The Kon-Tiki Expedition

The Kon-Tiki was a raft built from balsa wood logs. It was sailed by a Norwegian explorer named Thor Heyerdahl. He wanted to show that ancient people could have crossed the Pacific Ocean. His trip was a daring adventure.

The Big Idea

Heyerdahl believed people from South America may have reached Polynesia long ago. Many scientists did not agree with him. To prove it was possible, he built a raft like the ancient ones. Then he set sail from Peru.

The Kon-Tiki raft on display inside a museum today.
The Kon-Tiki raft on display inside a museum today. (Bahnfrend / Wikimedia Commons)

The Voyage

The Kon-Tiki carried six men across the ocean. They drifted with the winds and currents for 101 days. They sailed more than 4,000 miles before landing on a tiny island. The trip made Heyerdahl famous around the world.

Fun Facts

  • The raft was named after an ancient sun god.
  • The crew caught fish and even sharks during the trip.
  • A movie about the voyage won an Academy Award.

Did You Know?

The original Kon-Tiki raft is now on display in a museum in Norway!