4.2·Easter Island·4h
In Transit Tahiti: Full Day Private Tour
If you are traveling to Tahiti and have a layover at Mataveri Airport don't waist your opportunity...
From€369.91€369.43
per group
1 / 10Instant confirmationSecure checkoutNo hidden fees
About this activity
Dive into Easter Island's post-moai era on this 6.5-hour private tour exploring the Tangata Manu (Birdman) cult and its sacred sites. Visit five key archaeological locations—Rano Kau volcano, Orongo ceremonial village, Ahu Akivi, Puna Pau quarry, and Vinapu—guided through one of Polynesia's most enigmatic spiritual chapters.
Sites visited
Rano Kau, Orongo, Puna Pau, Ahu A´kivi, Vinapu
Description
Explore the final chapter of Easter Island’s ancestral culture on this in-depth full-day tour. Learn about the fascinating Tangata Manu (Birdman) ritual and visit the most symbolic archaeological sites of the post-moai era.
Start your day with a hotel pick-up and drive to Rano Kau, a majestic extinct volcano with a freshwater lake nestled in its crater. Take in sweeping ocean views and walk among the ruins of Orongo, the ceremonial village where the Birdman competition once took place. Discover its petroglyphs and learn the stories of those who competed for spiritual and political power.
Continue to Ahu Akivi, a unique platform of seven moai statues that face the sea — a rare orientation. Visit the red-stone quarry at Puna Pau, where the distinctive moai topknots (pukao) were carved. End your journey at Vinapu, an archaeological site famous for its intricate stonework, drawing comparisons to Incan engineering.
Optional Add-on: Lunch
You can add a traditional lunch in Hanga Roa or a similar local venue.
Includes: Main course, fresh salads, juice or soda, and dessert.
Highlights
- ✓Rano Kau crater volcano with freshwater lake and panoramic ocean vistas
- ✓Orongo ceremonial village: birthplace of the legendary Birdman competition ritual
- ✓Petroglyphs and ruins revealing Birdman cult mythology and political intrigue
- ✓Ahu Akivi's seven moai facing seaward—rare alignment among Easter Island statues
- ✓Puna Pau red-stone quarry showcasing pukao (moai topknot) carving sites
- ✓Vinapu's precision stonework compared to Incan construction techniques
Insider tips
- ★Visit Orongo early in your tour before afternoon crowds; the petroglyphs are easier to spot in morning light
- ★Ask your guide about seasonal Manutara (sooty tern) nesting on nearby islets—visible April–December—which underpinned the original Birdman competition
- ★Bring binoculars to spot wildlife and distant ceremonial sites from Rano Kau's rim
- ★The red stones at Puna Pau photograph dramatically in late-afternoon golden light
Good to know
- •Hotel pick-up and drop-off included; confirm your accommodation location when booking
- •Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) and sturdy walking shoes for volcanic terrain and uneven archaeology sites
- •Most sites involve moderate walking over rocky ground; limited shade available
- •Optional traditional lunch available in Hanga Roa (main course, salad, beverage, dessert)
- •Private tour: pace and content customizable with your guide
Who it's for
Archaeology enthusiasts and cultural historiansTravellers interested in pre-Columbian spirituality and ancient ritualsCouples and small groups seeking personalized, in-depth explorationPhotography-focused visitors documenting Easter Island's lesser-known sacred sites
Best time to visit
Visit during Easter Island's austral spring (September–November) or fall (March–May) for mild temperatures and lower rainfall. Early morning light best illuminates petroglyphs and crater vistas; aim for a start time before 9 AM to avoid midday heat and afternoon clouds rolling over the volcano.
Frequently asked questions
Available
From€418
per person
