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Archaeological site · Hanga Roa, Valparaíso
Orongo
Ceremonial village of stone houses on the rim of the Rano Kau volcano, linked to the Birdman cult, with petroglyphs and views of the islets Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao Kao.
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 Orongo
Orongo sits at the southwest tip of the island, on the narrow strip between the Rano Kau crater and a cliff about 300 meters above the sea. There are 53 low, partially buried stone houses with narrow entrances, restored in 1974 and 1976. The village was used for only a few weeks a year, at the beginning of spring.
Between the 18th and 19th centuries, Orongo was the center of the Tangata Manu (Birdman) cult, associated with the god Make-make. In the annual competition, clan representatives descended the cliff and swam to the islet Motu Nui to retrieve the first egg of the manutara, a seabird. Whoever brought the egg back gave their chief the title of Tangata Manu for a year. The last ceremony took place in 1867.
The rocks beside the houses hold hundreds of petroglyphs, most depicting birdmen and Make-make. Facing them are the three islets of the competition. The moai Hoa Hakananai'a, taken from Orongo in 1868, is in the Museu Britânico in London. The park ticket entitles visitors to only one entry here, and the visit starts at the reception center with panels about the cult.
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 one and a half hours, including the reception center and the circuit through the houses.
Best time
On clear days you can see the islets and the bottom of the crater clearly. The wind at the top is usually strong year-round; from June to September it is colder. Combine the visit with the Rano Kau viewpoint.
How to get there
It's about 5 km from the center of Hanga Roa via a dirt and paved road that climbs Rano Kau, about a 15-minute drive. Visits are conducted with an accredited guide.
Tip
Bring a windbreaker. The path between the houses is narrow and fenced: stay on it and do not enter the structures. Reserve the ticket for a day with good visibility, since entry is only allowed once.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Orongo
What was the bird-man cult?
It was an annual ceremony in which clan representatives competed to retrieve the first manutara egg from the islet Motu Nui. The winner secured the title of Tangata Manu for his chief for one year.
How many times can I enter Orongo?
The park ticket is valid for one visit to Orongo and one to Rano Raraku. Confirm the rules before traveling.
Are Orongo and Rano Kau in the same place?
Yes. Orongo is on the southwest rim of the Rano Kau crater, and the crater viewpoint is on the way to the village.