Tour Full Day The Birdman Quest: Orongo y Volcán Rano Kau

Your private tour adventure begins with a warm welcome from our knowledgeable Rapanui local guide, who will pick you up directly from your accommodation in Hanga Roa. As you travel through the village toward to the first spot, your guide will share fascinating stories about the different areas in Rapanui and about Rapanui’s heritage and offer insights into local life with valuable information.

Start the tour visiting a unique place perched on the edge of the spectacular Rano Kau crater, Orongo is one of Rapa Nui’s most iconic archaeological sites. This sacred village was the center of the ancient Birdman Cult, where stone houses, petroglyphs, and ceremonial platforms tell the story of a powerful ritual once held here. Surrounded by sweeping views of the Pacific and the crater's lush interior—home to the island’s largest reserve of endemic flora—Orongo offers an unforgettable journey into Rapa Nui's mythological and spiritual past. In this first stop, you will also enjoy the breathtaking view towards the 3 islets Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao Kao opposite the coast.

Discover Rano Kau, a breathtaking volcanic crater with a freshwater lake and lush vegetation inside its caldera. From its rim, enjoy panoramic views before visiting the ceremonial village of Orongo, perched dramatically on the crater’s edge. This sacred site was home to the legendary Birdman ceremony and features ancient petroglyphs and restored stone houses. Explore the visitor center’s permanent exhibition and dive deep into the island’s mythology, archaeology, and natural beauty—all in one unforgettable stop.

Enjoy an perfect view point towards Hanga Roa

Highlighted archaeological site (not restored) characterized by the fine work of the ancient builders of Rapa Nui. There are some theories about the construction of this first platform establishing a hypothetical relationship with the Inca construction style.

This quarry served as the source of the red volcanic stone used for crafting the Pu Kao, the distinct hairpieces adorning the moai statues. Among the fascinating features here are 23 partially carved cylindrical Pu Kao prototypes, designed for easier transportation to the ahu platforms. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a privileged view of Hanga Roa village from this vantage point.

Ahu Akivi is a rare ceremonial platform on Easter Island, distinct for its inland location. Its seven moai statues were meticulously restored to their upright positions through collaborative efforts by archaeologists William Mulloy, Gonzalo Figueroa, and the Rapa Nui community. These moai hold a unique characteristic of being astronomically aligned, facing the setting sun with precision.

Perfect place for seeing the sunset. There, you will find a ceremonial Complex restored in 1974 by the American archaeologist Dr. William Mulloy. Tahai embraces three principal ahu from north to south: Ko Te Riku (restored eyes one), Tahai, and Vai Ure. For its proximity to town it's a popular place for sunset photos.

As your memorable day comes to an end, your guide will ensure a comfortable and safe return to your accommodation in Hanga Roa. During the journey back, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to ask any lingering questions about the tour, Rapanui culture. Your knowledgeable guide will be happy to share insights, stories, and recommendations to enrich your understanding of Chile and its traditions. It’s the ideal way to wrap up a day filled with discovery, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences.