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HANGA ROA

Excursion “the arrival of Hotu Matua” (Full-day)

Experience a day full of legends as you uncover the past of Rapa Nui. This full day tour begins by driving down
the southeast coast and making your first stop at the Ahu Akahanga in the South Coast sector. From this site
you will continue to the volcano of Rano Raraku, where 95% of all moais were carved and boasts390 statues
in various stages of completion. During the hike to the top of the volcanic crater you will not only see many
statues but enjoy a beautiful view of a freshwater lake. After the volcano hike we continue to the restored Ahu
Tongariki. This magnificent platform was the largest on the island and now holds fifteen moais; it is an ideal
place for taking beautiful memorable photos. The next stop is the beach of Anakena, where according to native
legend Hotu Matua first landed on Rapa Nui. Here you will find the Ahu Nau Nau and the Ahu Ature Huki.
The moai standing on the latter ahu was the first moai to ever be re-erected on to an ahu. From Anakena we
continue to the Ahu Complex-Tahai, restored in 1967/68 by the archaeologist William Mulloy. This ceremonial
complex has one of the oldest dated sites of the island (7th century) and includes three different ahus: Ahu Ko
Te Riku, Ahu Vai Uri and Ahu Tahai.
Box lunch included. Participants must hike over uneven terrain.

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Excursion “the power of the Birdmen” (Half-day)

This half day excursion takes you through archaeological sites where you can admire a ceremonial cult village
and the impressive Rano Kau crater, the widest and deepest on the island. You will also visit a platform (ahu)
with the best carved rocks and where you can also see remains of moais. In the time when some of the moais
and ahus were destroyed, another cult began to gain importance: the Birdman Cult. Visit the sites of their
annual ceremonies and see the site of their extraordinary competition requiring skill, strength and endurance.
From the harbour you will be taken to Vinapu, one of the oldest sectors of the island. We will continue our
tour to the volcano of Rano Kau, the second oldest volcano of Rapa Nui. After the look-out point at the rim of
Rano Kau we continue on to the ceremonial village of Orongo in the national park. This site is best known for
the birdman cult ceremonies. Within the village you will see 47 restored houses as well as the remains of an
ancient ahu. From the village you will also see the three small islets: Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao Kao.
Before going back to the pier you will visit the Ahu Complex-Tahai, which has one of the island’s oldest dated
sites (7th century) and includes three different ahus.