Easter Island: A Gay Adventure

Day 1: Arrival

Most travelers will arrive on the same flight from Santiago, Chile to Easter Island. Our luggage will be transported to our hotel, but we will stretch our legs after the long flight with a short walk to our nearby accommodations.  Easter Island is a place like no other, and rushing is not in order, so we will begin with a leisurely walk to get the stiffness out of our legs and begin to experience the island’s magic. Tonight we will enjoy a Welcome Dinner with typical island fare.

Days 2-5: Mysteries and Adventure Abound!

We begin our gay adventure on Easter Island with a hiking tour behind the airport on the rugged volcanic slopes of Rano Kau, one of the three volcanic peaks that command the corners of this triangular island. We’ll visit the cave paintings of Ana Kai Tangata and the Orongo ceremonial village that sits atop the outer rim of the volcano, high above the crashing waves of the ocean. The archeological artifacts here are from the “Birdman” cult, rather than the famous moai’s that we will see in so many other parts of the island. Across the waves are the two largest of the five satellite islands around Easter Island, Motu Nui and its smaller sibling, Motu Iti. To win the annual Birdman title for his clan, a young man had to climb down the cliff from the Orongo village, swim across the narrow, turbulent passage to these islands, then be the first to return with an intact egg of the sooty tern.

The next morning a bike ride is in order, so after breakfast, we check out our bikes and get oriented to the layout of the town. We can head out of town along the coast and check out Tahai and Tepeu, two of the famous ahus (archeological sites). We may also pop into the museum if there’s time. A picnic is always fun, and lunch at the cave at Ana Te Pahu would be a good location. We could then continue on to Akivi and Puna Pau (more Moai, each in a unique setting!), and coast back to the island’s only village, Hanga Roa.

On one of our excursions, we will head to Anakena Beach at the far end of the island. This small beach is one of only two actual beaches along an otherwise rocky coastline. Weather conditions permitting, you may be able to get into the water for a bit before our barbecue lunch in the shadow of one of the island’s more picturesque moai platforms.

With nearly 800 Moai to observe from bikes, on foot, or from our van, we’ll head home with amazing memories of this unique place with its mysterious past.

One of the joys of Easter Island is the way it works its magic on you. No cell phone here, please! An idle hour is an hour well spent (although there are Internet cafes with slow connections when you do feel the need to connect back home). With so many options, combined with the island mood of taking things at your own pace, we offer free time to let you customize your trip to fit your own desires.

One possible option for those who wish additional hiking may be to join our tour leader for a hearty hike up Teravaka, the highest point on the island. This 507 meter (1650 foot) peak offers fantastic views of the surrounding area. Of course, we will feast on delicious island food for our Farewell Dinner, and thank our hosts who have been gracious enough to invite us into their homes.

Day 6: Departure

This morning take a last look at your favorite Moai, or wander around town, as most travelers will depart on the afternoon flight and make it in time for overnight connections to North America or Europe.