Moai Rise and Fall: Full Day Private Tour

Moai Rise and Fall: Full Day Private Tour is an archaeological field trip that explores the meaning, inception, creation and destruction of the megalithic statues of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). By visiting several key sites, the whole story of the moai comes to life through the explanations of a local expert with academic background. This field trip is based on scientific, ethnographic and historical evidence, supplemented by a deep knowledge of our oral tradition.

RPS Experiences is the tourism wing of the Rapanui Pioneers Society, a research and educational organization formed by thoroughly experienced members. Our slow tours go against the fast-paced group tours to make sure that our Rapanui culture is well represented. We visit the sites during the hours of best light and avoiding (as much as possible) the busy hours, and we take our time on each site to get the full experience. This tour is also customizable depending on our travelers' special interests.

Private service only.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Ahu Tahai, Rapa Nui, Easter Island Chile

Extensive visite to the Tahai Archaeological Complex for a thorough overview of Rapa Nui's ancient history as an introduction to the island's culture. Three monumental ahu and remains of several other archaeological structures can be found at the site. We also pay homage to American archaeologist William T. Mulloy visiting his memorial.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Ahu Vaihu, Coastal Road, Hanga Roa, Easter Island Chile

The ruins of a monumental ahu in the Vaihu district are a chilling memory of the fall of the moai. We offer a talk about the reasons for the fall, the modern myths about the collapse and how the ancient culture came to an end. There is also an interpretive center nearby with a functioning replica of an ancient micro-village.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Rano Raraku, Easter Island Chile

A breathtaking monumental archaeological site, Rano Raraku was the birthplace of the moai. Near 400 attempts at moai remain there in different stages of the carving process. This place is also of significant geological and historical importance. This is an in-depth visit of every single feature of this place, including (if weather permits) the small caldera at the top.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Ahu Tongariki, Easter Island Chile

Ahu Tongariki is the biggest ceremonial monument in Polynesia. Besides a thorough walk around the ahu, we visit the petroglyph site of Papa Tataku Poki in the same area, linked to detailed legends about warfare.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes