Explore the real-world places that appear in Kon-Tiki: Across the Pacific by Raft by Thor Heyerdahl. Each location on the map shows what happens there in the novel, the real history of the place, and what's there today. Featured locations include Callao Naval Base, Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Quevedo Balsa Wood Forests, Guayaquil Shipyards, Kon-Tiki Museum and 3 more.
Constitutional Province of Callao — Kon-Tiki departure point
On April 28, 1947, Thor Heyerdahl and his five crew members launched the Kon-Tiki raft from this naval base. The Peruvian Navy provided crucial support, towing the raft out to sea through the dangerous coastal waters. Heyerdahl describes the emotional farewell as they cast off the towline and began their 101-day journey across the Pacific, proving his theory that ancient Peruvians could have reached Polynesia.
Callao has been Peru's principal port since colonial times, serving as the gateway for Spanish treasure fleets. The naval base was established in the early 20th century and became a strategic military installation on Peru's coast.
The Callao Naval Base remains active as headquarters of the Peruvian Navy. While the exact departure point is not marked, the port area continues to serve commercial and military vessels departing for Pacific destinations.
Plaza Bolívar — Pre-Columbian research inspiration
Heyerdahl spent considerable time studying pre-Columbian artifacts and pottery that showed potential South American influence in Polynesia. His examination of ancient Peruvian art and archaeological evidence convinced him that the Inca and earlier civilizations possessed the maritime knowledge necessary for transpacific voyages, forming the theoretical foundation for his expedition.
Founded in 1826, this museum houses Peru's most important collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including pieces from the Inca, Moche, and Nazca cultures that Heyerdahl would have studied.
Now called the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú, it continues to display the same types of artifacts that inspired Heyerdahl's theories about ancient maritime capabilities.
Visit: Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú (museum)
Los Ríos Province, Ecuador — Raft construction materials
Heyerdahl and his team traveled to these Ecuadorian forests to personally select and cut the balsa wood logs that would form the Kon-Tiki's hull. He describes the careful process of choosing trees of the right age and density, working with local woodsmen who understood the properties needed for seaworthy construction. The nine massive balsa logs became the foundation of their raft.
The Quevedo region has been the world's primary source of balsa wood since the early 20th century. Local indigenous peoples had used balsa for rafts and boats for centuries before European contact.
Quevedo remains Ecuador's balsa wood capital, though much of the original forest has been replaced by plantations. The lightweight wood is now primarily used for model aircraft and wind turbine blades.
Guayas River waterfront — Raft assembly location
In Guayaquil's shipyards, Heyerdahl and his crew assembled the Kon-Tiki using only materials and techniques available to pre-Columbian peoples. They lashed the balsa logs together with hemp rope, built a bamboo cabin, and erected a mast with a square sail painted with the image of Kon-Tiki (Viracocha). Local shipbuilders watched skeptically as they refused modern fastenings and waterproofing.
Guayaquil has been Ecuador's principal port since colonial times, with shipbuilding facilities dating to the 16th century. The city's location on the Guayas River made it ideal for constructing vessels destined for Pacific voyages.
Modern container terminals and commercial shipyards have replaced the traditional facilities where Kon-Tiki was built, though Guayaquil remains Ecuador's largest port and commercial center.
Bygdøynesveien 36, Oslo — Original raft display
Though not part of the original journey, this museum houses the actual Kon-Tiki raft that Heyerdahl and his crew sailed across the Pacific. Heyerdahl established the museum to display the raft exactly as it appeared when they reached Raroia atoll, complete with the barnacles, wear marks, and modifications made during their 101-day voyage.
The museum was established by Thor Heyerdahl in 1950, three years after the expedition's completion. It was built specifically to house the Kon-Tiki raft and document the journey that captured worldwide attention.
The Kon-Tiki Museum on Oslo's Bygdøy peninsula displays the original raft along with artifacts from Heyerdahl's later expeditions. Visitors can see the actual vessel that proved ancient South Americans could have reached Polynesia.
Visit: Kon-Tiki Museum (museum)
Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia — Journey's end
On August 7, 1947, after 101 days at sea, the Kon-Tiki crashed into the coral reef at Raroia atoll in the Tuamotu Islands. Heyerdahl describes the dramatic final approach as waves carried them toward the razor-sharp coral, the crew unable to control their primitive raft. They managed to beach safely on the uninhabited atoll, proving that ancient Peruvians could have reached Polynesia using only prehistoric technology.
Raroia is a typical coral atoll in the Tuamotu chain, formed over millennia by coral growth on a volcanic base. The atoll was uninhabited when Kon-Tiki arrived, though Polynesian peoples had used such atolls as waypoints for centuries.
Raroia remains sparsely populated with only a few dozen residents engaged in pearl farming and copra production. The atoll is accessible only by small aircraft or private boat, making it one of French Polynesia's most remote destinations.
Plaza de Armas — Pre-expedition preparations
Heyerdahl visited Lima's historic center while organizing his expedition, meeting with Peruvian officials and academics who were initially skeptical of his theory. He sought support from the government and scientific community, arguing that ancient Peruvians had the maritime skills to reach Polynesia, contrary to prevailing archaeological opinion that Polynesia was settled from Asia.
Built in 1535 and reconstructed after earthquakes, Lima Cathedral has been the heart of Peru's capital since colonial times. The plaza has served as the city's ceremonial and administrative center for nearly five centuries.
The cathedral and Plaza de Armas remain Lima's historic heart and a major tourist destination. The colonial architecture provides the same backdrop that Heyerdahl would have seen during his 1940s preparations.
Visit: Lima Cathedral (historic site)
Papeete Harbor — Rescue coordination point
After the Kon-Tiki's successful landing at Raroia, rescue vessels from Tahiti retrieved Heyerdahl and his crew. The expedition had been monitored by radio operators in Tahiti throughout the journey, and when they reached the atoll, Tahitian boats brought them back to civilization. Heyerdahl describes their arrival in Papeete as a triumphant homecoming that validated his controversial theory.
Papeete has been French Polynesia's capital and main port since the 19th century, serving as the administrative center for France's Pacific territories. The harbor was the natural coordination point for Pacific rescue operations.
Papeete remains French Polynesia's largest city and main port, welcoming cruise ships and cargo vessels. The harbor continues to serve as the region's transportation hub and commercial center.
Visit: Papeete Harbor (landmark)
More by Thor Heyerdahl: All Thor Heyerdahl books