Moai Statues: Full Day Tour

Uncover the captivating story of the moai statues on Easter Island with a full-day private tour. Explore key sites, guided by a local expert, and delve into the meaning, creation, and destruction of these megalithic wonders.

Duration: 7 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Ahu Tahai - Extensive visite to the Tahai Archaeological Complex for a thorough overview of Rapa Nui’s ancient history as an introduction to the island’s culture. Three monumental ahu and remains of several other archaeological structures can be found at the site. We also pay homage to American archaeologist William T. Mulloy visiting his memorial.
  • Ahu Vaihu - The ruins of a monumental ahu in the Vaihu district are a chilling memory of the fall of the moai. We offer a talk about the reasons for the fall, the modern myths about the collapse and how the ancient culture came to an end. There is also an interpretive center nearby with a functioning replica of an ancient micro-village.
  • Rano Raraku - A breathtaking monumental archaeological site, Rano Raraku was the birthplace of the moai. Near 400 attempts at moai remain there in different stages of the carving process. This place is also of significant geological and historical importance. This is an in-depth visit of every single feature of this place, including (if weather permits) the small caldera at the top.
  • Ahu Tongariki - Ahu Tongariki is the biggest ceremonial monument in Polynesia. Besides a thorough walk around the ahu, we visit the petroglyph site of Papa Tataku Poki in the same area, linked to detailed legends about warfare.
What's Included
  • Snacks
What's Not Included
  • National Park Ticket is required to take this field trip.
Additional Information

Moai Rise and Fall: Full Day Private Tour is an archaeological journey that delves into the significance, origin, creation, and destruction of the megalithic statues of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). By visiting several key locations, the entire story of the moai is brought to life through the insights of a local expert. This tour is grounded in scientific, ethnographic, and historical evidence, enriched by a profound understanding of our oral traditions.

Our leisurely tours contrast with the fast-paced group tours to ensure that Rapanui culture is authentically represented. We visit sites during optimal lighting conditions and avoid peak hours whenever possible, allowing ample time at each location for a comprehensive experience. This tour can also be tailored to meet the specific interests of our travelers.

Private service only.

Location
Atamu Tekena
Since we offer private tours exclusively, we will find our travelers at their preferred pickup spot.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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(3 Ratings)
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David_h
Feb 22, 2023
A Must do Experience! - This experience will leave you with a deeper understanding of Polynesian culture and a complete framework for conceptualizing the processes driving the cultural development of Rapa Nui. Truely, a must do before you leave the island.
Review provided by Viator
Jkfuller
Jan 29, 2020
Best Easter Island Tour! - I can’t imagine a better guide than the one we had. Christian had such in depth knowledge of Easter Island and his mastery of the English language was superb. The tour itself hit all of the high points including hidden gems that only a local expert would know about. I highly recommend this tour and company!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 4 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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