ahu vinapu

LindaS562

Vinapu is a large site with two subsections I and II. Section I includes some of the oldest and finest stonework on the island. There is red scoria statue in front of II that is said to be female by some archeologists. There are 6 fairly intact but toppled moai and many beautiful topknots. It's a bit of walking around but so worth it.

Ibadanboy

Ahu Vinapu is another site with a few Moai. There is also teh remains of an old stone wall here. As with almost every inch of this enchanting island, it is worth a visit. Stunning views of the rugged beautiful coastline!

aimster9870

Aligned along the ocean shore lies this remarkable handiwork of some very skilled ancient workers. Ahu Vinapu boasts a beautiful stone wall that represents a likeness to the same skills required to construct the Egyptian Pyramids, as well as Machu Picchu's sacred walls. My native guide reveres this site with utmost respect and considers it to be *the* most important detail of artistry in stone work displayed on Isla De Pascua to this day.

426laisc

There isn't many moais in vinapu, but the landscape is breathless. I went there by bicycle and stayed there for a while. The are many cows, horses and dogs in the way and you will find that for all long the island. Vinapu worth the visit.

Okie-Babs

I think this site is on one of the tours. But it may have been one we just drove past. There are so many Moai. We enjoyed seeing all of them!

RoelR

Don't let the location put you off, this is a beautiful site with a gorgeous background. There are some cows on the property, so mind your step. On the first Ahu you can see the impressive building skills, as the stones fit almost perfectly. The second Ahu has fallen over Moai with Pukao lying around. The way back gives you excellent views over Mataveri Airport. If you continue East, you can see some serious waves crashing the beach.

margaretc572

This is probably the most famous one of the platforms where the stone statues stand on. The very thick stones that form the Ahu reminds me of the ones the Incas built in Peru. One can see a few fallen heads and top hats near the Ahu, presumably the ones which were on the platform. The surrounding ocean makes the site even more wonderful.

Squith

Near the downtown and airport. The view is not too wonderful, but make sure to see the ahu structure on the back and the statue made of red stone like those top nots are made of. It was supposed to be a female figure with two heads. My husband was excited to see it, I guess it is a famous image.

RicardoR511

This ahu is famous for the working in the stones at the platform very similar to those foud in Peru.ahu Vinapu is the only in all Easterv Island with this kind of construction more than 5000km aoart from Peru and built about 300 years earlier. I´ve been to inca cities in Peru and can confirm they are quit similar. As the incas were not good sailors and the Rapa Nui´s were why not believe some of them crossed the sea and learn the incas the basics of this kind of work...incas only improved it.

marquestra

Got to see the dump, the gravel quarry and the back of the airport... Great views of the ocean, but where were was the AHU???

craighodge

Polynesians just don't do stonework, except at Easter Island. The stonework here is clearly similar to what you'd find in Peru. That is one of the reasons that Thor Heyerdahl thought the first inhabitants of this island were from South America, and he may have been at least partly right -- although today the common opinion is that the inhabitants were purely Polynesian. Nevertheless, this platform certainly suggests Thor Heyerdahl was on to something. I hired Marc Shields, Green Island Tours, for my guide based on the reviews here on trip advisor -- this was no mistake. Marc was excellent. He was flexible, took me where I wanted to go, and told me what I wanted to know. His English was native quality, which is hardly surprising since he is a Kiwi (New Zealander), married to a local Rapa Nui girl. I cannot recommend him too much.

RobO154

this one can be confusing to find. If you reach the fuel depot turn right. Look for the road on the left. It is easy to miss. Once you are there you can enjoy this amazing site. The back of the Ahu is the best part. Really amazing stone work. There are also a couple of topknots on the ground and upside down so you can see how it was carved to rest on top of the Moai. There is also a one of a kind red Moai.

mjrg59

Another mystery here when you see how well constructed the stone walls are, reminiscent of those walls constructed by the Incans. You will enjoy the sights here other than the stone walls.

GeneralBean

It's so interesting to see this perfect wall on the back side of the ahu. It was built so many years ago, and looks so perfect, as though it was done with a laser level. Surprising.

ploddinghappily

In Ahu Vinapu are two stone ahus (platforms for the moais). Platform 1 shows a poorly built ahu, with the rocks placed there showing a not very sophisticated construction with primitive tools.But just 150 yards to the right of this ahu there is platform 2. The rocks in this ahu are so well cut, they rival in quality with the stonework of the Incas in Cuzco, Peru. Look at how well the surfaces match between adjacent rocks and how that small rectangular stone fits exactly in the opening. Also look at the size of the rocks between platform 1 and 2 and how flat the surface is of the platform. How can these people develop the necessary knowledge for these huge improvements in just a scant few years, a few decades at the most. Somebody must have come and taught them how to do it. Thor Heyerdahl believes these were Incas, who came from Peru, another item to support his hypothesis that these ancient people know how to sail these oceans.From the car park, it is an east walk to view these two ahus.