Ahu Tongariki

The stunning Ahu Tongariki Island has the 15 Moais standing adjacent to each other. It has lovely backdrop of sea behind.

There is a quarry at the back of which are the carved stone heads. One of the stone heads wearing a red hat is carved at a different quarry.
Location

Ahu Tongariki is situated on the Rano Raraku Volcano Quarry in the South Coast of Easter Island of Chile.

Historical Importance

It was in 400 AD, about 100 Polynesians arrived to this place and set up their homes. They started agriculture, hunting and fishing and by 1000AD they were capable of supporting a skilled artisan class who decided to start getting creative in the surrounding volcanic valleys. It is at this time, giant Moais were carved from the rock using very primitive means and tools. They were transported to all around the island to stand as guards for their villages. So, Moais are all scattered over the island.

The Ahu Tongariki was washed off by a freak tidal wave caused by a massive 9.5 earthquake along the Chilean Coast in 1960. With the support of Japanese, these Moais were restored in 1990. There are still the traces of large metal storage containers with the Japanese markings at the site. This unique island was founded by a Dutch Admiral Jacob Roggeveen in 1722.
Nearby Attractions

Orongo Ceremonial Village

The Orongo ceremonial village is located on the summit of the Rano Kao volcano and has a self-guiding trail which takes to stone houses and striking petroglyphs. The path offers spectacular views of the ocean along with three rocky islets, Motu Kao Kao, Motu Iti and Motu Nui.

Island Circuit

There are many ahu or stone platforms, with a few statues back in place. The stone henhouses, the hare paenga or the boat-shaped thatched houses, the petroglyphs, the Manavai, and other aspects of the Rapa Nui culture can be seen in this region.

Anakena Beach

Anakena is the main beach on the island with two fully restored ahu. The beach has coconut palms with a picnic area apart from warm water suitable for bathing.

Tahai Ceremonial Center

It is located in Hanga Roa and has 2 ahus.

Puna Pau Quarry

It is in this quarry, the red lava stone head-dresses of the moai were made. Many of them were left strewn on the ground on route from the quarry before they could be put in place.

Ana Kai Tangata Cave

This cave is located in a village, near Mataveri and has paintings of birds on its ceiling.

Lava Tunnels

There are lava tunnels at several places on the island, especially on the slopes of the Maunga Terevaka volcano. They have several species of flora.

Underwater Exploration

Snorkeling in La Perouse is a great experience as it offers a striking underwater panorama of corals apart from the sight of multicolored fishes.