On this day trip to Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki, and Anakena, you'll explore the south and east of Easter Island to discover the island's archaeological heart. You'll visit ancient ceremonial centers, see moai from different periods, and finish the day on a paradisiac beach. Don't miss it!
Day Trip Details
We'll pick you up at your hotel in Hanga Roa at the designated time to begin this day trip along the southern coast of Easter Island. Are you ready to discover the best-kept secrets of the Rapa Nui National Park? Let's go!
Our first stop will be at Vaihu and Ahu Hanga Te'e. Here, you'll see an Ahu stone platform with toppled moai, the silent witnesses of the ancient internal conflicts that shook the island. You'll also see a life-size recreation of a traditional Rapa Nui village, ideal for imagining how they lived in the community.
We'll continue toward Akahanga, a ceremonial settlement that, according to tradition, houses the tomb of the legendary king Hotu Matu'a. This sacred place will allow you to learn more about the ancestral beliefs of the Rapa Nui people.
The tour will continue along the corder of the coast until we reach Rano Raraku, the main quarry where the majority of moai were taken and carved. Here, we'll go on a hike of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes among unfinished sculptures that still lie on the slopes of the volcano. Did you know some moai stand over 32 feet (10 meters) tall?
After exploring this fascinating place, we'll head to Ahu Tongariki, the most stunning ceremonial platform on the island. Made up of 15 majestic moai, this restored structure will take your breath away. You'll also find in this area the curious Traveling Moia, a statue that was taken off the island and later repatriated.
Our next stop is the Ahu Te Pito Kura, where you'll find the largest moai successfully transported. Next to this moai, you'll admire a magnetic and enigmatic stone known as “the center of the world.” Feel its energy!
To wrap up, we'll reach the Anakena Beach, an idyllic bay of white sand and turquoise waters. You'll have free time to relax surrounded by the palm trees and moai that guard this unique corner of the Pacific. Plus, you'll visit the archaeological sites of Ahu Nau Nau and Ahu Ature Huke, where you'll admire surprisingly well-preserved statues.
During the tour, we'll stop for 1 hour so you can enjoy lunch on your own. The stop will be at Rano Raraku or Anakena, depending on the weather and the group's preference. If you prefer a picnic-style lunch, don't forget to bring your food. If you prefer to try something more typical, you can have lunch at a restaurant in the area.
Finally, we'll start our journey back to Hanga Roa, passing by the green landscapes of Vaitea. We'll say our goodbyes at your hotel 7 to 8 hours after pickup.
Ticket to Rapa Nui National Park
Please note that for this day trip, you need to have a ticket to the Rapa Nui National Park, which is valid for 10 days. You can purchase it through the official website or beforehand at the park's ticket office.
