Caves and Lava Fields: Half Day Hike

Starting point of the hike is in the Roiho area of the Rapa Nui National Park (ticket required). Along the way we will see several lava tubes, cliffs, ruins of archaeological sites and the topography of some of the youngest lava flows of the island.

In this field trip we explore the western wing of this lava tube, three stages of increasing levels of darkness. In some sections we see native vegetation and also some species introduced by early Polynesians.

A large archeological complex with several ceremonial centers (ahu), dominated by Ahu Te Peu with its fallen moai. Te area has Polynesian ovens, foundations of hare pa'enga, manavai, hare moa and several other features.

After about one hour hiking we reach this small and smooth lava tube turned into an Ana Kionga (shelter cave). A narrow lateral tunel, almost inaccesible, goes all the way to the cliffs of the west coast.

After another short hike we get to Ana Kakenga. A small, modified entrance takes us to a narrow tunnel that gradually gets wider. At the end we see two windows to the sea. Each provides an amazing view to the ocean and either the islets of Motu Tautara or the rugged west coast of Rapa Nui. After visiting the last cavern, you will walk with the guide along the coastline appreciating the beautiful cliffs to return through the Vai a Mei sector and end the walk by taking the vehicle