Isla de Pascua · Valparaíso · Chile
Experiences and local guides in Rapa Nui
Volcanic island in the middle of the Pacific, 3,700 km from mainland Chile, with nearly 900 moai, the Rano Kau crater, diving in very clear water and the living culture of the Rapa Nui people.
Nature
Rapa Nui is a volcanic triangle of about 164 km² formed by the Rano Kau, Poike and Terevaka volcanoes, the latter being the highest point at 507 m. The landscape is open grassland, lava cliffs and few sandy beaches, such as Anakena and Ovahe. The Rano Kau crater holds a lake covered in totora reeds, and on its rim stands the ceremonial village of Orongo. About 40% of the island is a National Park and World Heritage Site, managed by the Rapa Nui community Ma'u Henua. With no rivers to cloud it, the sea is exceptionally clear.
Activities
- Moai circuit with an accredited guide: Ahu Tongariki and its 15 moai at sunrise, the Rano Raraku quarry and Anakena beach; Rano Raraku and Orongo allow a single entry per ticket
- Visit the Rano Kau crater and Orongo, centre of the birdman cult (Tangata Manu), on foot or by vehicle from Hanga Roa
- Discovery dives and dives for certified divers off Hanga Roa, plus snorkelling, in water with great visibility
- Horse rides across the island's interior and up to the summit of Terevaka, with a 360-degree view over the ocean
- Rapa Nui culture: dance shows, the Father Sebastián Englert Anthropological Museum and the Tapati festival in February
- Sunset at Tahai, next to Hanga Roa, one of the few park sites that can be visited without a guide
When to go
The climate is mild and subtropical all year, with temperatures of roughly 15 to 28 °C. January to March is warmest, and the Tapati festival in the first half of February brings high demand for flights and lodging. April, May, October and November are quieter; winter is cooler, windier and wetter.
How to get there
Mataveri airport (IPC), in Hanga Roa, with flights from Santiago of about 5 hours and occasional connections with Papeete (Tahiti). Before travelling you must fill in the online Single Entry Form (FUI) and hold a return ticket and registered lodging; non-residents may stay up to 30 days. The National Park ticket is sold online or at the airport and requires an accredited guide or a Rapa Nui host.
Nature, activities, experiences and guides with links, to read offline.
Activities in this destination
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Local operators identified in Rapa Nui (4)
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