Online Program

Adventures Online: Easter Island & the Mystery of Rapa Nui

Program No. 24215RJ
Join an archaeologist for an immersive look into the fascinating history of Easter Island and its people, the Rapa Nui, on this online learning adventure, live from Chile!

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At a Glance

Experience the wonders of Easter Island and learn about the fascinating Rapa Nui people with an expert archaeologist to answer all of your questions — all without leaving the comfort of your home! On this online educational adventure live from Chile, join archaeologists as they share their first-hand knowledge and research of this remote island. Go on online field trips to learn about the famous moai statues at Rano Raraku, Tongarik, Tepito Kura and Moai Quarry. Learn about Rapa Nui society and the eventual collapse of the old culture, and gain insight into how they have been influenced by the Western world. Take part in Q&A sessions and enjoy an opportunity to share your interest in the history and people of Easter Island with other Road Scholars like you.

What You'll Learn

  • Join Chilean archaeologists for an expert-led look into the lives of the Rapa Nui people and their society.
  • Thrill in online field trips to important archaeological sites like Rano Raraku, Tongarik, Tepito Kura and Moai Quarry to see the megalithic development of the original moai.
  • Take an online field trip to the unique Birdman Village in Orongo where the Birdman Festival was held until 1835.

General Notes

You’ll enjoy 2-3 hours of daily instruction, discussion and/or field trips, which includes sufficient breaks throughout the program. This online program is through Zoom, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. We’ll provide a how-to guide to make sure you’ll have a hassle-free experience. In keeping with our Traditional On-Site programs, ALL ADVENTURES ONLINE MULTI-DAY PROGRAMS (INCLUDING THIS PROGRAM) ARE PRESENTED LIVE; THESE PROGRAMS ARE NOT RECORDED. Please review the daily itinerary for start and end times to ensure you won’t miss a minute of this live experience. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Claudio Cristino Ferrando
Claudio Cristino-Ferrando is an archaeologist and social anthropologist on the faculty of the University of Chile’s Department of Anthropology. He is the director of its Easter Island and Oceania Studies Centre. Since 1976, Claudio’s research has focused on the archaeology of the Pacific and important restoration projects including the famous ceremonial village of Orongo in Rapa Nui. He has previously served as Field Director of the Ahu Tongariki project, the largest ceremonial site in the East Pacific, and as Director of Easter Island’s Anthropological Museum.

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

Profile Image of Nicole Flores Jara
Nicole Flores Jara View biography
Nicole was born and raised in Chile. Her passion about her country and the region made her lead programs within South America since 1998 including several trips to Antarctica. She is a true believer in lifetime learning finding in travelling the best source of inspiration to share her knowledge and keep learning. Nicole is a great natural storyteller and also mastered this skill learning from the best in Chile.
Profile Image of Patricia Vargas Casanova
Patricia Vargas Casanova View biography
Patricia Vargas Casanova is a senior professor, archaeologist, and social anthropologist on the University of Chile faculty. She moved to Easter Island in 1976 and has conducted the ongoing archaeological survey of the island. In 1979, she co-founded the university’s Easter Island Studies Centre and served as its Director from 1991-2004. She also planned and co-directed the five-year Ahu Tongariki archaeological research and restoration project. An International Fellow of The Explorers Club, Patricia received the Lowell Thomas Award for her work on Easter Island.
Profile Image of Claudio Cristino Ferrando
Claudio Cristino Ferrando View biography
Claudio Cristino-Ferrando is an archaeologist and social anthropologist on the faculty of the University of Chile’s Department of Anthropology. He is the director of its Easter Island and Oceania Studies Centre. Since 1976, Claudio’s research has focused on the archaeology of the Pacific and important restoration projects including the famous ceremonial village of Orongo in Rapa Nui. He has previously served as Field Director of the Ahu Tongariki project, the largest ceremonial site in the East Pacific, and as Director of Easter Island’s Anthropological Museum.
Profile Image of Alex Searle
Alex Searle View biography
Alex Searle was born in Chile and raised in Argentina. He spent his childhood getting to know local cultures, then studied journalism at the University of Chile, followed by post-graduate studies at the University of British Columbia. He later worked as a producer in the news departments of Chilean TV, doing research and producing a successful late night show as well as a wildlife show. He has also worked for years as a naturalist and expedition leader in Polynesia, South America, Antarctica, and Rapa Nui.
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