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What to do and see in Chile, Chile: The Best Ancient Ruins
Coordinates: 30°S 71°W / 30°S 71°W / -30; -71
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1. Rano Raraku
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,073 reviews
The island's famous moai statues were carved from the volcanic rock of this mountain and are scattered across its slopes in various stages of completion.
Reviewed By DERtravels - Upland, United States
This is the highlight of our day tour on Easter Island. Although it was raining when we arrived, it did not deter us from making the hike up the path. We didn't manage to go all the qa into the quarry. We are slow walkers and we were only given about 35 minutes to explore. However, seeing the half buried Maoi made us truly wonder just how could the indigenous people build and erect these statues. We could also see Tongariki from this vantage point.
2. Ahu Tongariki
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,999 reviews
15 Of The Island's Famous Moai Statues Stand Here In A Military Lineup Upon A Flat Rock Platform.
Reviewed By carolmL5814HA - Almancil, Portugal
Ahu Tongariki is amazing! The sheer size of the statues is mind blowing and as to how they got there well that’s a mystery! This is one of the ‘must see’ sights on Easter Island.
3. Petroglifos De Tilama
4. Ahu Vinapu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
Ahu Vinapu is an interesting archeological site in Easter Island. It has a ceremonial center, which includes one of the larger ahu(platform) on Rapa Nui. The ahu exhibits extraordinary stonemasonry consisting of large, carefully fitted slabs of basalt. This site was investigated by an American archaeologist, William Mulloy, in 1958. Certainly worth visiting for seeing the artwork from yesteryears, while in Easter Island.
5. Hanga Te Tenga
6. Ahu Akahanga
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 551 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
This attraction is an interesting one and different from other attractions. One can see an ahu(platform) in ruins with all of its moai fallen face down or on their backs, most likely toppled after the clan wars. At the entrance to this site one will see some well-preserved ruins of an ancient village with a number of earth ovens (umu pae), the boat-houses (hare vaka) as well as some paved areas which will show you a little of how the people of Rapa Nui used to live. Very close to here you will also find a small cave that was used as shelter for those who did not have a boat house. Behind the main ahu, one will find another moai that has been toppled as well as an unusually small moais that would have been one of the first ones to be built. Certainly would very highly recommend visiting this attraction to any traveler and especially those who are eager to have an off beat experience on Easter Island.
7. Ahu Vaihu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By WImom - Fond du Lac, United States
This are two things of interest here. One is a reconstructed village and the other is a moai platform. To really appreciate the reconstructed village, a guide is needed. Without the guide, one would lack the understanding of how exactly these people lived. The guide showed us how the ancient chicken houses worked. There is a stone that is removed from the wall and the chickens continue to file out. Very amusing. The boat houses were explained in detail, as well as how they farmed and how they cooked. See photos for details. Towards the water is the platform used to support 8 moai, each one with its red topknot. The moai are now lying prone in the exact position that they were thrown over. In front of the platform, you will see a large round circle named paina , after the ceremony that used to take place inside it.
8. Castillo San Pedro Alcantara
9. Ahu Nau Nau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
Reviewed By deborahk3 - Maidstone, United Kingdom
The Ahu Nau Nau is located 150 meters inland from the shore of Anakena beach. It is believed that here is the birthplace of the history and culture of Easter Island. This site has incredible views of the ocean. Ahu Nau Nau is the most elaborate and best preserved platform of the three that were built in Anakena. For a long time they laid buried in the sand on the beach, which allowed them to be more protected from erosion than the others. Restoration work started in 1978 and they were restored to their ancient splendor; making them the most beautiful archaeological site on the Island. A popular stop off on the island tours.
10. Hanga Kioe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By bukagirl - New Jersey, United States
Really liked this Moai by itself and a beautiful setting, not real crowded you can get some great photographs with this one.
