Puna Pau Tours
1 Review
Archaeologists have long pondered the origins of Easter Island’s iconic moai, and the ancient stone quarry of Puna Pau provides an important piece of the puzzle. Carved into the sides of a volcanic crater, Puna Pau is the spot from which the red volcanic rock, or scoria, was mined and used to sculpt the “pukao"—the distinctive topknot that caps the heads of some moai.
Dozens of pukao have been found around the island, all of which were made at Puna Pau, from where they were transported to the most important ahu (ceremonial sites)—no easy feat, as they measure between two and three meters in height and width and weigh up to 11 tons, and archaeologists are still unsure how this task was achieved. Today, around 30 of the pukao rocks can still be seen in and around Puna Pau, many of them adorned with petroglyphs.
Practical Info
Puna Pau is located by Cerro Tuutapu Mountain about three miles (5 km) inland from Hanga Roa. The entrance fee to the Rapa Nui National Park is $60 for all non-Chileans (payable on arrival to the island) and includes entrance to Puna Pau.
Address: Hanga Roa, Chile
Admission: $60
1 Tours & Activities to Experience
Sort by:Default
From
$224.00 USD
Easter Island Super Saver: Ahu Akivi and Orongo plus Anakena Beach Day Trip
- Combine three of Easter Island’s most popular tours into one great-value package with this Super Saver deal. Stand in awe before the island’s iconic moai statues on a 3.5-hour tour of the UNESCO-listed archaeological sites of Ahu Akivi, Ahu Vinapu and Puna Pau. Visit the Tahai ceremonial complex, the Rano Kau volcano and the village of Orongo on a half-day tour, then explore the Rano Raraku volcano and Anakena Beach on a full-day tour including lunch. Best of all: you can take the tours in any order and hotel pick-ups are included.
- Learn More
From
$115.00 USD
Small-Group Full-Day Easter Island Highlights North and West
- Spend the day immersed in Easter Island's culture, history, and folklore during this small-group tour. With just eight other travelers, follow your guide to the island's most important sites, including Puna Pau, Rano Kau, Ahu Akivi, and others. Round-trip hotel transportation included. Small-group tour ensures personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere.
- Learn More
From
$200.00 USD
Private Easter Island Full-Day Tour
- Avoid overcrowded Easter Island tours with this private tour of the island that includes round-trip transport from your hotel. It’s perfect for travelers short on time because it packs in a ton of highlights in just one day. See Vinapu, Ahu Akivi, and Rano Kau, Puna Pau quarry, Orongo, and the Ana Kai Tangata cave. A guide tells you historical stories as you go, including a unique tale about cannibalism.
- Learn More