short walk from, shops, restaurants, municipal buildings, community markets and the coastline. Otai means "In the Coast" in the Rapa Nui language. It is in an excellent location to get a real feel for community life on Rapa Nui. A short distance below the Hotel Otai is the pier where fishing boats return every evening with their catch of huge tuna and pacific lobsters. Archeology sites with restored statues abound along the coastline and this area of the coast provides a favorite sunset walk for tourist and locals alike. Originally, Hotel Otai was a small guesthouse called “Rosita’s. Rosita and Nico Haoa were the first Rapa Nui family to host tourists at their home in the late 1960’s. Their home was where the archeologist William Mulloy lived with his family in 1960 while working on the restoration of Ahu Akivi. The Hotel Otai has also hosted many famous visitors, movie stars and scientists over the years and can rightly claim its place as the “Historic Hotel” of Rapa Nui. The beautiful gardens and informal atmosphere of the Hotel Otai is a perfect to place to get a feel for Rapa Nui culture and experience the attitude of hospitality that is a unique blend of Polynesian and Latin American culture.
1 night
Santiago, Providencia
Diego de Almagro Providencia is well located in the bustling retail neighborhood of Providencia. The natural beauty of the area can be appreciated at Plaza Perú and Parque Bicentenario. It is walking distance from well known attractions such as Sky Costanera, Jardin Japones, Grand Santiago Tower, and multiple Metro lines. There are also multiple shopping centers and many popular restaurants throughout the neighborhood.
1 night
Santiago
Situated in the center of Santiago’s business and financial district, the Hotel Plaza San Francisco is conveniently located within walking distance of historical attractions, such as the Santiago Opera House and the Chilean Pre-Columbian Museum, as well as shopping areas. Soothing décor that includes hardwood paneling, tapestries, period furniture and art evoke a sense of the true Chile and its Bristol Restaurant has received a variety of national and international culinary distinctions, including the Best Chilean Modern Kitchen Restaurant in 2014.
6 nights
Rapa Nui-Easter Island
The Hotel Otai is a quaint, locally-owned hotel located in the heart of Hanga Roa town and a short walk from, shops, restaurants, municipal buildings, community markets and the coastline. Otai means "In the Coast" in the Rapa Nui language. It is in an excellent location to get a real feel for community life on Rapa Nui. A short distance below the Hotel Otai is the pier where fishing boats return every evening with their catch of huge tuna and pacific lobsters. Archeology sites with restored statues abound along the coastline and this area of the coast provides a favorite sunset walk for tourist and locals alike. Originally, Hotel Otai was a small guesthouse called “Rosita’s. Rosita and Nico Haoa were the first Rapa Nui family to host tourists at their home in the late 1960’s. Their home was where the archeologist William Mulloy lived with his family in 1960 while working on the restoration of Ahu Akivi. The Hotel Otai has also hosted many famous visitors, movie stars and scientists over the years and can rightly claim its place as the “Historic Hotel” of Rapa Nui. The beautiful gardens and informal atmosphere of the Hotel Otai is a perfect to place to get a feel for Rapa Nui culture and experience the attitude of hospitality that is a unique blend of Polynesian and Latin American culture.
1 night
Santiago, Providencia
Diego de Almagro Providencia is well located in the bustling retail neighborhood of Providencia. The natural beauty of the area can be appreciated at Plaza Perú and Parque Bicentenario. It is walking distance from well known attractions such as Sky Costanera, Jardin Japones, Grand Santiago Tower, and multiple Metro lines. There are also multiple shopping centers and many popular restaurants throughout the neighborhood.





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