Easter Island: Moai, Ahu and volcanic landscapes

Easter Island, also known as Isla de Pascua, is considered the most remote inhabited island in the world. Cultural sites, volcanic locations and experiences on the water give your trip a range of different focal points.

Ahu, Moai and historic sites

Rapa Nui National Park is a protected Chilean natural area on the island. It preserves ceremonial Ahu platforms and carved Moai, which represent ancestors. The World Heritage area covers approximately 7,000 hectares. One of its notable cultural sites is Ahu Tongariki: it is the largest Ahu and has 15 Moai. If you want to see the statues in the context of their creation, Rano Raraku is home to the quarry where ancient sculptors carved the Moai. The visit takes you past Moai partly buried in the ground and on to a freshwater lagoon in the crater.

Other sites showcase different aspects of Rapa Nui culture. Puna Pau is a red scoria quarry where most of the Pukao were carved. The Tāhai ceremonial center has three restored Ahu and remains of an ancient village. Vinapū is a ceremonial complex with basalt walls and two monumental Ahu. Akahaŋa preserves remains of a village by the sea and toppled Moai. These sites differ in their surviving structures and offer different ways to explore the island’s history.

Nature, caves and beach

Ana Te Pahu is a volcanic cave surrounded by traditional gardens with native plants. Vai a Mei is also a lava cave; it is included in guided trekking or horseback riding tours. At Anakena Beach, warm water meets white coral sand. Visitors can snorkel there, and local kiosks serve empanadas with fresh tuna. A beach visit thus combines a nature experience with a specific local food offering.

For a glimpse of the underwater world without diving, join the guided Glassboat Rapa Nui tour in a glass-bottom boat. It is led by Rapa Nui guides and divers who specialize in the Mahingo Ruku tradition of freediving. If you want to dive, you can do so in Hanga Roa Bay to see a submerged Moai. The main difference between the two experiences is whether you explore the underwater world from a glass-bottom boat or by diving.

Visits and trip planning

Special visiting conditions apply to Rano Raraku and Orongo: each site can be visited only once per park ticket. Access to Rano Raraku is permitted only with an accredited local guide or as part of a tour. Orongo, the ceremonial village on the Rano Kau volcano, can also be visited only with an accredited local guide or as part of a tour. Take these conditions into account when planning the order of your visits. To see the sunrise behind the 15 Moai of Ahu Tongariki, you can arrange with a guide to reach the site before dawn.

In February, the Tapati Festival brings Rapa Nui culture to life. The Museo Rapa Nui has been closed to in-person visits since July 19, 2024. Check the museum’s official channels before planning a visit, as its reopening status may change.

The only way to reach Rapa Nui is via Mataveri International Airport; direct flights depart exclusively from Santiago. Take this route into account when planning, and check the location, services and booking conditions of the specific hotel.

Discover more destinations: Quilpué, Cachagua, Juan Fernández, Hanga Roa, Petorca, Puchuncaví.

Return to the main travel overview: Valparaíso.