Discover the essence of Rapa Nui on this full-day excursion that will take you to the island's most important and history-rich archaeological sites.
We'll depart from Hanga Roa at around 9:30 a.m. for the southeast coast of the island, where we'll 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 can see four platforms, twelve moai, and eight pukaos, as well as one of the best-preserved villages on the island.
We'll then continue to the impressive Rano Raraku volcano and quarry, the birthplace of the moai. Most of the island's statues were carved on its volcanic slopes, and even today, you can see nearly 400 moai at various stages of carving, a true window into the past that reveals the magnitude and mystery of this ancient culture.
The tour continues to Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial platform on the island, with its impressive 15 restored moai standing facing the ocean, creating an unforgettable picture-postcard scene.
We'll then visit Ahu Te Pito Kura, which houses the Paro Moai, the tallest statue erected on an ahu, standing 10 meters tall, weighing 85 tons, and with a pukao weighing 11.5 tons. To one side, you'll see the sacred stone Te Pito o 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 temple with a complex construction and different levels, where five moai stand out with pukaos and petroglyphs carved on their backs.
Finally, we'll end the day at the beautiful Anakena Beach, with its coral-white sand and turquoise waters, considered the place where the ariki Hotu Matua and his sister Avareipua landed. This paradisiacal setting, surrounded by palm trees, offers a perfect contrast between the archaeological majesty and the natural beauty of Rapa Nui.
After enjoying this unique setting, we will return to the village of Hanga Roa, wrapping up a day that combines history, culture, and nature in a single tour.
This sightseeing tour is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the heart of Rapa Nui, learning about its legends, its legacy, and its most iconic landscapes in a single day.
