Spend a day visiting the Southwestern coast of Easter Island, including the Archaeological complex of Tahai, Rano Kao Volcano and Orongo Ceremonial City. Our first stop will be the Tahai Ceremonial Complex, which comprises three principal ahu from north to south: Ko Te Riku (with restored eyes), Tahai, and Vai Ure. Then we will head to Rano Kau Volcano, whose slopes offer an impressive view of the islets Motu Nui, Motu Iti, Motu Kao Kao. Rano Kau has a crater lake which is one of the island’s only three natural bodies of fresh water. Heading west, we will get to the village of Orongo; it was used between 1600 and 1866 AD to worship the birdmen. The village consists of approximately 50 elliptically shaped, shale-wall homes with a small square entry overlooking the ocean. Arranged into two uneven rows, the lower row ends at Mata Ngarahu, the sacred precinct where the Birdman used to be worshiped. This is also the location of one of the most profusely decorated petroglyphs on the island. As you explore, listen to some incredible legends about the island.
