Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Start in Ahu Akahanga
On this tour you learn about the mysteries of Rapa Nui culture, beginning with a visit to the caves and moai platforms of Akahanga on the island's south coast. The platforms have remained untouched, their moai still lying on the ground where they fell during the destruction of the island's ceremonial sites. Over time, the statues' ahus - ceremonial platforms on which the Moai were originally placed - have become overgrown with grass.
Visit of Ahu Tongariki
The Ahu Tongariki ceremonial center, your next stop, is the largest and perhaps the most beautiful of the island's ahus. On its platform are 15 resurrected Moai, with their backs to the Pacific overlooking the island.
Visit of Rano Raraku
You continue to Rano Raraku, an extinct volcano made of trass stone. This is perhaps the island's most intriguing attraction, the quarry where the Moais were carved from the rock is located here. The huge sculptures are scattered all over the slopes of the volcano, ready for a transport that never happened. Higher up are more moais in various stages of completion, some still attached to the rock as if abandoned overnight.
Visit of Te Pito o te Henua
From here, head north to Te Pito o te Henua: a large, smooth, round stone said to have magical powers. Legend say that King Hotu Matua himself brought this stone here during the earliest occupation of Easter Island.
Finish of the tour at Anakena beach
The final stop on this exciting day is Anakena Beach, where King Hotu Matua disembarked accompanied by the first Polynesian settlers. You can visit two restored ahus called Nau Nau and Ature Huke. The fine white sand is a good place to relax and take a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean before being transferred back to your hotel.