The Origin of Rapa Nui and the Moai to Birdman

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1The Moai Road⌄

   In Vaihu a replica of the old villages where our ancestors lived was made, in order to know how their day to day life was and the various structures that made up it, such as chicken coops, stone gardens, boathouses, among others.

   Oral history, which is the island’s main source of history, says that there lie the remains of Rapa Nui’s first king, Hotu Matu’a, who are missing. You can also see an original village with its structures and platforms, with moai in front of it

   The quarry where about 98% of Rapa Nui's moai were sculpted. Here we can observe these imposing figures in different stages of construction, some still attached to the rock, which allows us to understand how they were created by the ancient rapanui.

   The largest ceremonial center in the Pacific, which had to be restored after one of the most immense disasters on record, a tidal wave caused by the Valdivia earthquake. All the restoration was possible thanks to the great contribution of Tadano and Sano, of Japanese origin. This place is better known as the 15 Moai platform.

   Here lies the largest moai ever erected on its platform, the moai Paro. With its imposing 10 meters high and a weight of about 88 tons, it was crowned the largest on its platform. Next to it is a mysterious magnetic round stone known to disorient compasses, as well as possessing particular energies.

   Anakena, originally named Hanga Rau or Te Ariki, whose meaning is 'the king's landing bay', was the intended place for the people, commanded by King Hotu Matu'a, to colonize the island. Over time, this area became an exclusive space for royalty. Anakena has a unique white sand beach in the world, crystal clear waters and is situated between palm trees and Moai.

2. 2Rapa Nui: From Origins to Bird Man⌄

   Puna Pau, the ancient red slag quarry, carved the pukao crowning the moai, a silent place that reflects the prestige and power of the Rapa Nui clans.

   Ahu Akivi, seven moai lined up look to the horizon, shrouded in the mystery of the stories linking them to the first navigators who would have arrived on the island.

   Ana Te Pahu Cave, used as a refuge and living space, still notice traces of ancient crops and the ingenious adaptation of the Rapa Nui people to their environment.

   Orongo : At the top of the Kau Frog, this stone village relives the Birdman rite and its ancestral mystery.

   Rano Kau : Volcanic crater with an inner lagoon surrounded by cliffs, a landscape that unites nature and mysticism.

   Vinapu : Ceremonial site famous for its precisely carved stone walls, compared to Inca constructions.

   Ahu Huri to Urenga: Single altar with a four-handed moai, associated with astronomical and spiritual functions.