Easter Island Exploration: Uncovering Archaeological Wonders at Ahu Vinapu and Rano Kau

Uncover archaeological wonders on Easter Island’s southwestern coast. Explore Ahu Vinapu, Ana Kai Tangata cave paintings, Orongo village, and the Rano Kau volcano. Learn about Rapa Nui culture and the legends of the birdmen.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Ahu Vinapu - After hotel pickup in Hanga Roa, you’re 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.
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned van or bus
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks
  • Entrance fee to Rapa Nui National Park (56,000 Chilean pesos or 80.00 USD)
  • Transfers from the pier
Additional Information

Embrace the historical marvels of Easter Island’s southwest coast on this half-day guided trip, which includes a look at the Vinapú ceremonial center. This center, one of the biggest ahus in Rapa Nui, captivates with its impressive platform constructed of carefully fitted massive stones, much like Cusco’s Inca edifices. The excursion also allows you to look at the rock murals of Ana Kai Tangata and the stonework houses of the Orongo village. Witness the ocean waves crash against the cliffside while pondering the area’s historical worth, and be entranced by the crater lake proximate to the dormant Rano Kau volcano. During this tour, gain knowledge about the Rapa Nui lifestyle and the mysterious birdman folklore. Complimentary pick-up and drop-off service from hotels in Hanga Roa is included.

  • Remember that this excursion is not a private tour
  • It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring water and snacks
  • Note: Port pickup is not available
Location
Ahu Vinapu
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(16 Ratings)
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Thalia_n
Sep 23, 2023
a must go tour in easter island - josephina, our guide's expertise and personal touch were very beneficial to the tour. Of course the beautiful views of the crater and the surroundings, the petroglyphs and the history connected to the birdman cult were a real bonus
Review provided by Viator
Kimberly_k
Aug 8, 2023
Fantastic guide. - Amazing guide and excellent value. Highly recommend. It was a private tour for only $55 per sets on. We had a separate tour organized by our hotel Hare Nua which charged 3 times the price and was not nearly as good. Do not book through a hotel they take much of the money from local guides.
Review provided by Viator
Johndo4326ga
Feb 15, 2020
John dodds - Valentine was excellent and very informative and fun . She took a lot of time to me helpful telling us lots of stories n info . She was extremely timely and picked us up and dropped us off at our lodging
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stefania
Feb 12, 2019
Breathtaking....and amazing - As soon as you arrive in Orongo and look at the crater filled with water, you cannot believe that what you see is actually real. It is a breathtaking view. The position of the crater overlooking the sea, the colours of the vegetation and water are simply spectacular. A must see
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mbloomer1
Feb 6, 2018
we made it at last - For anyone out there who is going on a cruise to get to easter island go visit green island tours. This was our second visit in 4 years the first time we couldnt get in because of swell on the sea so this time with everything crossed we were alittle bit more prepared or so I thought! c ouldnt get any information from the ship tried trip advisor everything booked for both days. Having got on the ship early went straight to excursions and booked one half day tour which incedentelly was the same trip the next day.Horrendously priced but didn't care we were going. That night we met up with people at dinner two brits and two Canadians who had all booked one full day and one half day with green island tours; they then contacted green island to see if they could take us yes they could and it was booked and we cancelled the ships tour. It was absolutely wonderful even better than we dared hope. After waiting 3 hours the first day and 2and a half hours the second day to get off the ship green island were waiting for us . The whole experience just blew me away we saw just about everything and not at all rushed and including a packed lunch on day one. Our guide was Patricio a Chilean married to a raponui and lived on the island for over 40 years so he knew everything there was to know. He was so kind to me I am 75 and a bit over weight so getting up to the quarry was a bit of a challenge. My face was bright red and it was very hot he helped me down some steps and enquire what sun factor I was using. To be fair if the ship cant get in you lose your deposit of £160 to green island and you do have to pay$80 p.p. for park entrance fees.Whereas if you go with the ship tours you are covered. BUT by going with green island the cost of both trips was less than one half day with the ship tours. I'm a very happy and lucky bunny.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alison_m
Dec 8, 2016
The tour was well worthwhile... - <p>The tour was well worthwhile - informative and interesting. The guide Christina was knowledgeable and helpful.</p>
Review provided by Viator
Diane_y
Nov 17, 2016
Loved this tour! Exactly as... - <p>Loved this tour! Exactly as advertised. Learning more of the history was great. Cristine, the guide did a great job speaking to two different languages!</p>
Review provided by Viator
Enrique
Nov 22, 2017
The tour has beauiful sights and... - <p>The tour has beauiful sights and some truly interesting archeological sites. The guide has a great personality, but there are several translation issues that make it difficult for english native speakers to get the big picture of the amazing history sorrounding the island.</p>
Review provided by Viator
Gill808
Nov 4, 2017
Check Your Operator - There is a need to take care when booking full or half day tours on Easter Island which on ground local operator will be running the tour. We thought we were doing this half day tour, but while we visited Orongo and Rano Kau, we did not go to Tahai. Whilst surprised, that was not too much of a problem as it is in easy walking distance of the main settlement of Hanga Roa and could be visited easily from our accommodation. Our local tour operator was Maururu Travel who specialise in using local "native" guides. They are excellent at explaining the history, culture, and traditions at places like Orongo, and Rano Kau. However, the focus is on that with little time for photo deviations, etc. If your interest is photography we would certainly recommend more independent travel (cars / bikes are easily hired) as this would provide more flexibility for photo stops, and could also be timed to get better light and less tourists. We also found that of the half day tour, a great deal of time related to just collecting and returning guests to their various hotels.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Warjan43
Nov 12, 2018
A huge disappointment to Easter Island - We booked a half day tour with Viator [part of Trip Advisor] toTahai Orongo and Rano Kau on Easter Island.We arrived by ship and was collected on the dock by a Viator representative who did not speak one word of English. He drove us to Orongo and handed us over to a guide who did speak English.He took us around the Orongo site. After this he took us to a mini van where 3 or 4 other people were waiting. It was obvious we were just joining another tour.We left Orongo and went to another site not listed on our voucher. We then asked our guide why, and he had no answers. He said our tour would be for 2 hours and he was not interested in our voucher which clearly stated what we had paid for and the sites involved.He said we could talk to his local office which we did and they gave us the same story.On return to Australia we sent an email to Viator complaining how we treated.They have now come back with a lousy refund of AUD38.41 after we paid out AUD 361.52 for 2 persons.This is terribly disappointing when Viator hand the booking to an overseas agent and they can just do what they like and not honour what we booked and what we paid for . We would never consider using Viator again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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