We made our way down Rano Tau again and headed for the islands interior on the worst dirt roads, I have ever used on a bike (even worse than Bolivia’s infamous Death Road, less traffic though).

At Ahu Akivi we left our bikes behind and started the hike up Maunga Terevaka (another one of the three volcanoes), with 507m the highest elevation of the island. The view got better and better the higher we made it. On top we could see the sea in all directions – again with the knowledge, that there is no inhabited island within 2000km in any direction.

On the way back we stopped at banana cave and some other spots – though after having climbed two volcanos that day, we were about to loose the spirits and decided to head back for town and some proper food.

This was the last full day of my whole trip – and it was a fabulous day.

I teamed up with a Londoner; we hired bikes and set off for the climb up Rano Tau (410m), one of three (extinct) volcanos that originally created Easter Island.

Attractions up there are the water-filled crater of the volcano, the Orongo ceremonial village and of course the views of the open sea – including the knowledge, that there is nothing out there in any direction for at least another 2000km.

Today I did the standard Easter Island day trip, i.e. an organized tour with a guide. The tour followed the south coast and then up to Anakena and back to Hanga Roa. The first stop was at Ahu Vaihu with its thrown-over Ahus.

From there we continued along the coast to Ahu Akahanga, star here is the big fallen moai and the remains of a small village. After a quick look around we continued along the coast to Ahu Tongariki – – with 15 moais the largest ahu ever built.

Our next stop was at what would be the birthplace of the moais, i.e. the quarry where the stone was taken from and the figures were cut. A walk along the hill gave as the opportunity of getting closer.

Heading back we had another photo stop at Ahu Tongariki with the now enhanced light conditions – before finally hitting Anakena.

While Anakena is yet another Ahu site – it is also the only true sand beach of the island. We were given some time to enjoy at the beach and in the water – overlooked by an Ahu.