Upon arriving on the island, we quickly realized that finding a reliable guide without a prior reservation was going to be a challenge. Undeterred, we headed straight to the visitor center and inquired if any of the staff could serve as our guide for the day. It was a Friday, and a cheerful, plump woman, who appeared to be a staff member, sought permission from her supervisor and agreed to take us around.
She charged $10 per site, and we visited six places in total. We had planned to see the sunrise the next day, but unfortunately, she didn’t show up, so our guided tour was limited to just one day.
Here are her English explanations corresponding to the locations in Figure 1. Some of these sites require a guide to enter, while others can be explored independently.
**Orongo (Guide required)**
Nestled within a volcanic crater formed many years ago, Orongo is a lush, water-filled basin. Gazing westward, you can spot a small island known as Motu Kao Kao Islet. Every September, during the spring season, a thrilling competition takes place where a group of warriors race to retrieve the first bird egg from the western island.
The victorious warrior enjoys special privileges, including an abundance of chickens, ducks, and fish, for an entire year. Interestingly, a statue now housed in the British Museum was originally taken from this very spot.
**Ahu Vinapu (Guide required)**
This platform was used during the construction of the iconic moai statues. Among its highlights are the fallen moai and the only female moai. Additionally, there is a structure built using a different construction technique than most other statues, with stones cut remarkably neatly.
Archaeologists speculate that this method resembles the construction techniques of the Peruvian Inca civilization, though the exact means of transmission to Easter Island remains a mystery.
**Puna Pau (Guide required)**
Puna Pau is a quarry where red stone was extracted, used to create the distinctive hats for the moai statues. To reach the quarry, you need to climb a small hill. Today, the quarry is completely covered by lush vegetation, and the red soil is a striking sight.
**Ahu Akivi (Guide required)**
Legend has it that a king’s priest once had a vivid dream in which the king’s soul soared over the ocean and discovered Easter Island. Convinced by the vision, the king sent scouts across the ocean to find and settle the island. Seven of these scouts remained on the island, waiting for the king’s arrival. These seven men are honored by seven stone statues, each standing as a testament to their dedication.
**Anakena (No guide required)**
Anakena is a stunning beach that rivals the beauty of the Gold Coast in Australia. The real view is even more breathtaking than the photos suggest. The beach is dotted with numerous tents, and it’s essential to use sunscreen and sunglasses, as the sun here is particularly intense.
**Ahu Te Pito Kura (Guide required)**
Upon entering the gate, you will find a round stone surrounded by four smaller stones. According to the guide, these four stones point to the east, south, west, and north. While they may appear to be just a few broken stones at first glance, they hold a deeper significance and are worth a closer look.
