Private Journey

EASTER ISLAND AND THE TAPATI FESTIVAL

Across the world’s driest desert to infinite salt horizon.

8 Days / 7 Nights

Santiago · Rapa Nui Easter Island

Fully Customizable

8 Days / 7 Nights

Santiago · Rapa Nui Easter Island

Fully Customizable Journey

Overview

This privately curated eight day journey connects Chile’s sophisticated capital with one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth, timed to coincide with Tapati Rapa Nui, the island’s most important cultural festival. The itinerary is designed for travelers seeking deep cultural access, archaeological context, and a refined pace that allows time to absorb both place and people.

From Santiago’s layered history and contemporary energy to the ceremonial sites and living traditions of Rapa Nui, the journey offers a rare balance of museum level heritage and vibrant community celebration. Seamlessly operated on the ground by Nature Horizons, this experience emphasizes private logistics, expert interpretation, and meaningful engagement with local culture throughout.

Download Full Itinerary

ARRIVAL IN SANTIAGO AND CULTURAL INTRODUCTION

Day 1 / 8

SANTIAGO DE CHILE

The Journey

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01

SANTIAGO DE CHILE

ARRIVAL IN SANTIAGO AND CULTURAL INTRODUCTION

SANTIAGO DE CHILE

Arrive in Santiago, a city framed by the Andes and defined by a compelling blend of colonial heritage and modern life. Explore key historical landmarks in the city’s core, where civic architecture and public squares reveal Chile’s political and cultural evolution. Continue with a curated cultural experience focused on pre Columbian heritage, offering essential context before traveling to Rapa Nui. The evening is designed as an intimate introduction to Chilean hospitality in a private setting, setting the tone for the journey ahead.

Overnight: Santiago de Chile

Day 02

EASTER ISLAND

SANTIAGO TO EASTER ISLAND AND TAPATI OPENING

EASTER ISLAND

Fly to Rapa Nui, one of the most geographically isolated communities in the world, known as an open air museum of ceremonial sites and enigmatic stone figures. Begin with a walking exploration of Hanga Roa, the island’s principal town, where daily life and Rapa Nui identity remain closely intertwined. As the afternoon light softens, visit a coastal ceremonial complex where moai stand in quiet silhouette against the Pacific. The evening introduces Tapati Rapa Nui through curated festival experiences, revealing dance, song, storytelling, and competition as living expressions of heritage.

Overnight: San Pedro de Atacama

Day 03

EASTER ISLAND

EASTER ISLAND: AHU TONGARIKI, RANO RARAKU AND ANAKEN

EASTER ISLAND

Depart early to experience sunrise at Ahu Tongariki, the island’s most iconic ceremonial platform, where a line of moai faces the interior of the island in solemn presence. Continue along the southeastern coast to Rano Raraku, the volcanic quarry where most moai were carved, with dozens remaining in different stages of completion. Walk to the crater lake and explore the quarry landscape to understand the scale of Rapa Nui’s artistic and spiritual ambition. Continue to Anakena Beach, where pale sand and palm trees frame ceremonial platforms and restored moai, offering a striking contrast to the island’s volcanic terrain. The evening returns to Tapati festivities, deepening the connection to contemporary Rapa Nui culture.

Overnight: Easter Island

Day 04

EASTER ISLAND

EASTER ISLAND: VINAPU, RANO KAU AND ORONGO

EASTER ISLAND

Explore Ahu Vinapu, known for its finely fitted stonework that evokes comparisons to Andean construction methods. Continue to the rim of Rano Kau, where a dramatic volcanic crater opens onto a freshwater lagoon, framed by sweeping views of the Pacific. Visit Orongo, the ceremonial village associated with the Birdman Cult, where leaders were once selected through ritual competition. The site’s restored houses and petroglyph carved cliffs provide insight into spiritual life and island governance. The evening is reserved for Tapati competitions, where athleticism, artistry, and lineage remain central.

Overnight: Easter Island

Day 05

EASTER ISLAND

EASTER ISLAND: AHU AKIVI AND PUNA PAU, FESTIVAL EVENING

EASTER ISLAND

Visit Ahu Akivi, an inland ceremonial platform featuring seven moai oriented toward the sea, a rare configuration that invites both interpretation and quiet reflection. Continue to Puna Pau, a quarry where red volcanic stone was carved into the distinctive topknots placed on select moai. The afternoon offers time at leisure, allowing for personal exploration, rest, or additional cultural immersion. As evening approaches, return to Tapati for an atmospheric celebration of music, performance, and island identity.

Overnight: Easter Island

Day 06

EASTER ISLAND

EASTER ISLAND: ISLETS OF MOTU NUI AND FAREWELL CULTURE

EASTER ISLAND

Today offers a marine perspective of Rapa Nui’s coastal landscape, navigating near the dramatic offshore islets associated with the Birdman tradition. The view from the water reveals the island’s raw volcanic contours and the scale of the surrounding Pacific, reinforcing the isolation that shaped Rapa Nui history. The journey concludes on the island with a private farewell dinner in a local home, offering a more intimate cultural encounter centered on hospitality, conversation, and tradition.

Overnight: Easter Island

Day 07

SANTIAGO DE CHILE

EASTER ISLAND TO SANTIAGO

SANTIAGO DE CHILE

Enjoy a final unhurried morning on Rapa Nui before returning to Santiago. The transition provides a natural closing arc, moving from the island’s ceremonial quiet back to the capital’s cosmopolitan rhythm.

Overnight: Santiago de Chile

Day 08

DEPARTURE FROM SANTIAGO

The journey concludes with a smooth private transfer for departure, marking the end of a culturally rich exploration connecting Chile’s capital with the living traditions of Rapa Nui.

Accommodations

Stays

Selected accommodations are chosen for comfort, service quality, and suitability for a seamless and intimate flow between regions.

Santiago de Chile

A refined city hotel in a prestigious neighborhood, offering comfort, service excellence, and access to key cultural districts.

Easter Island

A design forward resort reflecting Rapa Nui heritage, offering tranquility, elevated comfort, and an ideal base for archaeological and festival experiences.

Specific properties may vary based on availability while maintaining the same category and standard.

The Essentials

Includes

Private airport arrival and departure services
Private VIP ground transportation throughout the journey
Expert private guides and local specialists
All accommodations as listed
Daily breakfasts and selected meals
All entrance fees and experiences described in the itinerary.
On-the-ground coordination by Nature Horizons Tours

Additional

Does not include

International or domestic flights
Travel insurance
Meals not specified
Personal expenses
Optional activities not listed

Journey Style & Pace

A privately guided cultural journey designed with a refined rhythm, balancing archaeological depth, festival immersion, and time for quiet appreciation.

Customization & Flexibility

This itinerary may be adapted based on festival scheduling, preferred activity level, and personal interests, with optional enhancements available upon request.

Who This Journey Is For

Ideal for travelers seeking meaningful cultural access, archaeological context, and a rare opportunity to experience Tapati Rapa Nui with expert guidance.

Extensions & Upgrades

Extensions may include Chile’s wine regions, the Atacama Desert, Patagonia, or additional nights on Easter Island for deeper exploration.

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