Birdman Ceremonial Route: Orongo, Ranu Kau Half-Day Tour
Hanga Roa, Chile
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Delve into the mystifying mysteries of Easter Island on an intriguing half-day tour of the southwestern coast. Visit a series of iconic ‘moai’ sculptures at the Tahai ceremonial complex; admire advanced stone masonry in the traditional Orongo village; and venture into the depths of darkened caves to marvel at ancient murals. Watch waves crash against the dramatic cliffs of the coastline and absorb the natural splendor of a crater lake at the colossal Rang Kau volcano, while gaining fascinating insight into the Rapa Nui culture. Convenient round-trip transportation is included from your hotel in Hanga Roa.
- 3.5-hour tour of the southwestern coast of Easter Island
- Visit three ahu (platforms) at the Tahai ceremonial complex
- Enjoy amazing views of a crater lake near the extinct Rano Kau volcano
- View pictures of birdmen inside the island’s only cave to contain petroglyphs
- Learn about birdmen legends and Rapa Nui society at Orongo village
- Round-trip transport from Hanga Roa hotels included
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport by air-conditioned van or bus
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fee to Rapa Nui National Park$100.00 per person
- Transfers from the pier
- Admission Fee - Rapa Nui National Park$100.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
The pick up is included from your Hotel located in the Rapa Nui urban zone, Hanga Roa. If your Hotel is too far away from the pick up zone, we will be letting you know the meeting point for the excursion.
Operating hours.9:00 am
Itinerary
Depart from your hotel in Hanga Roa and relax on a scenic drive towards the Tahai ceremonial complex. Enjoy a short stroll to the entrance of the site then plunge into a comprehensive cultural tour of the enclave with your knowledgeable guide.
Gain insight into the origins of the magnificent moai statues as you admire the colossal sculptures carved from hardened volcanic ash; learn about indigenous Rapa Nui tribes and how the figures represent the spirits of ancestors.
Wander through the site independently during some relaxed free time, noting distinctive statues sporting prominent red ‘top knots’ and facial features decorated with glittering obsidian rock. Observe solitary moais and groups of sculptures varying in size and shape as you explore this area of great historical interest.
Return to the minivan to begin the journey to Ana Kai Tangata, home to a captivating coastal cave. Allow your guide to direct your attention to vibrant red and white drawings of birds in flight and note the petroglyphs of manutaras, or birdmen, around the cave. Enter the subterranean depths of the cave to discover more fascinating murals as you listen to the waves crash against the cliffs, and hear captivating legends of the tribesmen who used to fling themselves from cliff tops in search of the first egg laid by a native bird.
Leave the cave in favour of the colossal Rano Kau volcano and its glittering crater lake; capture this dramatic landscape from three different vantage points before venturing to the village of Orongo.
Admire each of the 54 characteristic oval houses made from natural materials and enjoy panoramic ocean vistas; wander this unique settlement independently until its time to return to your hotel in the comfortable minivan.
Gain insight into the origins of the magnificent moai statues as you admire the colossal sculptures carved from hardened volcanic ash; learn about indigenous Rapa Nui tribes and how the figures represent the spirits of ancestors.
Wander through the site independently during some relaxed free time, noting distinctive statues sporting prominent red ‘top knots’ and facial features decorated with glittering obsidian rock. Observe solitary moais and groups of sculptures varying in size and shape as you explore this area of great historical interest.
Return to the minivan to begin the journey to Ana Kai Tangata, home to a captivating coastal cave. Allow your guide to direct your attention to vibrant red and white drawings of birds in flight and note the petroglyphs of manutaras, or birdmen, around the cave. Enter the subterranean depths of the cave to discover more fascinating murals as you listen to the waves crash against the cliffs, and hear captivating legends of the tribesmen who used to fling themselves from cliff tops in search of the first egg laid by a native bird.
Leave the cave in favour of the colossal Rano Kau volcano and its glittering crater lake; capture this dramatic landscape from three different vantage points before venturing to the village of Orongo.
Admire each of the 54 characteristic oval houses made from natural materials and enjoy panoramic ocean vistas; wander this unique settlement independently until its time to return to your hotel in the comfortable minivan.
1
Orongo
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Rano Kau
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
Ahu Vinapu
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- 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. This tour is not suitable for passengers coming by cruise.
- Entrance Fee Information – Rapa Nui National Park Passengers traveling to Easter Island are required to pay an entrance fee of USD 100 to visit the Rapa Nui National Park. The ticket can be purchased: - Upon arrival at the CONAF Office inside Mataveri Airport, or - Online in advance through the official website. The entrance fee is valid for 10 consecutive days from the date of purchase and must be presented when visiting archaeological sites during our tours. We recommend purchasing the ticket with the date of your first tour, so you can make the most of the 10-day validity period. Please remember to download the ticket to your phone or carry a printed copy, as internet access is limited in most tourist areas of the island
- Excursions can be modified by weather conditions
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Reviews
4.3
based on 16 reviews
thalia_n, Sep 2023
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
Kimberly_K, Aug 2023
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.
Enrique O, Nov 2017
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.
Alison_M, Dec 2016
The tour was well worthwhile - informative and interesting. The guide Christina was knowledgeable and helpful.
Diane_Y, Nov 2016
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!
Jacqueline B, Aug 2016
Fabulous half day in Easter island. This was one of the best excursions I have ever been on, loved it. Our guide was excellent and the scenery was stunning. Would highly recommend
Cindy J, Mar 2016
It was a great tour, well done, guide was knowledgeable. However, we booked this tour not knowing how easy it would be to get around the island on our own. We actually rented a car the day before and had already visited some of the sites we went to on the tour. But if you don't want to rent a car, this is a great tour.
MURDOCH S, Nov 2015
A great trip to the Bird Man cult centre which has been restored. Guide was first class and explained everything well
Kathleen N, Oct 2015
Great tour of Easter Island to be able to see and hear stories of some fascinating sites. Tour guide was excellent and offered the tour bilingually though less English as English-speakers were a small minority. The tour group size was a bit large, but for the price and the quality of the guides, I would definitely recommend this tour! I did the two half-day tours on different days, which was perfect.
Chung Lin W, Sep 2015
Guide gave way more explanations in Spanish than English.
kevin k, Mar 2015
It was something I had wanted to do for a very long time. I really enjoyed my trip and would highly recommend it.
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Birdman Ceremonial Route: Orongo, Ranu Kau Half-Day Tour
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