Embark on a captivating journey through the enigmatic landscapes of Rapa Nui, where ancient moai statues stand in silent testimony to the island's mysterious past. Explore sacred sites, lush craters, and pristine beaches on this unique tour, discovering the rich cultural tapestry of Easter Island in just one unforgettable day.
Embark on a captivating expedition to Ahu Akivi, a remarkable archaeological site nestled in the heart of Easter Island's enigmatic landscape. This tour promises a mesmerizing encounter with the iconic Moai statues, a testament to the ancient Rapa Nui civilization's ingenuity and celestial wisdom. As you set foot on the sacred grounds of Ahu Akivi, you'll be greeted by a striking tableau of seven imposing Moai statues, each standing proudly against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. What sets Ahu Akivi apart is the unique positioning of these statues, as they face the open sea rather than the island's interior, a distinctive feature not found in other ceremonial platforms.
Prepare for a captivating adventure as you delve into the mystical realm of Ana Te Pahu, an archaeological site on Easter Island that promises an immersive journey through lush landscapes and mysterious caves. Your exploration begins amidst the verdant surroundings, where ancient palm trees and vibrant flora create a picturesque setting. Ana Te Pahu is renowned for its extensive system of caves, carved by nature over centuries and later utilized by the Rapa Nui people for various purposes. As you venture into the cool shadows of the caves, our knowledgeable guides will illuminate the history and significance of these subterranean wonders.
Embark on a journey of discovery to Puna Pau, a captivating quarry that played a pivotal role in the creation of Easter Island's iconic Moai statues. Nestled in the heart of the island, Puna Pau offers a unique perspective on the craftsmanship and cultural significance of the Rapa Nui people. Your adventure begins amidst the captivating landscape surrounding Puna Pau. Here, a distinct red volcanic scoria, not found in other quarries on the island, was extracted to carve the topknots, or "pukao," that adorned the heads of the Moai. As you explore the quarry, our expert guides will unravel the mysteries of this site, explaining the significance of the red stone and its symbolic connection to the Rapa Nui culture.
Embark on an enriching exploration of Vinapu, an archaeological site on Easter Island that unveils a tapestry of ancient mysteries and architectural wonders. This tour promises a captivating journey into the past, where the remnants of a sophisticated civilization echo through the stones of Vinapu. Your adventure commences amid the dramatic coastal landscape that frames Vinapu. This site is renowned for its intriguing megalithic structures, featuring precisely carved stones that bear a striking resemblance to the renowned architecture of the Inca civilization in South America. As you traverse the site, our expert guides will unravel the enigma of Vinapu's unique construction style, inviting you to contemplate the cultural exchanges and influences that may have shaped Easter Island's history.
Embark on a captivating journey to Rano Kau, an ancient volcanic crater on Easter Island that beckons with its natural beauty and cultural significance. This tour invites you to delve into the geological marvels and historical richness of Rano Kau, offering a profound connection to the island's past. As you approach the rim of the colossal crater, the panoramic views of Rano Kau's expansive caldera will unfold before you. Our knowledgeable guides will provide insights into the geological forces that shaped this natural wonder, creating a lush oasis within its walls. Take a moment to absorb the breathtaking scenery, where the azure waters of the crater lake contrast with the vibrant greenery that blankets the inner slopes.
Embark on a cultural odyssey to Orongo, an extraordinary archaeological site on Easter Island that unfolds the captivating mysteries of the ancient Birdman Cult. This immersive tour invites you to explore the stone structures, petroglyphs, and ceremonial grounds of Orongo, providing a deep dive into the rich cultural tapestry of Rapa Nui. As you approach the cliffside village of Orongo, perched on the edge of Rano Kau's majestic crater, you'll be greeted by a panorama of the Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon. Our expert guides will unravel the historical significance of this unique site, where the dramatic setting served as the stage for the annual Birdman competition—an event that held profound cultural and spiritual importance for the Rapa Nui people.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Full Day Tour in Rapa Nui lasts about 6 hours. The itinerary has 6 stops.
Prices start at $70 per person for this Hanga Roa experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Yes, pickup is offered. Pickup points include Taura'a Hotel, Hotel Tiare Pacific.
The experience is available in EN, ES.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 14 participants.
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 4.4 out of 5 across 136 verified reviews; it is run by Hotumatur RapaNui.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and spoke English very well. She gave us good insight at each of the locations. We enjoyed going to the different sites and hearing the details. We would definitely recommend this tour to others.
Davi's tour is fully packed with activities and culture, you get to see a great deal of the island and attractions, highly recommended.
Booking through Trip Advisor Unfortunately, the experience was very disappointing. We went on an expensive full day tour , the pick up was late and were squeezed into a small car. We were given minimal information at each site Overall the tour including the guide did not meet our expectations . It would have been better hiring a local independent guide.
Today was my first full day on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and what a day it was. I took a Viator tour led by Bie, a multi-generational Rapa Nui woman whose gentle voice and deep connection to nature made the history come alive. She shared stories passed down through her family for generations, and my soul was truly filled. We began by exploring ancient volcanic caves, including Ana Te Pahu, where natural openings, water and humidity created fertile places for growing bananas and other crops. The caves also provided shelter and refuge. We saw the foundations of ancient hare paenga—stone houses shaped like overturned canoes. The carefully fitted lava stones had holes where wooden supports were secured. Bie said that when her ancestors first arrived, they used their boats as roofs for their homes, and over time they became almost obsessed with that familiar shape. Then we visited Ahu Akivi and its seven moai, traditionally believed to represent the seven Polynesian explorers who came to Rapa Nui ahead of King Hotu Matu'a. They are unusual because they face toward the sea and, symbolically, toward Polynesia. We also visited an unrestored site where fallen moai and their pukao still lie scattered across the landscape. Bie explained that the moai represented ancestors and served as protectors and guardians of their clans. During conflicts, destroying a rival clan's moai would have been a powerful symbolic blow. We ended at Orongo, a sacred ceremonial village perched on the rim of the enormous Rano Kau volcano. Bie showed us the ancient stone houses and told stories of births, warriors and the famous Birdman ceremonies. Standing on the rim of the volcano that helped create this island was simply breathtaking. It was a day filled with ancient stories, incredible stonework, volcanic landscapes, and a culture that is still alive today. I am exhausted—but my soul is very full. ❤️🌺
My cruise ship could not tender therefore excursion never took place. Viator should know that and not send for review.
If you are travelling by cruise ship do not book with Viator or Nicholas Easter Island tours in advance. We were due to arrive this morning but Captain said it was too rough and would be unsafe for tender operation. Contacted Nicholas via whatsapp amd viator message zero response. Offered a lousy 50%. Steer clear of Viator and Nicholas
Excellent full day around the island! It was a very complete tour, we saw incredible places and learned a lot about the history and culture of the island. The guide was very attentive, friendly, and always willing to answer our questions. Everything was very well organized and we were able to enjoy each stop in peace. 100% recommended for seeing the best of Rapa Nui in one day!
The guide and driver were excellent. The guide had detailed knowledge of each destination. The low rating is because this is not a full day tour. We were only out for 3 hours, which might have been 4 except one site was closed. It should be advertised and priced as a half day tour.
These guys were incredibly lovely; the attention, the good vibes, and the tremendous willingness made our tours on our girls' trip fantastic. Always open to helping us, to changing the day if the weather didn't cooperate..., in short, always worried that we wouldn't waste time on anything other than enjoying ourselves. Highly recommended
Excellent service, especially the price, and we must highlight the guide's knowledge and availability.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Day Tour in Rapa Nui | 6 hours | 4.4 (136) | $70 | |
 Rapa Nui Cultural Music, Dance, Dinner Show with Hotel Pickup | 3 hours | 3.8 (26) | $187 | View |
 Mysteries and Legends: Complete Journey of Rapa Nui in 3 Tours | 3 days | 4.8 (17) | $290 | View |
 Tour to the Motus: Boat trip and snorkeling in Rapa Nui | 2–3 hours | 4.5 (11) | $150 | View |
 T3+T4-RAPA NUI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES (non-cruise visitors) | 2 days | 5.0 (8) | $319 | View |
 Private Astrophotography Tour on Rapa Nui | 3h 40min | 5.0 (6) | $550 | View |
 Tongariki, Rapa Nui Sunrise: Small-Group Tour with Transfers | 3h 30min | 3.6 (5) | $115 | View |