Morning
Your tour begins with pickup from your hotel in the town of Hanga Roa. We set out toward the southeastern and northeastern coasts of the island, starting with a visit to Ahu Akahanga, a remarkable site composed of 4 ceremonial platforms, 12 moai statues, and 8 pukao (topknots). This site also offers a view of one of the best-preserved ancient villages on the island.
Next, we continue to the Rano Raraku volcanic crater, formed from consolidated volcanic ash. This iconic site served as the main quarry for the moai statues and is home to 397 moai in various stages of completion—offering a striking visual record of Rapa Nui sculpture and craftsmanship. After exploring the crater, we’ll enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch on its scenic slopes.
Afternoon
Following lunch, we visit Ahu Tongariki, the island’s most impressive and largest ceremonial platform. This majestic site features 15 towering moai aligned in a row, restored after being toppled by a tsunami in 1960.
Our next stop is Ahu Te Pito Kura, where the remnants of the tallest moai ever transported and erected on a platform, Moai Paro, can be seen. Though no longer standing, the massive statue—once 10 meters tall and weighing 85 tons, with a pukao of 11.5 tons—lies in three distinct pieces. Nearby is Te Pito o Te Henua, the "Navel of the World"—a legendary spherical stone said to have been brought by the island’s first king, Hotu Matu’a.
The final destination of the day is the stunning Anakena Beach, known for its white coral sands, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. This beach is not only a place of natural beauty but also of great archaeological significance. Here, you’ll find Ahu Nau Nau, a ceremonial platform with 5 moai wearing pukao and intricate petroglyphs carved into their backs and surrounding stones. Notably, an extraordinary white coral eye with a red scoria pupil—discovered during excavations—is now housed in the island’s museum.
We’ll take time to relax, swim, or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere of Anakena. The duration of our stay here will depend on the weather and the energy of the group before we return to Hanga Roa.
Transfer back to your hotel.
Evening
Free evening.
Overnight at your hotel.
MEALS
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Box lunch included