Rapa Nui Cave Exploration: Discover Historic and Cultural Underworld of Easter Island

Embark on a half-day Rapa Nui Cave Exploration tour and uncover the historic and cultural underworld of Easter Island. Discover amazing caves, hike through volcanic landscapes, and learn from local cultural experts.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Rapa Nui National Park - The hike begins in the Roiho area of Rapa Nui National Park (ticket required). Along the route, several lava tubes, cliffs, archaeological site ruins, and the topography of some of the island’s youngest lava flows can be seen.
  • Ana Te Pahu - This field trip explores the western wing of this lava tube, experiencing three stages of increasing darkness. Some sections feature native vegetation and species introduced by early Polynesians.
  • Ahu Te Peu - A large archaeological complex with several ceremonial centers (ahu), dominated by Ahu Te Peu with its fallen moai. The area includes Polynesian ovens, foundations of hare pa’enga, manavai, hare moa, and several other features.
  • Ana Te Pora - After about an hour of hiking, this small and smooth lava tube, turned into an Ana Kionga (shelter cave), is reached. A narrow lateral tunnel, almost inaccessible, extends all the way to the cliffs of the west coast.
  • Ana Kakenga - After another short hike, Ana Kakenga is reached. A small, modified entrance leads to a narrow tunnel that gradually widens. At the end, two windows to the sea offer stunning views of the ocean and either the islets of Motu Tautara or the rugged west coast of Rapa Nui. After visiting the last cavern, the guide will lead a walk along the coastline, appreciating the beautiful cliffs, returning through the Vai a Mei sector, and ending the walk by taking the vehicle.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • National Park Ticket not included
Additional Information

This half-day adventure explores a cavern circuit in the Roiho region of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). The walking tour includes stops at Ana te Pahu, Ahu te Peu, Ana te Pora, and Ana Kakenga. Participants will hike across a young volcanic landscape and enter a series of remarkable caves that hold significant historical and cultural value for the local Rapanui people. Additionally, the tour visits the Ahu Te Peu region, where ancient traditions are preserved through its stone monuments. According to ancestral knowledge, the first wooden figure known as kava kava was sculpted in this part of the island. On this private tour, local cultural experts will guide participants with care, sharing their knowledge and insights about the area. Don’t miss the chance to explore the mysterious underground world of Rapa Nui during your visit to the island.

Location
Rapa Nui National Park
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(1 Rating)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Barry_w
Mar 25, 2024
Caves, lava tubes and ruins - This was a great trip to an area that most visitors to Easter Island don’t travel to. There were very few other people. Going through the caves required some crawling and climbing and the ruins that we visited were impressive and highly accessible.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 4 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today