Every year in February the Tapati festival is held on Easter Island. It is undoubtedly the best time to visit this outstanding piece of land in the middle of the Pacific. The Tapati Festival is a unique celebration that retraces the Rapanui culture through various traditional events. The inhabitants, divided into "alliances" representative of the old castes inhabiting the island, compete to choose the island's Queen. Experience the return to the Rapanui roots, an atypical culture, for a holiday off the beaten track.
Tapati Festival on Easter Island
Map
Itinerary
- Day 1: Santiago de Chile - Hanga Roa - Santiago de Chile - Hanga Roa - Ahu Akivi - Hanga Roa - Ahu Akivi - Hanga Roa
- Day 2: Hanga Roa
- Day 3: Hanga Roa - Rano Kau Volcano - Hanga Roa
- Day 4: Hanga Roa - Anakena - Rano Raraku - Hanga Roa
- Day 5: Hanga Roa
- Day 6: Hanga Roa - Santiago de Chile - Hanga Roa - Santiago de Chile
TRAVEL BOOK
Day 1: Santiago de Chile - Hanga Roa - Ahu Akivi - Hanga Roa
Private transfer from your hotel to Santiago airport.
Domestic flight from Santiago to Easter Island (time to be confirmed).
Transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Entrance fees for the Rapa Nui National Park included.
In the afternoon, visit of Ahu Vinapu, the Puna Pau quarry and the site of the seven explorers Ahu Akivi, the only site of the island where the Moais are facing the sea.
Night at the hotel Hanga Roa *****
Included : transfer departure, domestic flight, airport tax, english speaking guide, transfer arrival, entrance fees, excursion (private), room & breakfast
Day 2: Hanga Roa
Morning dedicated to the visit of the village of Hanga Roa, its museum and the Tahai complex, the archaeological site closest to the village, where Moai statues face away from the ocean.
Half day dedicated to the Tapati Festival. Accompanied by your guide, you will attend the events of the festival. Due to the late release of the program, we won't be able to guarantee which activities you'll be attending. According to the program, this half-day could be postponed to another day. The whole population takes part in sporting or artistic events: dancing, ritual chants, art exhibits, carving competitions, horse and boat races, body painting, a string figure (kai-kai) contest, the selection of a queen, an amazing parade and a triathlon event, amongst other attractions. This festival brings the Rapanui history and legends back to life.
Night at the hotel Hanga Roa *****
Included : english speaking guide, entrance fees, excursion (private), room & breakfast
Day 3: Hanga Roa - Rano Kau Volcano - Hanga Roa
Half-day excursion to the Rano Kau Volcano. You will first discover the spectacular crater as well as panoramic views of the island. You will then continue to the ceremonial site of Orongo, where the Birdman cult used to take place. From there, you will catch sight of the 3 Motu islets that you can reach by boat. Finally, you will visit the cave Ana Kai Tangata. There, you will have a spectacular view of the island and of the Pacific Ocean.
Return to Hanga Roa at the end of the morning.
Half day dedicated to the Tapati Festival. Accompanied by your guide, you will attend the events of the festival. Due to the late release of the program, we won't be able to guarantee which activities you'll be attending. According to the program, this half-day could be postponed to another day. The whole island participates in sporting events: triathlon, horse races, fishing, surfing, kayaking and haka pei, where participants slide down the side of a mountain on banana trunks at top speeds.
Night at the hotel Hanga Roa *****
Included : english speaking guide, excursion (private), entrance fees, room & breakfast
Day 4: Hanga Roa - Anakena - Rano Raraku - Hanga Roa
Full day excursion to discover the Anakena beach, the sites of Nau Nau and Ature Huki. You will visit the arqueologic sites of Hare Moa, Manavai, Pipi Oreko, Papa Vaka, and the Ahu Te Pito Kura (Biggest Moai). You will arrive in the bay of Hanga Nui, where the impressive site of Tongariki is. End your day at to the volcan Rano Raraku, before driving back to the village.
Night at the hotel Hanga Roa *****
Included : english speaking guide, excursion (private), lunch, room & breakfast
Day 5: Hanga Roa
Morning dedicated to a horseback ride to the Terevaka volcano. The ride starts at the former sheep farm of Vae Tea. You will reach the summit after a 500-meter climb and you will enjoy a 360° view.
Half day dedicated to the Tapati Festival. Accompanied by your guide, you will attend the events of the festival. Due to the late release of the program, we won't be able to guarantee which activities you'll be attending. According to the program, this half-day could be postponed to another day. The traditional dances, performances and musical shows will bring the Easter Island's history and legends back to life with costumes and paintings from the Rapanui tradition.
Night at the hotel Hanga Roa *****
Included : english speaking guide, excursion (private), entrance fees, room & breakfast
Day 6: Hanga Roa - Santiago de Chile
Transfer Hotel - Airport organised by your hotel.
Domestic flight from Easter Island to Santiago (time to be confirmed, flight indicated in option).
Arrival in Santiago and private transfer to your hotel.
Included : english speaking guide, transfer departure, domestic flight, airport tax, transfer arrival
Hotel Hanga Roa Hanga Roa
Level : 5*
Included :
room & breakfast
The hotel Hanga roa eco village & spa is very well located on the main coast with sea view and very close to the city centre.