Private Full Day Tour on Easter Island "The Moai is born"
- 6h 30m
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
This exclusive tour of Rapa Nui is a chronological adventure designed to help you understand the origin and evolution of the island's civilization from its very beginnings. Ideal for travelers staying more than one day and looking to complement their itinerary with our Full Day 2 tour, this route breaks with conventional tours by visiting sites in reverse order of typical agencies, seeking out less crowded areas and a much more private experience. The journey begins directly on the paradisiacal Anakena Beach, allowing you to admire its imposing moai under the magical and unparalleled golden hour sunlight, before moving on to the mysteries of Te Pito Kura, the colossal Tongariki, the Rano Raraku quarry, and the profound history of Ahu Akahanga. Our service is led by certified guides who will enrich your historical and archaeological perspective. We aim to provide you with excellence that will transform your visit into a memorable and culturally enriching experience.
Inclusions
What's included
- Trekking poles
- rain ponchos to avoid getting wet
- We offer 100% locally sourced bottled water to directly support our island's economy and sustainability. By choosing our product, you reduce the carbon footprint associated with shipping.
- Certified local private guide with years of experience, language skills, and extensive knowledge.
- Private vehicle transport, only for those who book the private tour
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off.
What's not
- Tour not available for cruise passengers.
- Lunch
- Tips
- Mandatory entry to the National Park - Valid for 10 days from the first entry for all the park
Itinerary
This beach with its white sands and turquoise waters is not only a tropical paradise, but also the epicenter of Rapa Nui's history. It was here that the founding king, Hotu Matu'a, landed, giving rise to a unique civilization. Sheltered by palm trees, the imposing moai of Ahu Nau Nau watch over the coast, uniting natural beauty with the sacred legacy of the first kings.
This archaeological site is home to the largest moai ever transported (weighing over 50 tons) and erected on a platform, as well as the largest crown, a "Pukao" (weighing over 9 tons). The statue, called "Moai Paro," is a colossal structure that now lies toppled, a silent witness to the end of an era. Beside it rests a mysterious, polished, spherical stone, imbued with magnetism, known as the "Navel of the World," an energetic connection point that fascinated ancient sages.
It is the largest and most iconic ceremonial structure in all of Polynesia. Fifteen colossal stone statues rise in perfect alignment, their backs to the Pacific Ocean to protect the island. Watching the sunrise behind these titanic silhouettes is an unparalleled mystical experience, where time seems to stand still and the history of the clans comes alive.
This extinct volcano is the birthplace of the island's giants and the only carved volcano in the world. Hundreds of moai lie on its slopes: some unfinished, others half-buried, all frozen in time before reaching their final destination. Walking through this sacred workshop of volcanic tuff is to witness the living legacy of the ancient sculptors, where the mystery of their transport remains etched in the rock. A unique archaeological wonder and an absolute must-see in Oceania and South America.
This archaeological site is a place of profound historical reverence, traditionally known as the tomb of King Hotu Matu'a. Akahanga is not just a sanctuary; it is one of the largest citadels on the island and the most starkly visible stage for the collapse of its culture. Here, the landscape conveys a profound sadness: the imposing moai lie toppled face down, silent witnesses to the devastating internal wars that fractured its people. Despite the tragedy it evokes, the site overflows with archaeological richness, remaining virtually intact. Walking among the remains of its boat-like houses (hare paenga) and ancient communal hearths allows one to discover what daily life was like alongside the great fallen giant
The interpretive village is a faithful reconstruction designed specifically for tourists to see, touch, and understand firsthand how an authentic ancient citadel functioned. This interactive space breaks down the barriers of passive observation, allowing visitors to enter traditional dwellings, touch original materials, and discover firsthand the ingenious agricultural techniques that enabled survival on the island. It is an immersive and educational experience that transforms history into something tangible, showcasing daily life, community organization, and the profound spiritual connection of the ancient inhabitants with their environment.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 515
- 40
- 30
- 20
- 10
Ratings come from 15 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Pickup is included for everyone.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Easter Island Heritage
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Hanga Roa
- Its from-price is 52% above the median of the 34 day trips we list in Hanga Roa.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 12 of 34.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Hanga Roa
Hanga Roa is the only town on Easter Island, Chile's remote Pacific outpost, with a small harbour and giant stone moai within walking distance.
Hanga Roa stretches along the west coast of Easter Island, called Rapa Nui by its people, some 3,500 km west of the Chilean coast. Nearly all the island's residents live here, in low houses among gardens, around a small fishing harbour and a church. A short walk north, the moai of Tahai stand on a platform beside the sea, facing inland, and the sun sets behind them.
Top-ranked sights in Hanga Roa: Ana Kai Tangata.
