Orongo & Aku Akivi
In the morning, you will take a drive up the Rano Kau extinct volcano. Along the way you will be able to appreciate panoramic views of the entire island as well as make a brief stop at an outlook point that showcases a crater lake. From there you will head to the ceremonial village known as Orongo. There, you will learn about its past, culture and the history of the birdman cult. You will also be able to observe a variety of petroglyph images and be able to spot 3 islets situated opposite of the coastline. Afterwards you will drive down the volcano to the Ahu Vinapu that includes an ahu with interesting stonemasonry.
Subsequently your last stop of the morning before heading back to the hotel, will be a cave where you will find interesting wall paintings.
In the afternoon you will travel to Ahu Akivi which features seven re-erected moai situated inland. The legend claims that these statues represent the seven explorers who were sent to Rapa Nui by the late king Hotu Matua. From there you will continue on to Hanga Poukura; this is an extraordinary ahu site where a number of tumbled moai statues and scattered topknots are located. Next, you will visit the important quarry of Puna Pau that provided the sole source of the red scoria that the Rapa Nui villagers used to carve the Pukaos.
For the last visit of the day you will head to the ceremonial site of Tahai boasting 3 ahus, restored statues, remains of boathouses and a boat ramp. This is a day is filled with history, culture and breathtaking sights!
Breakfast included.
