Orongo is the sacred stone village where Rapa Nui kings were chosen through the legendary Birdman competition. Perched on the dramatic edge of Rano Kau volcano crater, it contains over 1,700 petroglyphs depicting Makemake the fertility god and tangata manu (birdmen). Competitors would climb treacherous cliffs and swim to Motu Nui island to find the first sooty tern egg. Spectacular panoramic views encompass the Pacific Ocean, the crater lake, and the rocky islets where the competition took place.