Landmark· Rapa Iti· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Morongo Uta Fortified Village (Rapa Iti)
27° 36.9′ S · 144° 21.2′ W
The best-known of Rapa's 14-15 hilltop pa, terraced fortress-villages built on the caldera rim as the population outgrew the island. Morongo Uta is considered the oldest, about AD 1450-1550, and was excavated by Thor Heyerdahl's expedition.
Practical
Coordinate is OSM's 'Morogouta' archaeological site. Route (Pitufa): the mountain road starts near the football field in Haurei; where the road ends, a path goes left to Tevaitahu fort and right to Morongo Uta. Well-maintained paths; only stone walls and terraces remain, but the views over the bay are superb. Another easy hike runs east from Area along the coast, then up the ridge to the bay entrance or a fort ruin. Mount Perahu (650 m) is the island's high point.
Best for
History and the island's best view
Nearby
- Rapa Iti Ridge Forts (Pa)0.6 NM away
- Tevaitau Fort Hike (Rapa Iti)0.6 NM away
- Ahurei Bay Inner Anchorage (west end, Rapa Iti)0.8 NM away
- Ha'urei Football Field Trailhead (Rapa Iti)0.9 NM away
- Ahurei Bay Anchorage (Rapa Iti)1.1 NM away
- Ahurei Main Dock and Fuel (Rapa Iti)1.1 NM away
- Ha'urei Magasins (Rapa Iti)1.1 NM away
- Ha'urei Medical Centre (Rapa Iti)1.1 NM away