Good Afternoon Bob and Mike,
I have just heard back from the Just You agent and this is what I have been told.
The optional sunrise excursion is not included in the itinerary but after speaking to a Tour Manager who has done this tour previously he thinks you could possibly fit this in.
As per your request, here is a description of the Optional tour Sunrise Ahu Tongariki:
SUNRISE AHU TONGARIKI
Duration: 2 hours approx.
Available: All year round.
Operates: Daily
Schedule: Tour start 06:00 to 07:00 am, depending on whether its summer or winter.
Description:
Later the road leads to the southern coast area until reaching Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial center in all of Polynesia.
Fifteen Moais stand here, more than 14 meters (45.9 ft.) tall, representing the islanders’ ancestors, hence their different shapes and sizes.
The waves crashing against the cliffs and the sun timidly rising from behind the gigantic sculptures are part of this great sunrise spectacle.
Great time for photos and walking around the site. making it a unique sensation.
End of tour and return to hotel.
The tour Sunrise Ahu Tongariki is not included in the itinerary.
Here below is the itinerary of the Easter Island:
Day 1 Easter Island
Welcome at the airport with flower necklace and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2 Easter Island (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Am: Exc. Rano Kau & Orongo:
Visit Ana Kai Tangata, a cave that has many paints made from mineral pigments found on the island. The painting depicts the Manutara bird. The arrival of this bird in spring would initiate the “Tangata Manu” competition. Next, continue to Ranu Kau that was the second of the three main volcanoes to erupt about 2.5 million years ago. It has a height of 310m and a huge crater of 1.6km in diameter and a fresh water lagoon 11m deep. Next to the volcano is the ancient ceremonial city of Orongo, where exist the greatest concentration of petroglyphs. There are pictures of the Tangata manu birdman, the creator god Make.
Pm: Exc. Ahu Akivi & Puna Pau:
Visit to Ahu Huri, one of the last Ahu (altars) to be restored by Dr. William Mulloy. It is believed to be astronomically oriented, due to the sun on the morning of winter solstice rises directly on the facade of the moai. Next, visit to Ahu Akivi, an archaeological site, that was the first scientifically restored site during the 60`s. It's a ceremonial place, particularly interesting not only for its location (center of the island), but also by the legends that are known around seven moai. The tour continues to Ahu Vai Teka, an archeological site that was apparently set up to be oriented towards the rising sun of equinox (beginning of spring and autumn). In the vicinity of this Ahu a large numbers of caves and waterholes, which were very important sources of freshwater for the ancient populations. Finally we will visit Puna Pau, site located east of the town of Hanga Roa, in a small crater of red scoria.
Day 3 Easter Island (B/L)
Breakfast at the hotel.
F/day Exc. Rano Raraku, Tongariki & Anakena beach:
Departure from Hangaroa village towards Anakena beach through the centre of the island, vaitea, and back to Hangaroa through the south coast. Anakena has 4 ahu sites, 2 which have been reconstructed and 2 others which attest to weathering of time. The first ahu is called Ature Huki which was restored in 1955 and the other is called Ahu NauNau which was restored by the same archaeologist Sergio Rapu. The trip continues towards Ahu Te Pito Kura: this site has only a moai, however it measures 10 m/30 feet weights up to 90 tons making it the largest moai to be raised on a platform. The topknot alone is worthy of praise weighing up to 11.5 tons. Here you will also find a very sacred stone. Then, arrival to Rano Raraku, one of most interesting archaeological sites; Here there are 396 moai in the quarry. Some of the statues are still encrusted in the rock of the quarry never to be moved, other are in process of getting their backs finalized and highlighted; some are in the staging area waiting for the moving crew to bring the moai to its destined ahu. Then the Ahu Tongariki, one of the most visually stunning sites on the island which shows how the ancient people were part of a true megalithic culture and the largest reconstructed temple on the Polynesia. This site has 15 moai that were restored in the 80’safter a huge tsunami came ashore in 1960. Finally, the Ahu Akahanga: the platform of the king its believed the grave of the first king of the island Hotu Matu’a can be found in a cave in Akahanga. Here there are 4 separate platforms with 12 moai of various sizes and 8 Pukao (topknots) ; interesting lining stones made from red scoria, a type of iron rich volcanic stone used to make Topknots, funeral cists, boarding stones. Also, petroglyphs run along the front of the main ahu. The back wall on the east end has a head of an older statue incorporated into the masonry which indicates that the ancient culture were inveterate recyclers the reused older material to build and construct other features and works. Lunch simple menu in a house of native people or a Box lunch en route
Day 4 Easter Island (B)
After breakfast, a transfer takes you to Easter Island’s airport to catch your onward flight.
I hope this helps.
Kindest Regards,
Mildred.
