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Online Program

Adventures Online: Easter Island & the Mystery and Legacy of Rapa Nui

Program No. 24215RJ
Join unique experts: a native historian, and an archaeologist with field experience as they share firsthand knowledge and rich history.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
3 days
Discover the wonders of Easter Island and delve into the intriguing culture of the Rapa Nui people over three captivating days with our expert instructors. A respected archaeologist and a native historian will answer all your questions — all from the comfort of your own home! Join us for this live, online educational journey streaming from Chile, where our experts will share their in-depth knowledge and personal research on this remote island. Embark on expert-led field trips to explore the famous moai statues and their ceremonial platforms, known as Ahu. Learn about the rise and fall of Rapa Nui society and how Western influences shaped its modern culture. Participate in interactive Q&A sessions and connect with fellow Road Scholars who share your passion for the history and people of Easter Island.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Learn about the Polynesian Origins and first settlers.
  • Gain insights about The Megalithic culture & famous moai statues.
  • 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. This session is offered live only and will not be available on demand. 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.
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
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.
Cristián Moreno Pakarati was born in Santiago, Chile and is a historian of Rapa Nui heritage. He studied geography and history at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and became the first academically trained historian in Rapa Nui. Since 2007, he has worked as a travel leader, hiking route designer, and educator. Cristián is a lecturer and author, contributing to peer-reviewed journals and documentaries. He collaborates with global institutions, and is a founding member of the Rapanui Pioneers Society.
Dr. Jo Anne Van Tilburg, archaeologist and director of the Easter Island Statue Project, leads an archaeological inventory and database analyzing nearly 900 moai. Her research explores symbolism, structure, and the ways cultural resources, social practices, and ancient aesthetics shape human interaction with the natural landscape. She investigates social processes and the interplay of art, history, and ecology through field and museum studies. Her latest field project focuses on digitally mapping the interior of the Rano Raraku Statue Quarry on Easter Island.
Date and Time
Join unique experts: a native historian, and an archaeologist with field experience as they share firsthand knowledge and rich history.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.