Rapa Nui National Park

Rapa Nui National Park covers 7,000 hectares of Easter Island (Isla de Pascua), the most remote inhabited island on Earth, 3,700 km west of the Chilean mainland. The park protects the island's extraordinary archaeological heritage — the iconic moai statues, the ahu (ceremonial platforms), the quarries of Rano Raraku where the moai were carved, and the volcanic craters of Rano Kau and Rano Raraku.

Easter Island was settled by Polynesians around 1200 AD and reached its peak with the construction of nearly 1,000 moai. The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

By Plane

Mataveri International Airport (IPC) in Hanga Roa is served by LATAM from Santiago (5.5 hr). A return ticket costs approximately CLP 400,000–800,000.

Rental cars (CLP 30,000–50,000/day), scooters (CLP 20,000/day), and bicycles are available in Hanga Roa. Guided tours are recommended for the archaeological sites.

• Rano Raraku: the volcanic quarry where most moai were carved. Hundreds of unfinished statues lie on the slopes, giving a glimpse into the creative process.

• Ahu Tongariki: the largest and most spectacular ahu, with 15 restored moai.

• Ahu Akivi: seven moai facing the ocean — the only ones that face the sea.

• Rano Kau: a volcanic crater with a freshwater lagoon and the Orongo ceremonial village.

• Anakena Beach: the island's best white-sand beach.

• Archaeological site visits: the park's primary activity. A National Park ticket (CLP 54,000 for adults, 5-day validity) is required.

• Sunrise at Ahu Tongariki: the classic Easter Island experience.

• Hiking: trails at Rano Kau and the north coast.

• Snorkelling: Hanga Roa Bay has good snorkelling.

• Restaurante Te Moai (mid-range): Chilean-Polynesian fusion. Mains CLP 10,000–18,000.
• Cocinería Hanga Roa (budget): empanadas. Mains CLP 4,000–6,000.

Tap water on Easter Island is safe to drink. Hanga Roa has several bars and pubs serving Chilean beer, pisco, and cocktails.

• Budget: Hostal Pua (shared CLP 20,000).
• Mid-range: Hotel Iorana (private CLP 80,000–120,000).
• Upscale: Explora Rapa Nui (all-inclusive CLP 600,000+ per night).

• Craft market in Hanga Roa: wood carvings (moai replicas), traditional rongorongo reproduction tablets, and woven goods.
• Supermercado Hanga Roa: the main grocery store for supplies.

• Hanga Roa (the island's only town): museums, craft markets, and restaurants.
• Motu Nui and Motu Iti: small offshore islets visible from the Orongo site.
• Anakena Beach: swimming and relaxation.
• Terevaka: the island's highest point (507 m) with panoramic views.