Rapa Nui underground: Half Day Private Trekking, Chile

Chile

Rapa Nui underground: Half Day Private Trekking, Chile, photo 4

Rapa Nui underground: Half Day Private Trekking, Chile, photo 5

Enjoy this trekking tour visiting the most important caves and caverns of the island understanding how its inhabitants could survive the depletion of its resources and inclement of the weather.

Cancellation policy

Review the supplier policy below before booking.

Duration 4 hours

Duration supplied by the experience provider.

Languages

English, Spanish

Group size

1–8 travelers

Full description

Sites visited

Ana Te Pahu, Ana Te Pora, Ana Kakenga, Ahu Te Peu

Description

Embark on a captivating half-day trekking tour to explore the volcanic cave systems that once served as vital shelters and ceremonial spaces for the Rapanui people. With your private guide, step off the main tourist trail to discover the mystical beauty and archaeological richness of Easter Island’s most impressive caves.

Begin at Ana Te Pahu, the island’s largest cave, featuring a vast lava tube system with four chambers once used for cooking, shelter, and survival. Its entrance is lush with banana trees, earning it the nickname “Cave of the Bananas.”

Next, visit Ana Te Pora, a smaller volcanic cave with deep ceremonial importance and easy access from a nearby parking area. Continue to Ana Kakenga, famously known as the “Cave of the Two Windows,” with two dramatic ocean-facing openings formed by lava flowing into the sea. The cave stretches about 50 meters and offers stunning coastal views.

The trek concludes at Ahu Te Peu, an unrestored archaeological site where toppled moai, ancient village remains, and the island’s longest hare paenga (boathouse) can still be seen in their original state. According to oral tradition, this site was once the home of Ariki Tu’u Ko Ihu, a revered chief.

Who is this tour for?

Adventurous travelers looking to explore hidden natural and cultural wonders
Visitors interested in geology, volcanology, and ancient Rapanui living practices
Those who enjoy light to moderate trekking experiences away from crowded sites
Cultural enthusiasts wanting an in-depth, private cave exploration guided by a local expert

Important to Know

This tour includes walking over uneven surfaces and entering enclosed spaces
A flashlight or headlamp is recommended for cave interiors
Good walking shoes and water are essential

Itinerary

Ana Te Pahu. Lava channels that go along an important territory, through which four underground chambers connect, form Ana Te Pahu, the biggest cave in Rapa Nui. Its great size made it ideal in primitive times; several umu (old kitchen system) show it was also used to prepare food. Ana Te Pahu is also known as the “cave of the bananas” since there is a big amount of that tree in the entrance.

Ahu Te Peu is an archaeological site, left unrestored, allowing us to witness it just as the ancient inhabitants left it after internal conflicts led to the toppling of moai statues. This location once housed a vibrant village, with the impressive 43-meter-long boathouse or hare paenga named Tore Tahuna, attributed to the renowned Ariki Tu’u Ko Ihu by local tradition.

Ana Te Pora. Volcanic cave whose main entrance is about 100 meters from the parking lot. This cave it was used as both a shelter and ceremonial place in ancient times.

Ana Kakenga is a captivating volcanic cave formed by lava flowing into the sea, creating two openings that directly face the cliff. Stretching approximately 50 meters in length, it once served as a "kionga," a place of refuge in ancient times. This unique geological wonder offers a glimpse into the island's volcanic past and the historical significance it held as a sanctuary for the people of old.

What’s included

Included

Guide
Transfer
Equipment
Private transportation
Private tour guide (Bilingual Spanish/English) - other languages available upon request
Safety equipment: helmets, front headlamps and sticks
Bottled water

Not included

Lunch. We recommend bringing small cash, or you can also bring your own snack along on the tour
Rapa Nui National Park Ticket is required to do this tour (not included)
Where to buy the ticket?: Official website

Important information

Meeting point

Chile

Don’t forget

TOUR IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS / PORT AND TENDER PICK UP NOT AVAILABLE Confirmation will be received at the time of booking Not wheelchair accessible Most travelers can participate This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate Tour not available for cruise ship passengers Not recommended for travelers with back problems No heart problems or other serious medical conditions Comfortable shoes and clothing A hat, cap water, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen. Water (recommended 1 liter) Rapa Nui National Park Ticket.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation if cancelled more than 696 hours before start. 50% charge if cancelled within 696 hours of start. 75% charge if cancelled within 240 hours of start.