The caves of Rapa Nui
Explore The Caves of Easter Island
Easter Island was formed by a succession of lava flows coming from the volcanoes that make it up, all of which have now been extinct for several millennia.
Like many other volcanic islands, it is full of caves and underground galleries, many of which remain unexplored to this day, or even largely unknown. Only a few elders know of its existence. Jealously guarded secrets which have undoubtedly served as shelters, caches, and tombs in ancient times.
It is possible to visit some of them and four are presented to you in this easy walk. Natural curiosities, sometimes created by man, you don’t need to be keen on caving to access them. Welcome to the underground world of Rapa Nui.
Discovering the Rapa Nui caves
- all-year
- 5 hours
- 4 sites
- 100% private
- english
1 – ANA TE PAHU. The entrance to an underground network formed by the last lava flows that shaped the island. Real protected garden.
2 – AHU TE PEU. Perfect fit of Rapanui constructions. Overlooking the blue ocean and the precipices cutting it, the religious platforms protect the remains of the village. Royal atmosphere!
3 – ANA TE PORA. Descending towards the coast, second cave, shaped by the hand of man. Refuge during dark periods in Rapa Nui’s history.
4 – ANA KAKENGA. And to conclude, a confidential entrance to a narrow tunnel which opens onto two large openings on the cliffside. Magnificent natural spectacle.
Departure at 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. from your accommodation.
• Short drive from your accommodation to Roiho (10 minutes). Then the hiking begins.
• After following a hedge of guava trees, and under the auspices of the remains of a raised Moai, we arrive at the first cave, Te Pahu. At its exit, an ancient well with a petroglyph hidden in its walls.
• The path then leads us to the ahu Te Peu, not restored to this day. Royal village with remains of ancient houses and Moai heads around one of the three most imposing platforms of Rapa Nui.
• We will take the path towards the coast with the sea horizon to the second cave, built by man, and where it will take a few minutes for your eyes to get used to the darkness.
• We will then arrive at the third cave of this excursion. Protected and confined entrance which will take us underground through a short, very narrow tunnel to lead to two larger rooms with openings on the cliffside: a natural spectacle on the blue of the Pacific Ocean.
• It will then be time to return to the village.
- 1 adult. $330.00
- 2 adults. $330.00
- 3 adults. $465.00
- 4 adults. $600.00
- 5 adults. $700.00
- 6 adults. $800.00
- 7 adults. $905.00
- 8 adults. $1,005.00
Frequently asked questions
Is this hike difficult?
It is easy: allow 5 hours of walking at a gentle pace, with no technical difficulty. You need to be able to walk unaided, and closed shoes are essential.
How long does it last and what do you see?
5 hours and 4 sites, on a 100% private hike. Transport from your accommodation is included.
When can you do it?
All year round. The climate on Rapa Nui stays mild and the sites are open without interruption.
What is included
- Transportation
- Local guide
What is excluded
- Entrance ticket to Rapa Nui National Park
- Excursion not available for cruise ship passengers. Click here for the special cruise program
Activities
- 1/2 day excursion
- Archaeological sites
- Panoramas
What to bring on your hike
- Your Rapa Nui National Park ticket, checked at the entrance to each site.
- Your passport, or a copy.
- Closed walking shoes: the trails are stony and uneven.
- SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Long sleeves & trousers (sun): there is no shade along most of the route.
- Water.
- A light rain jacket and a windbreaker.
Why book with us?
- Why not?
100% private services: your guide, you, your partner, your family or your friends. Nobody else.
- Professional Local tourist guide
- Registered with the Chilean National Tourism Service (SERNATUR) & approved with the Rapa Nui National Park (Ma'u Henua)
- Personalized attention
- 100% secure payments
