Excursion Orongo, rano kau & ahu tahai tour at Easter Island

Experience the volcanic beauty and history of the Rano Kau Volcano and its surrounds during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Rano Kau Volcano and Viewpoint

Depart the pier for the short drive up towards the Rano Kau Volcano, which dates back over 2.5 million years. It is renowned for its cliff and crater-lake, which is approximately one mile (about 1.6 kilometres) in diameter and approximately 918 feet (280 metres) in depth. Upon arrival, a photo stop is made at the Rano Kau Volcano for spectacular panoramic views of your surrounds. Afterward, re-board your coach and head to the ceremonial village of Orongo, located near the narrowest border and to the far-west of the volcano.

Orongo Village, Elliptically-Shaped Houses

Orongo is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Rapa Nui National Park, and the most visited place on Easter Island. Orongo was the centre of the birdman cult, established in the 18th and 19th centuries. In an attempt to restore the society after the collapse of the moai culture, clans would gather at the village each year, and their champions would compete in a kind of triathlon to elect the island's religious leader. Orongo Village consists of some 53 elliptically-shaped houses with shale walls and a small square entry overlooking the ocean, where the clans would live during the ceremonies. A memento of the last period of ancient times, Orongo is an historical landmark in the Rapa Nui culture. Following a guided walking tour of Orongo Village, continue on for a visit to the impressive Ahu Tahai.

Ahu Tahai, Ahu Ko Te Riku, Ahu Vai Ure, Ahu Tahai, Hanga Roa Village

Located just outside Hanga Roa Town and adjacent to the cemetery, Ahu Tahai is a complex consisting of three different ahu sites; Ahu Ko Te Riku, Ahu Vai Ure and Ahu Tahai. Ahu Ko Te Riku features a beautiful, single statue placed on a platform dating from 690 B.C. The statue is in good condition, and has white eyeballs with dark pupils. Ahu Vai Ure is home to five different statues, whereas Ahu Tahai, named after the entire complex, has a single large moai. Restored in the late-1960s and dating from the 6th century, it is believed that this complex is one of the oldest ancient statue sites on Rapa Nui. Leaving Ahu Tahai, you may re-board the coach and commence the scenic drive back to the pier via Hanga Roa Village, or opt to be dropped off in town and return to the ship on your own.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Easter Island, Rano Kau Volcano and Viewpoint, Orongo Village, Elliptically-Shaped Houses, Ahu Tahia, Ahu Ko Te Riku, Ahu Vai Ure, Ahu Tahai, Hanga Roa Village

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 492 yards (about 450 metres), at times over uneven and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and uneven, steep steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, sturdy and closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a light sweater or jacket, and local currency for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least six years old to participate on this tour. Guests must be at least 18 years old to participate in tastings of alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary.