We started the tour around 3:00 p.m. from the town of Hanga Roa visiting the Ahu Vinapu, a ceremonial center with three ahus used by the islanders in the year 1,200 AD. The first has six moai that are demolished and painted red; the second, with a supposedly female moai that had two heads and of the third, the oldest, only removed stones remain.
We continued our way to the Puna Pau quarry, an archaeological site east of Hanga Roa located in a small crater of red scoria, from there the pukaos or headdresses with which the moai were crowned were obtained. Along its old exit path you can still see some unfinished and abandoned ones.
We continue our route to the Ahu Akivi, the first Ahu scientifically restored on the island around 1960. With seven moai, this platform is characterized by being one of the few located in the center of the island with statues that face the rising sun. According to legend, these moai would represent the seven young explorers sent before the arrival of Hotu Matua to recognize the island.
Our adventure ends at the Ahu Huri a Urenga Moai.
Return to Hanga Roa.
Overview
Half-day excursion where you can visit Ahu Vinapu, the Puna Pau quarry, Ahu Akivi and Ahu Huri.
Highlights
- Ahu Vinapu
- Puna Pau
- Ahu Akivi
- Ahu Huri
