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2-Day Tour Touring the Highlights of Rapa Nui
4.5
2 Ratings
Ahu Nau Nau
This exceptional tour combines the tourist, the historical, the contemporary and the local to offer a complete and enriching experience of Easter Island, fusing past and present in an unforgettable journey.
Incredible landscapes and knowledge about a town and its living culture will remain in your memory.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Ahu Nau Nau - Located on the beach of Hanga Rau o te Ariki (Anakena), this platform features 7 moai, showcasing the grandeur of the Rapa Nui culture. We can also view Ahu Ature Huki, which was restored by the Rapa Nui community in the 1950s.
- Anakena Beach - Known as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, its true name is Hanga Rau o te Ariki, where the first king of Rapa Nui arrived. This was the capital of ancient Rapa Nui society. This stop focuses on history and archaeology, but if time and weather allow, you can enjoy a swim at this stunning beach.
- Ahu Tongariki - The largest platform (ahu) in Polynesia, featuring 15 upright moai facing away from the ocean.
- Rano Raraku - A moai factory with around 400 statues, where you can observe their construction techniques. Many moai remain embedded in volcanic rock, while others are scattered in the area. Ko te Tokanga, the largest moai sculpted on Rapa Nui, is a highlight here.
- Ahu Akivi - This ahu has seven moai facing the ocean towards a point in the Polynesian triangle. Originally called Ahu Atiu, it is over 500 years old.
- Ahu Tahai - This archaeological site features three impressive ceremonial platforms: Ko Te Riku, Tahai, and Vai Uri. It is one of the oldest inhabited areas and is significant in contemporary ceremonies. The site also contains the tomb of William Mulloy, an American archaeologist who made significant contributions. Tahai is known for its stunning views, serene environment, and the soothing sound of the sea, making it a perfect spot for photography.
- Hanga Kioe - Here, you can see the remains of a village with two ahu: Ahu Akapu and Ahu Hanga Kio’e.
- Orongo - This ceremonial village features unique archaeological structures, including flagstone houses and petroglyphs that highlight the island’s cultural connection to the birdman cult. Located atop the Rano Kau volcano, it offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and its motu (islets), where the “Hopu Manu” (protagonist of the “Taŋata Manu” competition) swam. Discover the rich history and cultural significance of Oroŋo.
- Ahu Te Pito Kura - Home to the notable Moai Paro, the largest statue successfully transported from the Rano Raraku quarry to its ahu. Although it has been toppled for nearly two centuries, this moai is a landmark in statue history, standing 10 meters tall and weighing over 80 tons. The massive pukao, nearly 2 meters high and weighing about 10 tons, is one of the largest headdresses from Puna Pau. According to sailors’ tales, this was one of the last ahu with its moai standing.
- Puna Pau - This site contains a red slag quarry, known as Hani-Hani, which was vital to the Rapa Nui. The soft, easily carved material was used to create small statues and the famous pukao that adorned some moai.
- Rano Kau - The largest volcano and one of the most breathtaking natural settings on Rapa Nui. The vastness and silence, interrupted only by the wind, distant waves, and occasional seabird calls, make Rano Kau a must-visit location on the island.
- Ahu Vinapu - A ceremonial complex with a unique platform built from large basalt slabs, suggesting a possible link to the Inca empire. It includes two ceremonial platforms, Ahu Tahira and Ahu Vinapū, and retains ruins of a third, older ahu despite damage from 18th-century tribal conflicts.
- Ahu Vaihu - This site illustrates the impact of clan conflicts that led to the toppling of statues, offering a compelling glimpse into Rapa Nui’s history. The Puku Manu Mea interpretation center here allows visitors to explore and interact with the domestic settlements.
What's Included
- Lunch
- Raincoats provided in case of rain
Additional Information
- Before starting the first day of the excursion, travelers must have their ticket to the national park. This can be purchased in person at the Ma’u Henua offices or at the following link https://www.rapanuinationalpark.com/pages/compra-de-tickets
Location
Ahu Nau Nau
Playa Anakena
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(2 Ratings)
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1 star
Chm061987
May 2, 2024
The best guide we have ever had. - When booking a tour the sites and places you are going to visit are not the only important thing of it.
Without an excellent guide you can’t really enjoy it in full.
We have been lucky having Chris with us.
He is very professional and prepared, he speaks a perfect English and, most importantly, he will take you to visit the island as a friend and not as a simple guide.
I hope each of you could have the same experience as it really gave us the opportunity to enjoy in full.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yolanda_w
Jun 12, 2024
Consise tour - So many wonderful places to see. Joaquin was animated and gave us history of the island and people. The weakness was he often started explanation before we were with the group. We are older and careful where we walk so sometimes we were a little behind. Overall, a very consise tour to see the highlights.
Review provided by Viator
