Easter Island Moai Archaeology Tour: Ahu Akivi, Ahu Tahai and Puna Pauâ Quarry.
Delve into the archaeological mysteries of Easter Island's Rapa Nui National Park on this half-day tour. Stand before ancient 'moai' stone sculptures carved by the indigenous Rapa Nui, learn why the moai at Ahu Akivi face the ocean, and dig deeper on the topic of why the masonry at Ahu Tahai has perplexed experts. You'll also visit the Puna Pau quarry and the great Ahu Uri a Urenga, one of the 25 platforms that are not on the coast, but in the interior of the island and corresponds to an agricultural area.
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Easter Island Moai Archaeology Tour: Ahu Akivi, Ahu Tahai and Puna Pauâ Quarry.
Pickup included
What's included in Easter Island Moai Archaeology Tour: Ahu Akivi, Ahu Tahai and Puna Pauâ Quarry.
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Ahu Tahai
Rapa Nui National Park, a wildlife sanctuary spread across most of Easter Island and a UNESCO World Heritage site, contains about 900 moai sculptures as well as 300 ahu, or ceremonial platforms, on which the carved figures stand. Sculpted from solidified volcanic ash, these statues are believed to represent the spirits of ancestors and high-ranking members of each tribe. After hotel pickup from Hanga Roa, travel south with your guide into the park to Ahu Tahai, a ceremonial platform that has a unique moai, a stone giant that stands alone, but which is protected by its more than 4 meters high and its imposing figure.
Puna Pau
Continue north to Puna Pau to see how some moai sport a different look. You'll notice they have pukao, or topknots made out of red scoria on their heads. It's believed the volcanic rock was used to impress rival tribes. Roughly 30 pukao are located in or near the Puna Pau quarry, the source of the red scoria.
Ahu Akivi
Then head to Ahu Akivi, where you’ll see a line of seven moai looking out toward the ocean. The moai here each stand 16 feet (5 meters) tall and weigh about 18 tons (16 metric tons). What's mysterious about these sea-facing figures? It's an unusual sight considering the other ahu moai stand with their backs against the water. One theory behind their unusual position: These moai symbolize the seven explorers from the Polynesian homeland of Hiva sent by the chief to find the island of Rapa Nui. According to this hypothesis, these statues face the ocean in the direction they came from.
Inclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Transport by air-conditioned van or bus
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fee to Rapa Nui National Park (80.00 USD)
- Transfers from the pier
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Remember that this excursion is not a private tour
- It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring water and snacks
- Note: Port pickup is not available. This tour is not suitable for passengers coming by cruise.
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Pickup and Dropoff
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Additional Information
The pick up is included from your Hotel located in the Rapa Nui urban zone, Hanga Roa. If your Hotel is too far away from the pick up zone, we will be letting you know the meeting point for the excursion.
