"SUNRISE AT AHU TONGARIKI" Tour

"SUNRISE AT AHU TONGARIKI" Tour

SUNRISE AT AHU TONGARIKI – EASTER ISLAND, CHILE. Witness one of the most powerful and unforgettable experiences on Easter Island with the sunrise at Ahu Tongariki, the largest and most impressive ceremonial platform on the island. Located on the eastern coast, this iconic site is home to fifteen monumental moai that stand facing the rising sun, creating a scene of extraordinary beauty and spiritual significance. As dawn breaks and the first rays of sunlight appear over the horizon, the moai of Ahu Tongariki are gradually illuminated, revealing their imposing presence against the vast Pacific landscape. The changing colors of the sky, combined with the silhouettes of these ancient stone figures, offer a breathtaking spectacle and an exceptional opportunity for photography.

Beyond its visual impact, Ahu Tongariki holds deep cultural importance in Rapa Nui history. Your guide will share insights into the ceremonial role of this sacred site, the restoration of the platform, and the legends surrounding the moai, helping you understand the remarkable achievements of this ancient civilization. Sunrise at Ahu Tongariki is more than a scenic visit—it is a moment of reflection and connection with the ancestral spirit of Easter Island. Ideal for travelers seeking a truly meaningful experience, this tour captures the essence of Rapa Nui culture and offers an unforgettable start to the day in one of Chile’s most mysterious and awe-inspiring destinations.

Itinerary

AHU TONGARIKI, is the name of the largest ahu on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), a Chilean insular territory. Due to its size, it is one of the most important archaeological and tourist spots on the island. It was built during the heyday of the ancestral Rapanui culture. It is located on the southeast coast of the island, on the slopes of Rano Raraku, the main moai quarry. Following the crisis in Rapanui society, the moai were toppled, and many were washed away and damaged by the tsunami generated by the 1960 Valdivia earthquake. In the 1990s, various archaeological efforts were made to rebuild the ceremonial platform. Currently, it has 15 moai aligned on a platform, with its back to the Pacific Ocean. One of the moai has a pukao and another is the heaviest ever erected on the island, weighing 86 tons. At present it is part of the Rapa Nui National Park, being administered by the Ma’u Henua indigenous community.

• We will experience an unforgettable sunrise at Ahu Tongariki, one of the most extraordinary ceremonial sites in Rapa Nui. This iconic location is deeply rooted in ancient history, where legends, inter-clan conflicts, and early settlements trace back to around the 10th century. Today, Ahu Tongariki stands as the largest ceremonial platform on Easter Island and one of the most remarkable megalithic monuments in all of Polynesia.
• The site has been carefully restored and is home to fifteen imposing moai, each weighing approximately 86 tons, aligned in perfect harmony along the platform. Their monumental presence reflects the engineering skill and spiritual beliefs of the Rapa Nui people.
• As the vast platform comes alive at dawn, we will witness the sun’s first light rising behind the moai, creating a spectacular play of silhouettes and colors. From December 21st, the summer solstice, to March 21st, the autumn equinox, the sun emerges precisely from behind the Ahu, appearing between the towering stone figures and offering a truly unforgettable visual experience.
• After enjoying this powerful and symbolic moment, we will return to our hotel on Easter Island.

Includes

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

Does not include

• 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.

Note:

• Pick-up for this tour will be arranged at hotels in coordination with the guide.
• Timings may vary due to seasonal changes, either winter or summer.