Highlight
Orongo Ceremonial Village
Pre-Columbian stone village on the Rano Kau crater rim — ancient Birdman site with petroglyphs.
Typical duration
60 min
Price
Included in NP entry (~CLP21,000) (≈ €20 / $22)
From port
4 km / 2.5 mi
Transfer time
20 min
Indoor / Outdoor
outdoor
Queue risk
low
🕐 Best time to visit
Midday for clear views; avoid foggy mornings
Orongo is a pre-Columbian ceremonial village perched on the narrow rim between the Rano Kau crater and the ocean cliffs. The stone houses were used during the annual Tangata Manu (Birdman) competition, where clan representatives raced to collect the first sooty tern egg from the offshore islet of Motu Nui. More than 1,700 petroglyphs carved into the basalt rocks depict the Birdman figure, Makemake, and marine animals. The site combines dramatic scenery with some of the island's richest rock art.
Getting there from the port
Taxi from Hanga Piko; 5 km south then walk up