Vai a Heva
A face carved into a large rock that works as a natural water basin. Tradition says it was carved by a widow named Heva, and that when it rains the water running from the eyes to the mouth is her endless grief for her husband.
Poike sits at the far east of Rapa Nui, away from the usual route. From the top of the volcano you can see almost the entire island, from Terevaka in the north to Rano Kau at the far south-west.
The hike also passes unusual archaeological sites that most visitors never see. It involves walking on uneven ground, so it suits people who enjoy being outdoors.
The day, stop by stop
The top of the volcano
A wide panorama over almost the whole island, from Terevaka and Ovahe in the north to Rano Kau in the far south-west.
The grey moai
Almost all moai were carved at Rano Raraku, but a few were made from hard grey trachyte, and most of those are here on the back of Poike. Because the stone is so hard, fine details have survived that would have worn away long ago.
Ana o Keke, the Virgin Cave
A hidden cave in a dramatic spot by the cliffs. Tradition says young girls were kept here to keep their skin pale, and the carvings on its walls have been linked to the rongorongo script. You need to be comfortable with heights to enter.
The route
More from this tour
Good to know
- Included
- Private guide · Transport from your hotel or Airbnb · A bottle of water
- Not included
- National park ticket (bought separately, valid for 10 days) · Lunch
- Lunch
- Lunch is flexible. We can stop to eat along the way, or drop you at a restaurant after the tour.
- What to bring
- Sunscreen, good shoes for walking, and clothes for the weather. You are welcome to bring extra water.
- Flexible by design
- Your tour is private, so tell your guide what you want to spend more time on.
- Group size
- Up to 4 guests per tour. If you are more, message us on WhatsApp and we will see if we can make it work.
- Hiking
- A moderate hike on uneven ground. Bring sturdy shoes, water, sun protection and a layer for wind. The cave at the end needs a head for heights.
Add the sunrise
Add the sunrise at Tongariki
Watch the sun rise behind the fifteen moai, with the island almost to yourselves. About 3 hours, early morning, before your tour day starts.
60,000 CLP per person added to this tour (250,000 in total).
Poike
A hike on the island's wild eastern end. Climb the Poike volcano for views over almost the whole island, and visit a rock carved with a face, rare grey moai and a cave on the cliffs.