Ahu Vinapu

Yet another archeological site on Rapa Nui but here you'll get to see the Ahu (platform) a bit closer than at other sites. You can even walk around the entire platform, which you usually can't at other sites. There are quite a few fallen Moai all around the Ahu and a few Pukao (topknots) scattered around. You'll need a ticket and guide to visit.

Two sets of ahu platforms from different eras as seen in the marked difference in stonework. Other notable sites are a headless female stature and a topknot made into a horse trough. The drive there and back takes one by the airport runway.

Rapa Nui is stunning. The people are sweet and the island is very clean but poor. Yes, you need a guide in the national park, but don't let that stop you. Rent a car or scooter to see it all (tiny - 5 mi by 7 mi). It's absolutely worth the trip. I came here from all the way from Los Angeles California. It took me 24 hours to get here and I'm staying for 2 weeks.

The only inland Ahu. Please see the pictures to understand what it is.

Different from other ahu on the island the moais at Ahu Vinapu were not restored to their original position. But it's this feature that lets you check the composition of the platforms. There are 2 ahu here, but one is different from any other on the island because it has a stone-plating using the Inca imperial architecture style. Although the date when this plating was done is not known, it's a clear proof of the contact between the island and South American continent. Moreover, according to chroniclers and historians it was Inca Tupac Yupanqui who arrived here in an expedition around 1465 and was probably the author of the plating.

The quarry is incredible. Be sure to see the kneeling statue, the one that would have been the biggest ever (which is incomplete), and get up to the top to see the crator

One of Rapa Nui's many archeological sites. This one is known for the construction of the ahu and the remains of moai surrounding the ahu. Remember to be respectful of this sacred space and don't climb on the ahu.

Quite a unique archaeological site that contains some of the unrestored ahu with a lot of history attached however the small informational description at the entrance of the site doesn’t do this location justice. Went here with a local guide who knew the ins and outs of all the moais and ahus.

Our guide yoyo was the man!!

What strikes me most about this Ahu is how peaceful it is... I was genuinely surprised at how quiet and soothing this place is on ones nerves. Ideal for meditation or just any kind of relaxation.

Ahu Vinapu is one among the many archaeological sites on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in Eastern Polynesia.
Ahu Vinapu exhibits one of the larger Ahu on Rapa Nui. The ahu exhibits extraordinary stonemasonry consisting of large, carefully fitted slabs of basalt.
Vinapu  archaeological complex is located on the edge of the south coast of the island, where the airport runway ends. Out of three Ahu(platforms) found, only two ahu stand out brilliantly. Clashes between different clans of Rapa Nui too had it's toll on the moai around the 18th and 19th centuries.
Vinapu is part of the Rapa Nui National Park, which UNESCO has declared a World Heritage Site. Rapa Nui Island is indeed remote. But the beauty of the island is still unparallel. Good luck.

Without any doubt, we can say that Tupac Yupanqui, son of Pachacutec and grandfather of the last Inca Huascar, arrived with his float and built this walls... historic!

Must see

Really cool big stone wall construction. It reminded me of the stone walls around Cusco, Peru. It makes me wonder how this kind of knowledge was passed around in the ancient word.

Amazing place to be.
Its gift of nature.
We had a lot of fun .

Amazing site to visit and see the Moai

Small museum, but free and very informative. Well worth a look.

Historic tour point in Rapa Nui, East Island, Chile.

Like all sites on the easter Island they are great

Allah hu Akber
Mysterious Easter Island