Easter Island North Coast Archaeological Circuit
Drive and walk the wild northern coast, visiting a series of toppled ahu platforms and ruined moai with sweeping ocean views.
- 1
Ahu Te Peu Ruins
The largest ruined ahu on the island, its fallen moai lying face down — a powerful image of the collapse of Rapa Nui civilisation in the 17th century.
- 2
Anakena Beach
The island's only sandy beach, fringed with palm trees, is where legend says King Hotu Matu'a landed his canoe when the first Polynesians settled the island.
- 3
Ahu Nau Nau
Seven beautifully restored moai with pukao topknots stand on the Anakena beach platform — their sheltered position has left them unusually well-preserved.
- 4
Ahu Ature Huki
A single restored moai on Anakena beach was the first moai re-erected on Easter Island, pulled upright by Thor Heyerdahl's team in 1956.
- 5
Ovahe Beach Cove
A small, dramatic cove just south of Anakena with pink-tinged sand and towering red volcanic cliffs — often deserted and strikingly beautiful.
- 6
North Coast Cliff Trail
The rugged north coast trail passes collapsed ahu and eroded moai fragments, their features worn by centuries of Pacific salt spray and wind.