Private Tour: Easter Island’s Forgotten Pōike Peninsula
- 6–8 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 3 languages
- Private tour
Highlights
Discover Easter Island like never before on our full-day private tour to uncover the hidden gems of the Pōike peninsula. This isn't your typical sightseeing trip - it's a one-of-a-kind experience that delves into the island's history, culture, and mysteries. We embark on a 12km hike exploring ancient ceremonial centers, captivating petroglyphs, and well-preserved Moai sculptures. To make the most of this adventure, ensure you have good footwear, long pants, sun protection, and enough food and water. Immerse yourself in the island's fascinating history and archaeological wonders as you discover the unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty found on the Pōike Peninsula. This tour provides a rare glimpse into Easter Island's forgotten past. Don't miss out on this truly unique opportunity to explore Rapa Nui in a whole new way.
Inclusions
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- 100% Private and personalized experience
- Accredited local guide
What's not
- Gratuities
- Lunch
Itinerary
Stop 1: Ahu Mahatua is a significant ceremonial center once dedicated to cremation and burial rites. As we walk along Pōike's steep coast, the three distinct mounds of Ma'unga Parehe (broken hill), Ma'unga Tea Tea (white hill), and Ma'unga Vai a Heva (magic water hill) stand high above.
Stop 2: Maunga Parehe is one of the three distinct mounds of Poike and a hill steeped in Rapa Nui myths. At its summit, we'll encounter a small lapili tuff moai, and explore the fascinating tales of ure a oho vehi and the aku aku spirits.
Stop 3: Ahu Kiri Reva features three distinct construction stages and a remarkable Moai face unearthed during archaeological excavations in 2006 by Nicolas Cauwe.
Stop 4: Papa u'i hetu'u ("the flat lava flow from which the stars were observed"), is an ancient stargazing site adorned with petroglyphs believed to represent Ma'ea Matariki (Pleiades) according to oral tradition.
Stop 5: Ana o Keke, also known as the "cave of the virgins", is steeped in history and mysticism. The petroglyphs of Ana O Keke are unique and one of the highlights of this tour. They form a carefully thought-out composition, with some motifs being exclusive to this site. The petroglyphs cover the inner surface of the lava tube depicting both realistic images of plants, birds, fishes, and outrigger canoes, as well as abstract geometric forms.
Stop 6: Ahu Moai Tea Tea is home to a collection of approximately a dozen well-preserved, demolished Moai sculpted from trachyte, offering a unique glimpse into Rapa Nui's ancient past.
Stop 7: Pua Katiki is the highest point on the Poike Peninsula and the oldest volcano in Rapa Nui. Here, you'll be treated to an incredible panoramic view of both the south and north coastlines of the island.
Stop 8: Maunga Vai a Heva is a hill with a rich archaeological history. Here, you will find a moai nestled within a small cave. The hill gets its name from a large 3-meter head carved into the rock, featuring prominent eyes and a broad nose, with a natural cavity below representing a mouth, possibly used to collect rainwater.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 51
- 40
- 30
- 20
- 10
Ratings come from 1 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
- MATU
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Not available for cruise ship
How it compares in Hanga Roa
- Its from-price is 13% below 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 26 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.
