Galápagos ...

The Trip of a Lifetime

from GALAPAGOS TRAVEL

Easter Island • Isla de Pascua • Rapa Nui
February 3-13, 2012

No matter what one may call the island, it’s sure to bring mysterious and surreal images to mind. Images of moai, the enormous stone heads/torsos that dot the landscape, oft recalled from childhood explorations through back issues of National Geographic magazines...

Easter Island is a remote dot in the vast South Pacific - at just 7 by 15 miles, with the closest people over 1,000 miles distant, on even smaller Pitcairn Island - Chile and Tahiti are each over 2,200 miles distant, in opposite directions.

Early history of the island is likely to always remain a mystery. The first colonization occurred around 300-400ad, most likely from Polynesia (based on the physical characteristics of the people, their culture, religion, and language).

The population of the island thrived in the early years, reaching a peak of between 10,000-15,000 people. This was more than the small island could bear though. Eventually the ecosystem of the island was stretched to the point of complete deforestation, and a collapse of the society. Bloody civil war broke out between the different clans. The moai were toppled. Society was in ruins. The island’s population plummeted to near 3,000 in just a few years. The first European explorers to see the island (on Easter Sunday, 1722) report standing moai, and forests to be seen in the distant inland valleys. Captain Cook reported seeing neither just 52 years later when his ship called there.

At the society’s peak they accomplished truly amazing things. The moai, and there are nearly 1,000 of them, were carved from the tuff lava of one volcano, Rano Raraku. The red scoria top-knots for the moai were carved from a different volcano. Both parts were then transported tremendous distances to numerous locations scattered around the island, then erected. The Rapa Nui had the only written language, Rongorongo Script, in all of Oceania. Numerous elaborate petroglyphs were carved into the rocks around the island.

The island was ultimately “annexed” by Chile in 1888; Chile’s first, and only, attempt at colonization. This would prove to be another of the many trials the islanders have faced. Between slave raids and disease, the population on the island had dropped to 111 people by the start of the 20th century.

Today the island has both a governor and a mayor. There is also a council of elders who have a fairly strong field of influence. This council has one representative from each Rapa Nui family - 39 in all. There are close to 4,000 people living on the island, with about 2,000 of them being Rapa Nui. The remainder are mostly Chilean. It is estimated that another 1,500 Rapa Nui live in other parts of the world - mostly Tahiti, North America, Europe, and Chile (where many Rapa Nui teens attend school).

To this day one sees relatively few animals. Seasonally seabirds, including frigates, noddies, terns & petrels, nest on the surrounding motu (small islets). Some land birds, including chimango caracara, common Diuca-Finch & Chilean Partridge, are also in evidence. Snorkeling in the beautiful clear blue bays reveals few fish - the fishermen ply their trade several miles offshore where the currents produce a greater abundance.

But, one comes to Rapa Nui for the moai, the history, the culture and these will absolutely amaze!

EXPEDITION OVERVIEW:
Our tour begins and ends in Santiago, Chile. The real soul of the tour however will be 7 days on Easter Island. As we walk among the moai – those standing guard along the coast, or fallen as the result of island warfare, or in the quarry where they were created – our expert Rapanui guide will share not just the history, but also the legends and lore of their remarkable island. Visits will be timed to explore the key sites at the best times to avoid crowds and enjoy the settings at their best.

Our expedition is planned to coincide in part with the annual Tapati Festival on the island. The festival was started in the 1970's as a way to keep the ancient traditions of the island alive. Today it has grown into a wonderful and quirky combination of uniquely Rapa Nui sporting events (everything from running and swimming, to sliding down a hill on banana tree trunks), fishing contests, traditional art competitions and exhibits (stone and wood carving, tapa cloth making, etc.), a beauty pageant, and a huge music and dance festival covering many days. Nightly open-air concerts will feature the best music and performances for nearly 2 weeks. The festival culminates with an extravagant parade down the main street of the village. Exact dates for the 2012 festival will not be set until late in 2011, although we anticipate overlapping with the festival most of our stay.

Our itinerary will include all of the main historical and archeological sites on the island, intermixed with daytime festival highlights.

While on this most remote inhabited island in the world, take the time to also enjoy the night sky, searching for the Southern Cross and other constellations not visible from the northern hemisphere. This is a one-of-a-kind expedition – I don't think you'll find an Easter Island/Rapa Nui/Isla de Pascua tour where you will learn more or get more photo opportunities!

We are also offering an optional pre-tour to the Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia.

TOUR LENGTH:
11 days total, including 2 nights in Santiago, Chile, and 6 nights on Easter Island, plus travel days.

TRIP DATES:
February 3 -13, 2012

GROUP SIZE:
The group is limited to 12 participants.

ITINERARY:
February 3 ∙ Evening departure from the U.S.
LAN Airlines offers nightly departures to Chile from New York, Miami, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Connections are possible from other cities as well.

February 4 • Santiago, Chile
On arrival this morning transfer to the centrally located Hotel Plaza San Francisco (our rooms will be available for early arrival). Remainder of morning at leisure. Afternoon tour around Santiago, visiting the city's most outstanding attractions, including a walking tour downtown visiting the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, Ahumada Boulevard, and the Government Palace; "La Moneda." Then, by vehicle, visit the main avenues of old Santiago, crossing the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista and drive to San Cristobal Hill, for a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the Andes Mountain Range. Next we visit the modern part of Santiago, including its elegant neighborhoods, shopping, and financial centers. The afternoon finishes with a stop at the artisan village of Los Graneros del Alba. Overnight Santiago. Lunch and dinner on your own.

February 5 • Viña del Mar & Valparaiso
This morning we will leave the city behind for a full day touring at the coast... Viña del Mar is one of South America’s most sophisticated summer resort towns. Viña is also known as the “garden city” for its beautiful gardens and avenues filled with flowering trees and palms. The seaside is a riot of activity between the casino, upscale shops, and numerous open air cafés and restaurants. Chile’s principal port, Valparaiso, retains an old European feel, with an urban landscape made up of picturesque narrow streets lined with colorful houses, and giant ships moored at the wharves. This piece of coastline is one of the world’s more beautiful ports. Late afternoon return to Santiago. Evening free. Overnight Santiago. Dinner on your own.

February 6 • Santiago to Easter Island
Transfer to the Santiago airport for the LAN Airlines flight to Easter Island. We anticipate an 8:20am departure, putting us on Rapa Nui at noon. Lei greeting and transfer to the Residencial Aloha Nui upon arrival. This afternoon we will begin our exploration of the island with a walking orientation tour of Hongo Roa Village and the Tahai archeological site. Overnight Aloha Nui Guest House.

February 7, 8, 9 & 10 • Easter Island
Over the course of four days our expert local guide will select specific visitor sites for each day to maximize our viewing opportunities, and minimize our overlapping with other groups. We will be visiting all of the major sites, including Tahai, Tongariki, Vinapu, Anakena, Orongo, Rano Raraku and Akivi. More than that, we’ll also visit many off-the-beaten-path sites, including un-restored ahu, ceremonial plazas, stone chicken coops, secret gardens, house foundations, caves, petroglyphs, and so much more. Because our visit is timed to coincide with the annual Tapati festival we will keep our schedule somewhat loose in order to take in the daily activities unique to the season.

February 11 • A Free Day on Easter Island
Today is the perfect opportunity to revisit a favorite site or explore new territory. Cars, jeeps, & bikes are available for rent in town depending on your interests and energy. Also, the only ways to visit the roughly one-third of the island's coastline without a road is either by hiking or renting horses (the horse trip, with a cowboy/guide is a great way to see it!). You can also stroll the streets of town, visit the artisan's market, go diving, take surf lessons, return to the museum, or just relax and take in being on Rapa Nui! A lavish farewell dinner will be waiting for us at the Aloha Nui at the end of the day. Lunch on your own.

February 12 • Easter Island to Santiago – International Departure
This morning’s LAN flight will have us back in Santiago early–afternoon. This should give us plenty of time to connect with international flights back to the U.S. this evening. Lunch and dinner on your own.

February 13 • Arrival back in the U.S.
Early morning arriving back in the U.S.

TOUR COST:
$2,800 per person, double occupancy.

Included in Tour Cost:

• 2 nights accommodations in Santiago, plus 6 nights on Easter Island (shared double accommodations).
• breakfast daily.
• most meals on Easter Island, including 2 picnic lunches, an island-style beach barbecue, and a lavish farewell dinner.
• non-alcoholic beverages with included meals.
• international and domestic airport transfers.
• all tours foreseen as part of our trip.
• private transportation for our group.
• Rapa Nui National Park entrance fee.
• expert English speaking local guides in Santiago and on Easter Island.
• tour leader escorting the group.
• tips to mainland guides & hotel staff.
• pre-departure materials, guide book & map.

Not Included:

• international airfare to and from Chile.
• internal airfare between Santiago and Easter Island.
• meals other than those noted.
• passport, visa, or airport fees.
• travel insurance.
• travel inoculations or medications.
• drinks (except as noted).
• tips to the local guides.
• items of a personal nature, including laundry and communications charges.

LEADERSHIP:
Expert local English-speaking guides will lead the day tours in both Santiago and Viña del Mar & Valparaiso. Our on-island programs are designed by the husband and wife team of Ramon & Josie. One of them will be our private guide as well. Ramon is the son of Maria Reina and Juan Edmund (one of the island’s most important families) and was raised on the island, with a few years spent abroad attending college in the U.S. Josie Mulloy is half Rapanui, and the granddaughter of William Mulloy, the famed American anthropologist and archeologist known for his work in Polynesia and Easter Island, and the first to re-erect any of the fallen Moai. She was raised in the U.S. and moved to Rapa Nui in her 20's. Both are outstanding guides and passionate about the island, from the history to the culture, and love sharing it with visitors. In addition Mark Grantham from GALAPAGOS TRAVEL will escort the group. Mark’s first expedition to Rapa Nui was in 2004 and he has been under the spell of the island and her people since that time – this will be his 4th journey here.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
All accommodations are shared by two people, except by special arrangement. If you are traveling alone and willing to share with another adventurer of the same sex, we will attempt to book a roommate for you. If we do not find a roommate you will have the accommodations to yourself at the shared cost. If you would prefer guaranteed single accommodations the fee is $600 total covering the 8 nights.

Accommodations in Santiago are planned for the centrally located 4-star Hotel Plaza San Francisco. Modern in construction, the lovely hotel is furnished is the style of old Chile, including rich woods and plush fabrics throughout.

Accommodations on Rapa Nui are at the small Residencial (B&B) Aloha Nui, owned by Maria Reina & Juan Edmund. Your hosts could not be a warmer or more accommodating family. Originally Juan Edmund's family home, it is where he and Maria Reina raised their family. Over the years it has been added on to a couple of times and the original house turned into the Residencial Aloha Nui with 6 guest rooms (all with private bath) plus a spacious sitting room overlooking the garden. The construction is simple cinder block walls, with a low roof-line, but the furnishings are very nice. Attached to the house by a breezeway is another building housing the palatial dining room, another sitting room, and the kitchen. Breakfasts are a leisurely and extravagant affair, with Maria Reina producing numerous plates of sumptuous treats. The entire complex is set amid a lush tropical garden surrounded by a low wall. One of the “first families” of Rapa Nui, Juan Edmund was mayor of the island for 3 terms in the 1970’s, and one of their sons (out of 10 children) is a past mayor and currently governor. Past guests at the Aloha Nui have included presidents and politicos from several countries, American rock stars, the Ecuadorian artist Guayasamin (two of whom’s pieces are personally inscribed to the hosts and hanging in the house), and the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. The Aloha Nui is located on the main street of Hanga Roa, about a 10 minute stroll from the center of the village. A bakery, restaurant, and small convenience store are all found just outside front gate.

PAYMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS:
A $400 deposit per person is adequate to reserve your space on a workshop. Final tour payment will be due 75 days prior to departure. Payments may be made by Personal Check, Money Order, Wire Transfer, Visa or MasterCard.

Any cancellations shall be in writing. A comprehensive International Travel Protection Insurance package is available through GALAPAGOS TRAVEL to all U.S. and Canada residents – you will receive a policy application along with your deposit receipt.

For Cancellations received:
Up to 90 days prior to departure, there is a cancellation charge of $200 per person.
75-89 days prior to departure, there is a cancellation charge of the full deposit.
45-74 days prior to departure, there is a cancellation charge of 25% of the land cost per person.
1-44 days prior to departure, on the departure date, or "no show," there is a cancellation charge of 100% of the land cost per person.

If a cancellation occurs 75 days or less prior to departure, and full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty still applies and unpaid monies are due immediately. Refunds cannot be made to passengers who do not complete the tour for any reason whatsoever.

AIR ARRANGEMENTS:
Our California office will be happy to assist with international air arrangements from the U.S. Flights to Easter Island are on LAN Airlines, non-stop from Santiago, and often book up well in advance. LAN offers a substantial discount on this route if also traveling internationally from the U.S. with them. Our office can make these bookings for you.

Torres del Paine pre-tour

The jewel of mainland Chile is the great Torres del Paine National Park. Located in Chilean Patagonia, the park is in the transition zone between the Magellanic sub-polar forests and the Patagonian Steppes. Among the amazing geological features of the national park (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) are glaciers, lakes, multiple rivers and valleys, granite spires, and the iconic Torres del Paine massif.

The park is comprised of 4 vegetation zones and home to numerous bird species, including as many as 15 breeding bird of prey species. Of mammals, the most likely to be seen are guanacos, with the occasional fox possible too.

This pre-tour is designed to dovetail seamlessly with the Easter Island expedition, finishing up in Santiago just as the main group arrives there...

PRE-TOUR DATES:
January 28 – February 3

ITINERARY:
January 28 • Evening departure from the U.S.
LAN Airlines offers nightly departures to Chile from New York, Miami, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Connections are possible from other cities as well.

January 29 • Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile
Morning international arrivals will have plenty of time to connect with our mid-day flight south to Punta Arenas. Flight time is roughly 3½ hours on a non-stop flight. On arrival we will be met and transferred directly to our centrally located hotel - the Hotel Jose Nogueira. This boutique hotel is in the grandest of the old colonial mansions dating from the late 1800’s. Overnight Punta Arenas. Meals in flight and on your own.

January 30 • Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine
More of an excursion than a transfer, this morning we will travel overland from Punta Arenas (departing at roughly 10am) for the drive north to Torres Del Paine National Park and the Hotel Las Torres. Along the way the route takes in the beautiful Patagonian scenery plus several small villages. Lunch at the historic Estancia Cerro Negro. The drive is roughly 5 hours long. Overnight at Hotel Las Torres. This is a wonderful hotel at “the end of the world” where the mountains and glaciers meet the forests. This all-inclusive program includes accommodations, excursions daily, all meals (featuring mostly locally-sourced and organic ingredients) and open bar. [B,L,D]

January 31-February 2 • Hotel Las Torres Program / Torres del Paine National Park
Three full days of guided group explorations within the Torres del Paine National Park. Daily the hotel offers a series of excursions, from mild to wild, via car, horseback, trekking or boat. Each day you have the option of either two half-day outings, or a full-day outing. [B,L,D daily].

February 3 • Torres del Paine – Punta Arenas – Santiago
Today we return to Punta Arenas, arriving in plenty of time for our late-afternoon flight to Santiago. On arrival in Santiago transfer to the Hotel Plaza San Francisco. [B]

February 4 • Santiago
This morning is at leisure, whether for relaxing at the hotel or exploring a bit on your own. There is a wealth of parks and museums in Santiago, all worth visiting – both the National Library and Santa Lucia Park are within a 5 minute stroll of the hotel. A colorful indoor market (designed by Eifel) is located on the banks of the river nearby. An extensive subway system connects the various neighborhoods. This afternoon we join the Easter Island Itinerary program, starting with our tour of Santiago… [B]

PRE-TOUR COST:
$1,900 per person, double occupancy
$2,550 per person, single occupancy

Included in Pre-Tour Cost:
All accommodations, including 1 night in Punta Arenas, 1 night in Santiago, and 4 nights in Torres del Paine; breakfast in Punta Arenas & Santiago; all meals on the Torres del Paine excursion, including bar; Torres del Paine National Park entrance fee; daily group excursions from Hotel Las Torres; WiFi at Hotel las Torres; international and domestic airport transfers,

Not Included:
Any airfare; meals other than those noted; premium wines and spirits at Hotel Las Torres; tips to the local guides; airport taxes; items of a personal nature, including laundry and communications charges.

GROUP SIZE:
The group is limited to 12 participants. Hotel Las Torres typically limits their group outings to 8 participants per guide.

PAYMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS:
A $200 deposit per person is adequate to reserve your space on the pre-tour. The balance will be due with the Easter Island expedition costs, 75 days prior to departure. Any cancellations shall be in writing. The cancellation terms are the same as on the Easter Island Expedition.

AIR ARRANGEMENTS:
Flights between Santiago and Punta Arenas are best booked and paid for at the same time as the international and Easter Island flights. Our California office will be happy to help with this.

Private Touring Year-Around

You don’t have to wait for a group expedition to experience the wonders of Easter Island...

If you have a week, we will create an extraordinary expedition for you. Between the small size of the island, the expert local guides and private tours, and the ease of flights, this is the perfect holiday if you are pinched for time.

A sample schedule could look something like this... A Saturday evening departure from the U.S. (Los Angeles, Miami or New York) on LAN Airlines puts you into Santiago early Sunday morning. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the city (including an afternoon city tour). A Monday morning flight whisks you 2,000 miles across the Pacific, and to another world - Easter Island. Upon your mid-day arrival transfer to the Bed and Breakfast, and then set out of your first guided explorations of the island. Continue exploring with your private guide on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - seeing and fully experiencing the wonders of Easter Island, the folklore, and her nearly-lost history. Friday is a free day - maybe you want to return to a favorite site, or take a horseback or boat tour, or just enjoy the wonder of being on this remote and amazing island. A Saturday mid-day flight gets you back to Santiago in plenty of time to connect with your international return flight to the U.S., arriving on Sunday morning.

All the details will be taken care of for you, from airport transfers in Santiago and Easter Island to accommodations and expertly guided touring. We can also help with your flights, whether from the US or just between Santiago and Easter Island.

We offer these private tours year-round, whether traveling alone, as a couple, or in a small group. Prices start around $1,800 per person, plus airfare. All travel dates are based on flights, and the program may be shortened or lengthened, on the island or mainland, to suit individual preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions...

When should I go? Anytime! The climate on Rapa Nui is influenced by the ocean, so on the temperate side. Typical December-March daytime temperatures range from the upper 70’s to low 80’s; although humidity may be high, this is when the island sees the most visitors. Temperatures are cooler during the austral winter of June-September (average daytime temperatures are more typically in the 60's to low 70's). Rain showers are possible year-round.

How do I get there? The island is only serviced by one airline: LAN (formerly LAN Chile). Flights are several times a week from either Santiago, Chile, or Tahiti. Service from Lima, Peru, will be starting in 2011. Flight time is roughly 5 hours from Santiago.

What are Chile's arrival & departure logistics? Upon arrival in the Santiago airport all U.S. Passport holders are charged a reciprocity entrance fee of $100 (a one-time fee for the life of your passport). There are no visa requirements for U.S. Citizens. There is also no international departure tax.

Is this a wildlife tour? Definitely not. Our focus is on the history and the culture. That's not to say that the hard-core birder can't rack up a number of new species though either. Over 6 days in January '07 we saw: Chimango Caracara, Common Diuca-Finch, Rock Dove, Great Frigate, Brown Noddy, Gray Noddy, Sooty Tern, Sooty Shearwater, House Sparrow, Chilean Tinamou, Herald Petrel, White-tailed Tropicbird, Grey-headed Bull, & Chilean Partridge.

Is this a luxury or deluxe tour? No - that's not the direction we wanted to go. Again, we're here for the history and the culture. The Aloha Nui is a wonderful B&B, or Latin American style residencial. The family who run it are wonderful, and you will leave at the end of your trip feeling like you have been staying with family. You will come away with a true sense of the island and its people, and a bit of the magic of Rapa Nui. If it's luxury you're after, maybe the Explora Hotel is more to your liking - their new 5-day all-inclusive program stays well outside of town and starts at well over $3,000 per person!

Where should I eat when a meal is not included in the itinerary? There is a great range of options, from kiosks selling empanadas and sodas and beer, to cafes "downtown," to the seaside French Restaurant that bills itself as the best French Restaurant in the Pacific. Your choices are many, and your guide will be happy to make recommendations to suit your tastes or mood.

What language is spoken on the island? The native language of the island is Rapanui, although Spanish is also very widely spoken. Most islanders working with tourists in some capacity will also speak at least some English. Whatever the language, everyone is universally friendly so you should have no problem communicating. All guiding is in English.

What is there to do on the island if I have a "free day" in my itinerary? Lots - and the best part is, the island is so small it would be hard to get lost! You could easily rent a car or jeep for the day to either revisit a favorite site (or beach), or explore new territory - maybe drive out to Tongariki to watch the sun rise behind the moai! Bikes are also rented in town if you're looking for some exercise with your adventure. Also, the only ways to visit the roughly one-third of the island's coastline without a road is either by hiking or renting horses (the horse trip, with a cowboy/guide is a great way to see it!). You can also stroll the streets of town, visit the artisan's market, go diving, take surf lessons, go to the museum, or just relax and take in being on Rapa Nui! A 25 minute stroll from the Aloha Nui brings you to the best show on the island - the lavish tropical sunsets as seen through the moai at Tahai.

What about money matters? There is no need to change currency before arriving in Chile - the U.S. Dollar is widely accepted - their local currency is the Chilean Peso. At present US$1 = 500+ Chilean Pesos. There are both exchange booths and ATM machines in the Santiago Airport. Major Credit Cards are commonly accepted in most parts of Chile. Traveler’s checks are easily exchanged in Santiago, but may be difficult to exchange outside the city. Rapa Nui now has three ATM machines as well, although it is best to plan on bringing enough cash, and/or traveler’s checks with you to the island.

Tipping is common practice in hotels and restaurants in Chile. A 10% tip is customary in restaurants and cafés, while a dollar or a few pesos is adequate to porters. Guidelines for tipping on Rapa Nui are roughly $10-15 per day, although, as always, all gratuities are discretionary.

What else to you offer in Chile? We're really focused on Easter Island, and all that it has to offer. However, Chile, with its hundreds of miles of coastline, soaring mountains, deserts, lakes and glaciers, has much to offer as well. Working with a local tour company we have options from two to three days in either the Northern Deserts around San Pedro de Atacama, or the Southern Lakes Region around Puerto Montt, or 6 days in Chilean Patagonia and the Torres del Paine National Park.

Are there any good books about the island? Longitude Books (our favorite book store for travel books on any destination) has put together a wonderful reading list for the island - you can check it out at... www.longitudebooks