Sunrise at Ahu Tongariki, Easter Island

Begin your sunrise excursion to Ahu Tongariki with pick-up from your accommodation in Hanga Roa, typically between 6:00 am and 6:30 am. From here, your guide may take you to an excellent observation site where you can watch the spectacle of the sun rising behind the iconic monuments or the extinct Poike volcano. Here, you can capture photographs to take back as souvenirs and savor an optional picnic breakfast as you learn about the integral role the sun played in the life of the ancient Rapa Nui people. Your morning adventure ends with a return to your hotel in Hanga Roa.

Start your Easter Island sunrise experience with an early pick-up at your hotel, cottage, or hostel in Hanga Roa 1.5 hours before sunrise. The precise departure time may fluctuate depending on the time of year. From your accommodation, you'll board an air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable ride to the Ahu Tongariki monument site, which, at nearly 219 yards (200 m) long, is the largest on the island. Your guide will ensure you arrive before the sun begins to rise to enjoy the full experience. 

Once at the site, you can choose your vantage point and watch as the sun rises behind the ancient, colossal stone statues called Moais. This spectacle can be a deeply spiritual experience, as the ancient Rapa Nui people revered the sun as a central part of their life and tribe. Perhaps your guide will explain the intricate alignment of the monument with the sunrise at the summer solstice around December 21 each year. 

As the sun rises and illuminates the Moais, you'll have ample time to capture photographs.
Between April and September, the sun will rise behind the volcano Poike. This shift in location presents an exciting challenge for photography enthusiasts as it requires a unique perspective to capture the beauty of the sunrise. After daybreak, perhaps you'll enjoy a picnic breakfast. If you prefer to skip breakfast, you can return to the vehicle for a comfortable ride back to your pick-up location in Hanga Roa.