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Archaeological site · Hanga Roa, Valparaíso
Ahu Vinapu
Ceremonial complex on the south coast, near the airport, known for its wall of large basalt blocks fitted with precision, compared to Inca constructions.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Ahu Vinapu
Ahu Vinapu is on the island’s south coast, just past the eastern end of the runway at Aeropuerto Mataveri, a few kilometers from Hanga Roa. The complex includes more than one ahu and is one of the larger ceremonial centers of Rapa Nui. The moai that once stood on the platforms are fallen.
What draws attention at Vinapu is the seaward wall made of large basalt slabs cut and fitted without mortar. The Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl compared this work to the walls of Sacsayhuamán in Cusco and used the resemblance in his theory of contact with Peru. Archaeologist William Mulloy studied the site in 1958.
The stone wall is aligned toward the sunrise at the winter solstice. Visits are brief and the site often begins the southern island route toward Rano Kau and Orongo or the southeast coast.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
In the morning the side light highlights the joints between the stones. In June, near the winter solstice, the sun rises in the direction for which the wall was constructed.
How to get there
It is about 4 km from downtown Hanga Roa, skirting the airport runway on the east side. Visits are conducted with an accredited guide.
Tip
Look closely at the wall to see how the slabs interlock, without touching or climbing. Combine this visit with the Rano Kau viewpoint on the same route.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ahu Vinapu
Why is Vinapu compared to Inca constructions?
The wall has large basalt slabs cut and fitted without mortar, in a technique similar to some walls in Cusco. Thor Heyerdahl used that resemblance in his theory.
Where is Ahu Vinapu located?
On the south coast, about 4 km from Hanga Roa, on the other side of the airport runway.
Are there standing moai at Vinapu?
No. The site's statues are fallen; the main attraction is the stone wall.