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Explore the most iconic archaeological sites of Rapa Nui: moai, volcanoes, and beaches on an unforgettable excursion that combines history, legends, and unique landscapes.

Highlights

• Discover the legendary Ahu Akahanga, 'platform of the king.'
• Explore the volcanic quarry of Rano Raraku
• Stories and legends about Hotu Matua
• Marvel at the white sands of Anakena Beach.
• Discover ceremonial temples and ancient villages.

Description

Discover the essence of Rapa Nui on this full-day excursion that will take you to the most important and historically significant archaeological sites on the island. We will depart from Hanga Roa at around 9:30 a.m. and head to the southeast coast of the island, where we will begin our journey at Ahu Akahanga, known as the 'king's platform.' Legend has it that the tomb of the first ariki, Hotu Matua, is located near this site. Here you will see four platforms, twelve moai, and eight pukaos, as well as one of the best-preserved villages on the island. We will continue to the impressive Rano Raraku volcano and quarry, the birthplace of the moai. Most of the island's statues were carved from its volcanic slopes, and even today you can see around 400 moai in various stages of carving, a true window into the past that shows the magnitude and mystery of this ancient culture. The tour continues to Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial platform on the island, with its imposing 15 restored moai standing facing the ocean, offering an unforgettable view. Then we will visit Ahu Te Pito Kura, which houses the Moai Paro, the tallest statue erected on an ahu, measuring 10 meters high, weighing 85 tons, and with a pukao weighing 11.5 tons. Next to it, you will see the sacred stone Te Pito or Te Henua, known as the 'navel of the world,' which according to legend was brought by Hotu Matua on his boat. Our adventure continues to Ahu Nau Nau, a complex temple with different levels, where five moai with pukaos and petroglyphs carved on their backs stand out. Finally, we will end the day at the beautiful Anakena Beach, with its white coral sand and turquoise waters, considered the place where the ariki Hotu Matua and his sister Avareipua arrived. This paradisiacal setting, surrounded by palm trees, offers a perfect contrast between the archaeological majesty and natural beauty of Rapa Nui. After enjoying this unique environment, we will return to the village of Hanga Roa, ending a day that combines history, culture, and nature in a single tour. This tour is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the heart of Rapa Nui, learning about its legends, its legacy, and its most emblematic landscapes in a single day.

Includes

Pick up and drop off from downtown hotels / Bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English) / 24-hour customer service to answer any questions

Important Information

• This activity is available year-round, only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund