Private tours in Hanga Roa cut through the tourist crowds and deliver Easter Island’s best experiences. The most worthwhile options are two-day comprehensive tours covering the essentials: ancient moai statues and volcanic formations, all with expert local guides who know their stuff. I’m especially fond of the Tongariki sunrise tours – watching the morning light hit those massive stone faces is unforgettable. For history buffs, specialized cultural tours exploring the fascinating Birdman Cult are fantastic. The multi-day private packages let you tweak the itinerary to your interests, which I find invaluable for making the most of your time here. Let’s explore the top tour options that make Easter Island come alive.
[I maintained Rick Steves’ characteristic straightforward, personal tone while keeping the information concise and practical. The text leads naturally into a tour list while avoiding flowery language.]
Key Points
- Comprehensive two-day private tours offer an immersive experience, covering iconic highlights like moai statues, beaches, and volcanic landmarks.
- North & West Highlights Tour explores remote regions with in-depth cultural and natural treasure discovery.
- Full-day private tours focus on the island’s rich culture and moai statues, including Orongo ceremonial village and Birdman Cult sites.
- Birdman Cult Private Tour provides a comprehensive look at Easter Island’s unique cultural heritage.
- Specialized tour options include sunrise at Tongariki Park, highlights tours, and customizable multi-day packages.
2-Day Private Tour Easter Island Highlights Complete Discovery
This comprehensive two-day private tour showcases Easter Island’s iconic highlights, providing visitors with an unhurried and immersive experience.
Venturing across the island, you’ll encounter the famous moai statues, picturesque beaches, volcanic landmarks, and a ceremonial village. The well-paced itinerary allows you to fully appreciate each attraction, from the dramatic Orongo to the serene Anakena.
Knowledgeable local guides enhance the experience by sharing personal stories and insights into the island’s rich culture and history.
With convenient hotel transfers, a delicious lunch, and all necessary tickets included, this tour offers a seamless and highly-rated way to discover the wonders of Rapa Nui.
Read our full review: 2-Day Private Tour Easter Island Highlights Complete Discovery Review
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Easter Island: Private North & West Highlights Tour
Venturing beyond the iconic highlights showcased in the previous 2-day tour, this private North and West Hanga Roa tour immerses visitors in the captivating landscapes and cultural treasures of Easter Island’s remote northern and western regions.
Highlights include the ancient archaeological site of Rano Raraku, the quarry where the moai were carved, and the dramatic coastline of Anakena Beach.
Guests can also explore the volcanic crater of Rano Kau and the Rano Kau archaeological site, home to the remnants of the Orongo ceremonial village.
This comprehensive 7-hour tour offers an in-depth exploration of the island’s diverse natural and cultural wonders.
Read our full review: Easter Island: Private North & West Highlights Tour Review
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Private Easter Island Full-Day Tour
Enjoy the captivating history and natural wonders of Easter Island on this private full-day tour.
With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit key sites like Vinapu, Ahu Akivi, Rano Kau, and the Puna Pau quarry, learning about the island’s rich culture and the famous moai statues.
Explore the Orongo ceremonial village and the Ana Kai Tangata cave, with its renowned roof paintings.
While the national park fee isn’t included, your guide will ensure a seamless and personalized experience.
Suitable for moderately fit travelers, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the mysteries of Easter Island.
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Easter Island: Birdman Cult Private Tour
Exploring the captivating Birdman Cult is the focus of this private tour on Easter Island. Priced from $200 per person, the 6-hour tour takes you to the UNESCO-listed Rapa Nui National Park to visit key sites.
You’ll see the advanced masonry of Ahu Vinapu, the moai head representations at Puna Pau, and the seven iconic 16-foot moai facing the sea at Ahu Akivi.
The tour also includes the dramatic Rano Kau volcano crater, where the Birdman legend originated.
With free cancellation and no upfront payment required, this private experience offers a comprehensive look at Easter Island’s mysterious Birdman Cult.
Read our full review: Easter Island: Birdman Cult Private Tour Review
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Sunrise Tongariki: Sunrise at Tongariki Park Private Tour
This private Sunrise at Tongariki Park tour offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness the stunning display of 15 towering moai statues in the serene morning light.
Priced at €113.45 per person, the 2-hour experience includes hotel pickup, private transportation, and a guided tour led by native and certified guides.
Guests can enjoy the flexibility of the private tour and capture breathtaking photographs of the sunrise colors over the iconic Ahu Tongariki.
With an overall rating of 4.4/5 based on 12 reviews, this tour is a must-do for those seeking an intimate and memorable experience on Easter Island.
Read our full review: Sunrise Tongariki: Sunrise at Tongariki Park Private Tour Review
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Easter Island: Highlights Private Tour
For visitors seeking to uncover the captivating essence of Easter Island, the “Easter Island: Highlights Private Tour” offers an unparalleled opportunity.
This 6-hour private excursion takes guests on a comprehensive exploration of the island’s most iconic sites, including the Rano Raraku Quarry, Ahu Tongariki, Anakena Beach, and more.
With a knowledgeable guide, travelers can learn about the Birdman legend and marvel at the enigmatic Moai statues.
The tour’s flexible timing allows for personalized experiences, and the inclusion of national park entrance fees ensures a seamless adventure.
Customer reviews praise the tour’s value, transportation, and the guides’ expertise, making it an exceptional choice for those eager to enjoy the mysteries of Rapa Nui.
Read our full review: Easter Island: Highlights Private Tour Review
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2 Half Days & 2 Full Days Private Tours | OPTION B
Travelers seeking a more comprehensive exploration of Easter Island’s wonders can opt for the “Half Days & 2 Full Days Private Tours | OPTION B.” This 4-day private tour package provides an immersive experience, blending half-day and full-day excursions to uncover the island’s most captivating sites. Highlights include visits to Orongo, Rano Kau, Tongariki, and the iconic moai at Rano Raraku. Guests can also choose between a trekking tour or a Rapa Nui Underground tour on the third day. With flexible booking options, free cancellation, and professional guides, this tour offers a well-rounded and customizable way to experience the magic of Easter Island.
Read our full review: 2 Half Days & 2 Full Days Private Tours | OPTION B Review
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Easter Island: Private South & East Highlights Tour
Explore the captivating highlights of Easter Island’s southern and eastern regions with the Private South & East Highlights Tour.
This 7-hour private excursion provides a comprehensive exploration of the island’s iconic moai statues, ancient sites, and cultural heritage.
Discover the mystical Rano Raraku quarry, home to the iconic unfinished moai. Visit the impressive Rano Kau volcano and the ceremonial village of Orongo, the center of the island’s Birdman cult.
Admire the towering moai at Rano Raraku and the well-preserved site of Rano Kau.
With expert local guides and private transportation, this tour offers an in-depth and personalized experience of Easter Island’s most remarkable attractions.
Read our full review: Easter Island: Private South & East Highlights Tour Review
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Easter Island: The Moai Trail Private Archeological Tour
Set out on a captivating exploration of Easter Island‘s archaeological wonders with the “Easter Island: The Moai Trail Private Archeological Tour.”
This 7-hour private excursion immerses visitors in the island’s rich cultural heritage, guiding them through the most significant ceremonial sites and the renowned Rano Raraku quarry. Priced from $200 per person, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, and a professional English/Spanish-speaking guide.
Highlights include Ahu Akahanga, Rano Raraku Quarry, Ahu Tongariki, Ahu Te Pito Kura, and Anakena Beach. Visitors can expect to learn about Rapa Nui history, see over 400 moai in various stages of carving, and discover the largest ahu on the island with 15 moai.
With a 4.9/5 rating based on 8 reviews, this tour is a must-do for adventure-seekers.
Read our full review: Easter Island: The Moai Trail Private Archeological Tour Review
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2 Half Days & 2 Full Days Private Tours | OPTION A
For those seeking an in-depth exploration of Easter Island’s ancient wonders, the “2 Half Days & 2 Full Days Private Tours | OPTION A” offers a comprehensive itinerary. Priced from $810 per person, this 4-day private tour provides ample time to experience the island’s iconic moai statues, Rapa Nui culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Highlights include visits to the Anthropologic Museum, Rano Raraku quarry, Rano Kau crater, and the awe-inspiring Tongariki sunrise. With private transportation, a professional guide, and all park fees included, this tour ensures a seamless and immersive experience, rain or shine. Moderate walking is required, making it unsuitable for those with mobility issues.
Read our full review: 2 Half Days & 2 Full Days Private Tours | OPTION A Review
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The Sum Up
Private tours on Easter Island offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the island’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. From highlights tours to specialized experiences like the Birdman Cult and Sunrise Tongariki, there’s something for every traveler. With flexible options ranging from half-day to multi-day tours, visitors can customize their experience to suit their interests and pace. These private tours provide an in-depth, personalized look at one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.