Private Easter Island Full-Day Tour: Moai, Caves & Birdman Cult

The Birdman Cult competition was decided by a cliff dive and a swim to offshore islets.

A private full-day tour of Easter Island starting with hotel pickup, visiting six major sites including Ana Kai Tangata cave, the volcanic crater of Rano Kau, Orongo Ceremonial Village where tribal leaders were chosen, Puna Pau quarry, Ahu Akivi's seven restored moai, and Ana Te Pahu lava tube network. A live guide in English or Spanish narrates the history and culture throughout. The national park pass (approximately $80 USD) is not included and must be purchased separately. Lunch is not included but food stops are available along the route.

The experience

Orongo Ceremonial Village sits at the heart of this tour: the site where, during the 18th and 19th centuries, different tribes gathered annually to compete for leadership of the island. The competition, called the Birdman Cult, was no ceremonial formality: competitors climbed down cliffs, swam out to three small islets off the coast, and raced to retrieve the first sooty tern egg of the season. The winner's tribe ruled Easter Island for the year. Your guide walks you through this landscape and explains how the ritual shaped the island's political history.

The tour moves through seven distinct stops over roughly seven hours. Ana Kai Tangata is a cave with painted roof panels and a name tied to the island's warfare period. Rano Kau is a volcanic crater that drops 200 meters to a freshwater lake below, offering panoramic views across the island. Puna Pau quarry is where the red scoria stone (a cindery basaltic lava rock) was quarried to create the large topknots fitted onto moai heads. Ahu Akivi holds seven restored statues said to represent the first explorers who arrived on the island, and they are the only moai group facing the ocean rather than inland. Ana Te Pahu reveals the lava tube networks the ancient Rapa Nui people used to live, collect water, grow vegetables, and shelter from outside threats during the 18th and 19th centuries. Vinapu rounds out the stops with some of the island's finest stonework, reminiscent of Inca masonry from South America.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, as is a private guide who speaks English or Spanish and provides live commentary throughout the day. The national park entry fee (roughly $80 USD, valid for 10 days) is separate and can be purchased at the airport or online beforehand. Lunch is not included, but the itinerary builds in stops where you can buy food if needed. A minimum of two people per booking is required. Groups stay at six or fewer.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• private guide in English or Spanish.
• live commentary at each site.
• visits to Ana Kai Tangata, Rano Kau, Orongo Ceremonial Village, Vinapu, Puna Pau, Ahu Akivi, and Ana Te Pahu.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Green Island Tours - Easter Island

Is this one for you?At seven hours, this tour fills most of a day but leaves room for a meal before or after and a rest at your hotel. If you're on a cruise ship, note that port pickup is not available and this tour is not compatible with ship excursion schedules. It works for land-based stays only.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).

What is the Birdman Cult and why does it matter to this tour?

The Birdman Cult was an annual competition held at Orongo Ceremonial Village where rival tribes competed for leadership of Easter Island. Competitors had to climb down cliffs, swim to offshore islets, and retrieve the first sooty tern egg of the season: the winner's tribe ruled the island for a year. The tour visits Orongo and explains how this ritual shaped the island's political and cultural history.

Do I need to buy the national park pass before I arrive?

The national park pass is not included in the tour price and costs approximately $80 USD. You can purchase it at the airport upon arrival (valid for 10 days after purchase) or online before you travel. Either option works. Having it in advance means no delay on tour day.

What are the seven moai at Ahu Akivi, and why are they different from other Easter Island statues?

Ahu Akivi holds seven restored moai said to represent the first explorers who arrived on Easter Island. They are unique because they face the ocean, looking outward: all other moai groups on the island face inland toward the settlements.

How do the lava tubes at Ana Te Pahu show how ancient people lived on Easter Island?

Ana Te Pahu is one of the island's most extensive lava tube networks. The ancient Rapa Nui people used these caves to live, collect freshwater, plant vegetables, and hide from outside visitors during the 18th and 19th centuries when the island faced external threats. The tour walks through the network and explains how these caves were essential to survival.

Is lunch included, and where can I eat during the tour?

Lunch is not included in the tour price, but the itinerary includes stops where you can purchase food along the way if you get hungry during the seven-hour day.