Easter Island: Hotu Matua Route Day Tour & Moai Sites Pickup

Summary

Walk with legends from Hanga Roa to Anakena beach along the Hotu Matua route

You’ll walk ancient paths across Easter Island with a local guide, tracing legends from Ahu Vaihu to Tongariki’s famous Moai line-up and the quarry at Rano Raraku before ending with your feet in Anakena’s warm sand. It’s not just history — you’ll feel it in stone under your hand or salt on your lips.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the wind — not cold, but restless, carrying that faint salty smell as we left Hanga Roa behind. Our guide, Manu, had this gentle way of speaking — sometimes switching between Spanish and English mid-sentence, which made me smile. We stopped at Ahu Vaihu first; I kept staring at the toppled Moai and trying to picture what happened here. There was this hush among our little group, like we all felt something heavy in the stones.

At Ahu Akahanga, Manu told us about Hotu Matu’a — the first king of Rapa Nui — buried somewhere close by. I tried to imagine arriving on this island for the first time, seeing nothing but endless ocean in every direction. The ground was rough under my shoes and I caught myself running my fingers over one of the stones without thinking. The day trip around Easter Island felt less like a checklist and more like wandering through someone else’s memory.

Tongariki hit me hardest. Fifteen Moai lined up against a sky that looked almost too blue. People were quiet here too — even a kid nearby stopped asking questions for a minute. Manu pointed out how they all face inland; he said it’s so they watch over their people, not the sea. I didn’t expect to feel watched back, honestly. Later at Rano Raraku, where hundreds of unfinished Moai still lie scattered on the hillside (some half-buried), it started to drizzle lightly and everything smelled green and earthy for a while.

Anakena Beach was our last stop and it felt like stepping into another world after all those stones and stories — soft white sand underfoot, palm trees planted decades ago waving lazily overhead, water so clear you could see your toes. Some folks swam; I just sat there eating an empanada from a little stand and watching sunlight flicker off the waves. Even now I can hear that mix of laughter and wind if I think about it long enough.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day coastal tour of Rapa Nui

• Depart from Hanga Roa at 9:30 a.m.
• Visit Ahu Vaihu and Ahu Akahanga
• See burial place of King Hotu Matu’a
• Explore Ahu Tongariki with 15 Moai
• Visit Ahu Te Pito Kura and round stone
• Tour Rano Raraku quarry and Moai workshop
• Relax at Anakena beach and Ahu Nau Nau
• Return to accommodation at 6:00 p.m.

Top questions

How long does the Hotu Matua Route day tour take?

The tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours including all stops.

Is hotel pickup included in this Easter Island day trip?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Hanga Roa is included.

Which sites are visited during this day trip around Easter Island?

The tour visits Ahu Vaihu, Ahu Akahanga (Hotu Matu’a burial site), Ahu Tongariki, Ahu Te Pito Kura, Rano Raraku quarry, and Anakena Beach.

Is lunch provided on this full-day tour?

No lunch is included; you can buy food at Anakena Beach or bring your own snacks.

What languages does the guide speak?

The local guide leads tours in Spanish and/or English.

Do you need to be very fit for this Easter Island tour?

No special fitness level is required; it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Can you swim at Anakena Beach during this tour?

Yes, there is time to swim or relax at Anakena Beach before returning.

When does the tour depart from Hanga Roa?

The tour departs at 9:30 a.m. from your accommodation in Hanga Roa town.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Hanga Roa with a bilingual local guide leading you through historic sites across Easter Island’s north and east coast before ending with free time at Anakena Beach — then returning you back by evening.