Day 6: Easter Island, Chile — 24901 miles around

For centuries, the mystery of how the colossal stone statues of Easter Island moved captivated scientists. See their theories come to life.

Today we embark on a full-day tour of the island. Near the town of Hanga Roa we will get the opportunity to see Ahu Tahai, the site of three restored moai, the rock statues for which the island is famous. We will also stop at the Rano Raraku quarry, where almost 400 giant statues remain in various stages of completion and Ahu Tongariki, where we'll get to visit a monument featuring 15 large statues lined in a row.

This morning we have an opportunity for a sunrise photo shoot with National Geographic photographer Massimo Bassano near some of the island’s moai.

Later we have options to hike to see farmlands, remote moai, village ruins, or lava tubes and caves. We may also choose to go shopping in town

After lunch we will explore Orongo—the ceremonial center of the birdman cult—and visit Ranu Kau, an extinct volcano. We then transfer to the airport for our flight to Samoa.

Lunch will be served at Anakena Beach, home of an ancient Easter Island chief and one of the most scenic coves in the South Pacific.

In the evening we will listen to a lecture by our Easter Island archaeologists.

Becoming one with the Moai on Easter Island!

Walking through the Easter Island Quarry

Hiking through the lava tubes of Easter Island

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES The Secret of Easter Island - National Geographic HD