"ANAKENA AND THE LOST CULTURE OF RAPA NUI" Tour

"ANAKENA AND THE LOST CULTURE OF RAPA NUI" Tour

ANAKENA AND THE LOST CULTURE OF RAPA NUI. Step into one of the most iconic and meaningful landscapes of Easter Island with this unforgettable journey to Anakena, the cradle of Rapa Nui civilization. Surrounded by white coral sand and turquoise waters, Anakena is not only one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, but also a place of profound historical and cultural significance. According to ancient legends, Anakena is the site where the first Polynesian settlers arrived, giving birth to the unique Rapa Nui culture. As you explore the area, you will encounter impressive archaeological remains, including the ceremonial platforms Ahu Nau Nau and Ahu Ature Huki, where finely restored moai statues stand as silent guardians of the past. These monuments offer a powerful glimpse into the advanced knowledge, artistic mastery, and spiritual beliefs of a civilization that continues to fascinate the world.

Your guide will share captivating stories and myths that reveal how the Rapa Nui people lived, worshiped, and organized their society, helping you understand the rise, transformation, and mystery of this lost culture. The contrast between the serene natural beauty of Anakena and the monumental legacy of its ancestors creates a truly moving experience. Beyond its historical value, Anakena also invites you to relax and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere, making this tour a perfect blend of culture, history, and nature. Ideal for travelers seeking both discovery and inspiration, Anakena and the Lost Culture of Rapa Nui offers an essential insight into the origins and enduring spirit of one of the most remote and intriguing cultures on Earth.

Itinerary

AHU VAIHU and AKAHANGA, are temples made up of stone platforms or altars where groups of Pukaos and Moais meet together. RANO RARAKU, a volcanic crater formed from consolidated ash, and which contains a lagoon inside. The volcano has a historical relevance for the island, since the Moais were carved on its slopes, where 397 of these sculptures currently remain. AHU TONGARIKI, has 15 huge Moais. Of course, it is the Ahu Te Pito Kura that has the largest statue erected in an Ahu, the Moai Paro, 10 meters high and 85 tons in weight. Next to Te Pito Kura is a large spherical stone that is identified as the navel of the world - Te Pito or Te Henua. ANAKENA, the most popular beach on the island, In addition to its natural beauty, what makes it unique is a row of Moais facing the sea. Without a doubt, a unique landscape.

• Depart from your hotel on Easter Island and travel along the island’s eastern coast to discover some of its most remarkable archaeological sites, including Ahu Vaihu and Akahanga. This cultural excursion offers an in-depth look into the history and symbolism surrounding the legendary moai statues.
• The experience begins at Ahu Akahanga, a site known for its fallen moai and rich oral traditions. According to Rapa Nui legends, this area is believed to be the burial place of the island’s first king, adding a powerful historical dimension to the visit.
• The journey continues to Rano Raraku, the sacred volcanic quarry where the majority of the moai were carved. Here, you will learn about the techniques used to sculpt these monumental figures and the enduring mystery of how they were transported across the island.
• Next, you will visit Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial platform on Easter Island, featuring fifteen impressive moai that have been carefully restored in recent decades. This iconic site sets the stage for the visit to Te Pito Kura, a ceremonial center that is home to the largest moai ever built, standing as a testament to the ingenuity of the Rapa Nui civilization.
• The tour concludes at Anakena Beach, also known as Hanga Rau or Te Ariki, where some of the best-preserved moai on the island can be found. In this idyllic setting, you will have time to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of its palm trees, white sand, and crystal-clear waters.
• At the end of the excursion, return comfortably to your hotel on Easter Island.

Includes

• Guide service in Spanish and English.
• Entrance fees.
• Pick-up from your accommodation,

Does not include

• The tour does not include Orongo or the Ana Kai Tangata cave due to the risk of possible landslides.
• Tips and gratuities.
• Professional guide in French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. If you would like a guide in these languages, please request one in advance and pay an extra fee, subject to availability.
• Other services not described in the program.