TravelQuest International
305 Double D Drive
Prescott, AZ 86303 USA
To be among
the relatively few people on Earth to
actually stand in the Moon’s shadow to
witness a total solar eclipse is a rare
and privileged occasion. Over the last
12 years, we at TravelQuest have built
our reputation on putting travelers from
all around the world in the right place
at the right time to experience just
such events, regardless of how remote or
challenging the destination was to
access or work within.
This is your invitation to join
TravelQuest on one our most unique
journeys ever offered – the total solar
eclipse of July 11, 2010 viewed from the
remote, seldom visited island of Mangaia
in the Cook Islands, July 5-13, 2010.
In addition to visiting Mangaia, our
Cook Islands eclipse tour will highlight
the scenic beauty of the
island of Rarotonga, Capital of the Cook
Islands. With its jagged peaks and deep valleys,
fertile slopes of red earth and sparkling
aquamarine lagoon, Rarotonga was one of the last
of the Cook Islands to be visited by
European ships. Many South Sea travelers
consider it the most picturesque island in the
Pacific. We will spend four days in Rarotonga
relaxing and exploring its beautiful lagoons,
highlands and culture
Since Mangaia is so off the beaten path, and
there are fewer than 600 inhabitants on the
entire island, it’s not surprising that we have
had more than a few logistical challenges to
overcome in the creation of this most unique
journey. TravelQuest, working through its local
representatives, has met with Mangaia’s
traditional leaders, the island mayor, the
Government Representative, and the island’s
Religious Advisory Group to receive exclusive
permission to witness the total solar eclipse
from their beautiful island.
The people of Mangaia live a simple life.
During our journey, the two days we will spend
in Mangaia will be a very cultural experience
for TravelQuest and its travelers. Trip
participants need to understand and respect the
notion that we are visitors to a very small
island where Christian traditions run deep and
affect all aspects of daily life, and that Mangaia Elders maintain a great deal of respect
and authority within their island community.
We will spend two nights on Mangaia - July 10
and eclipse day Sunday, July 11. On the night
before the eclipse, we will be treated to a
cultural evening at the island school with food,
dance, crafts and entertainment. In the early
morning hours of eclipse day, our group will
assemble at the Mangaia airstrip to observe the
eclipse. After the eclipse concludes, we will
join residents for a traditional Cook Islands
church service, providing a rare look into the
islanders’ Christian heritage. After this
service we will gather for a meal prepared by
the islanders.
Anyone participating on this unique journey must
be aware that Mangaia receives very few
tourists, and that the local Mangian residents
will be working together to welcome so many
visitors on their island. As guests, we must be
respectful of their traditions and honor the
requests of our hosts.
Before or after this amazing Cook Islands
eclipse experience, join us for optional add-on programs
to regional jewels including Easter
Island and Aitutaki.
Of all the eclipses one might witness in their
life, this experience on the island of Mangaia,
in the Cook Islands, will never again be
duplicated. We hope you will join us!
Copyright 2009 TravelQuest
International. All rights
reserved.
Revised: November 10, 2009.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective companies or trademark holders.
