Hotel pick up & drop off
Private transportation
Private tour guide (Bilingual Spanish/English)
Bottled water
Join us on the captivating "Moai Route" tour and immerse yourself in the allure of Rapa Nui with Aroha. Explore the exquisite Inca-like stonework of Vinapu and marvel at the precision. Witness the intriguing sight of the unique moai statue at Moai A Umi, sparking curiosity about their creation. Prepare to be mesmerized by the dramatic coastal vistas of Hanga Poukura, where towering sea cliffs create a breathtaking backdrop. At Vaihu and Akahanga, feel a sense of reverence as you encounter the fallen moai statues and uncover the island's captivating past.
Then, venture to the majestic Rano Raraku quarry, where the monumental moai were born, immersing yourself in ancient traditions and craftsmanship. Finally, stand in awe at Ahu Tongariki, where 15 meticulously restored moai statues command attention, leaving an indelible impression. Embark on this remarkable tour and let the spirit of Rapa Nui captivate your senses and ignite your imagination.
AHU VINAPU
Rapa Nui, Chile
Vinapu showcases remarkable construction and carving techniques in its Ahus. The area's enigmatic wall, resembling Inca architecture, has sparked theories of contact between Polynesia and South America. Notably, the site features Ahu Tahira, with six fallen statues and a precisely constructed wall, and the older Vinapu II with scattered moai and a unique red column, possibly representing a female moai. This eroded "column" is made of red scoria, similar to pukao, and may have originally had two heads. The area's historical significance lies in its unique architectural mastery, the potential link to South American cultures, and the scarcity of female moai representations, shedding light on the island's ancient cultural and architectural practices.
MOAI A UMI
Rapa Nui, Chile
Moai a Umi, near Vinapu, is a rare and unique moai crafted from red rock. The cultural significance and symbolic tales associated with this female moai, offer valuable insights into the island's rich heritage and enigmatic legends. 5 minutes away is Hanga Poukura, which features a stunning coastal area with unique rough lava rock formations and buried statues arranged in a mysterious line. The Ahu, showcasing well-crafted stone blocks, stands out.
VAIHU
Rapa Nui, Chile
Ahu Vaihu, a meticulously reconstructed traditional Rapa Nui village, offers an immersive experience into the island's ancient way of life. Explore the stone foundations of hare paenga, umu pae stone ovens, and gain a profound understanding of the cultural and social dynamics that shaped the Rapa Nui civilization.
AKAHANGA
Rapa Nui, Chile
Akahanga was once one of the largest villages on Easter Island. This significant archaeological site features a small cave, an 18-meter-long platform with 13 toppled moai statues, pukao headdresses, and a crematorium. According to oral tradition, it's the burial site of King Hotu Matu'a, with a legend surrounding the discovery of his skull. The site's location and its alignment with the summer and winter solstice sunsets and sunrises suggest a symbolic connection with the burial site of the king's sister.
RANO RARAKU
Rapa Nui, Chile
Rano Raraku is the monumental volcanic quarry that served as the production site for the iconic moai statues. Composed of unique volcanic tuff, it provided the raw material for sculptors to create the nearly 1,000 statues found on the island. The quarry's southern slope is adorned with dozens of stone heads and figures, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of the ancient sculptors. The presence of numerous unfinished statues and empty niches signifies the quarry's pivotal role in the island's cultural and ceremonial practices.
AHU TONGARIKI
Rapa Nui, Chile
Ahu Tongariki, the grandest and most imposing monument of Rapa Nui, is believed to be a sociopolitical and religious center dating back to 900 AD. The Ahu at Tongariki is the largest ceremonial structure on the island, holding 15 moai, representing the zenith of Rapa Nui's constructions. Once devastated, the site has been meticulously restored, allowing visitors to witness the megalithic structures in a state akin to their original splendor. The 15 giants, each with unique shapes and sizes, stand on a 100-meter-long altar, providing spiritual protection to the ancient village. The restoration has allowed for the observation of the wonderful structure, showcasing the diverse characteristics and expressions of the statues, reflecting the features of each ancestor and the evolution of their stylized features over time.
Stops
13
Duration
Full Day
Group size
4
Difficulty
Easy
Your guide
Joaquin Soler Hotu
Born and raised in Rapa Nui, this island and its waters are my passions. I speak Spanish, English and Rapa Nui fluently and am excited to share our history and culture with you.