Private Tour: Easter Island’s Forgotten Pōike Peninsula

Stop 1: Ahu Mahatua is a significant ceremonial center once dedicated to cremation and burial rites. As we walk along Pōike's steep coast, the three distinct mounds of Ma'unga Parehe (broken hill), Ma'unga Tea Tea (white hill), and Ma'unga Vai a Heva (magic water hill) stand high above.

Stop 2: Maunga Parehe is one of the three distinct mounds of Poike and a hill steeped in Rapa Nui myths. At its summit, we'll encounter a small lapili tuff moai, and explore the fascinating tales of ure a oho vehi and the aku aku spirits.

Stop 3: Ahu Kiri Reva features three distinct construction stages and a remarkable Moai face unearthed during archaeological excavations in 2006 by Nicolas Cauwe.

Stop 4: Papa u'i hetu'u ("the flat lava flow from which the stars were observed"), is an ancient stargazing site adorned with petroglyphs believed to represent Ma'ea Matariki (Pleiades) according to oral tradition.

Stop 5: Ana o Keke, also known as the "cave of the virgins", is steeped in history and mysticism. The petroglyphs of Ana O Keke are unique and one of the highlights of this tour. They form a carefully thought-out composition, with some motifs being exclusive to this site. The petroglyphs cover the inner surface of the lava tube depicting both realistic images of plants, birds, fishes, and outrigger canoes, as well as abstract geometric forms.

Stop 6: Ahu Moai Tea Tea is home to a collection of approximately a dozen well-preserved, demolished Moai sculpted from trachyte, offering a unique glimpse into Rapa Nui's ancient past.

Stop 7: Pua Katiki is the highest point on the Poike Peninsula and the oldest volcano in Rapa Nui. Here, you'll be treated to an incredible panoramic view of both the south and north coastlines of the island.

Stop 8: Maunga Vai a Heva is a hill with a rich archaeological history. Here, you will find a moai nestled within a small cave. The hill gets its name from a large 3-meter head carved into the rock, featuring prominent eyes and a broad nose, with a natural cavity below representing a mouth, possibly used to collect rainwater.