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Rano Kau

Rano Kau: Our most recommended tours and activities

Ahu Vinapu, Rano Kao and Orongo City Half-Day Tour

1. Ahu Vinapu, Rano Kao and Orongo City Half-Day Tour

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Easter Island on a half-day tour to Ahu Vinapu, Rano Kao and Orongo City. Following the transfer from your hotel in Hanga Roa, you'll be driven to the Ahu Vinapu ceremonial complex. The ceremonial center of Vinapú includes one of the largest ahu in Rapa Nui. This ceremonial center has an extraordinary platform, which stands out for having an architectural structure composed of large slabs carefully wedged, similar to the Inca constructions of Cusco. Then head to the Rano Kau volcano, where the slopes offer an impressive view of the islets of Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao Kao. Rano Kau has a crater lake that is one of the island's 3 natural bodies of fresh water. Continue west to the village of Orongo, where birdmen were worshipped between 1600 and 1866 AD. The village consists of approximately 50 elliptically-shaped, shale-wall homes with a small square entry overlooking the ocean. Arranged into 2 uneven rows, the lower row ends at Mata Ngarahu, the sacred precinct where the birdman used to be worshiped. This is also the location of one of the most profusely-decorated petroglyphs on the island. As you explore, listen to some incredible legends about Easter Island from your guide.

Easter Island: Birdman Cult Private Tour

2. Easter Island: Birdman Cult Private Tour

Explore the site of the last great stage of Easter Island on this guided day tour from Hanga Roa. Depart from your hotel in a comfortable private vehicle to begin your adventure. Visit the sprawling ceremonial site of Ahu Vinapu to see some of the most advanced masonry in the world, then continue north to Puna Puna to see alternative representations of maoi sculptures, the famous "Easter Island heads". You'll see the distinctive red knots atop their heads, made from red scoria, an igneous rock with a vibrant red color. Next, see the colossal moai sculptures of Ahu A'kivi, a line of seven 16-foot (5-meter) effigies that gaze solemnly out to sea; the sea-facing direction of the sculptures has confounded archaeologists for years due to the fact all of the other sculpture faces inwards. Visit the amazing Rano Kau volcano crater and learn about the famous Birdman legend at the O'rongo ceremonial village, consisting of approximately 50 elliptically shaped, shale-wall homes with a small square entry overlooking the ocean. Before your journey back to the hotel visit Tahai, which comprises three principal sets of heads from north to south: Ko Te Riku (with restored eyes), Tahai and Vai Ure.

Easter Island: Highlights Private Tour

3. Easter Island: Highlights Private Tour

Begin your day with a private pick-up service from your hotel on Easter Island.  Explore the major Rapa Nui archaeological sites near the Rano Kau volcano crater and learn about the famous Birdman legend at the O'rongo ceremonial village. Continue your tour to Ahu Akivi, a site that was first scientifically restored in 1960 with a platform of 7 standing Moai. This platform is characterized as being one of the few located in the center of the island. These statues face the setting sun. Next, feast your eyes on the Ahu Tongariki, featuring 15 standing Moai. Later, learn about how the Moai were built at Rano Raraku site. To end the tour, visit the inspiring turquoise water of Anakena Beach. Timing is flexible and can be spent in any given location as long as you wish. Lunch is not included on this tour but there are places where you can buy a snack and bring it on the tour. When your tour is complete you will be transported back to your hotel.

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What people are saying about Rano Kau

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 16 reviews

We’ve taken many tours in our lives, but this may have been the best! Sebastian of Kava Kava tours was an absolute expert on Easter Island. Combining his extensive knowledge with perfect weather and fantastic pictures made for a wonderful experience. Sebastian and Kava Kava tours exceeded our expectations for this bucket list trip. I can’t recommend this tour highly enough!!

Excellent tour and excellent guide (Sebastian). We loved every minute of our 7 hour tour. So much valuable information was shared during the tour and what better way than a Rapa Nui guide!

Sooo good experience.

Excellent guide Cristina. Extensive in knowledge. The place worth visiting. Very punctual in the search for the hotel.

Excellent trip, beautiful landscape, very kind and friendly our guide Patricia.