Top Things to do in Easter Island
10 Nature & Parks in Easter Island That You Shouldn't Miss
Located in the South Pacific more than 2,000 miles off the Chilean coast, Easter Island’s not the easiest place to reach. (If you’re interested, the easiest access is by air from Santiago or Tahiti.) But isolation has helped preserve the 1,500-year-old mysterious congregation of volcanic rock sculptures (maoi) that’s the island’s biggest claim to fame. After exploring the unique landscape, relax on an uncrowded beach and ponder one of the most mysterious places on Earth.
Restaurants in Easter Island
1. Rano Raraku
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,073 reviews
The island's famous moai statues were carved from the volcanic rock of this mountain and are scattered across its slopes in various stages of completion.
Reviewed By DERtravels - Upland, United States
This is the highlight of our day tour on Easter Island. Although it was raining when we arrived, it did not deter us from making the hike up the path. We didn't manage to go all the qa into the quarry. We are slow walkers and we were only given about 35 minutes to explore. However, seeing the half buried Maoi made us truly wonder just how could the indigenous people build and erect these statues. We could also see Tongariki from this vantage point.
2. Rano Kau
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,049 reviews
A hike to the summit of this 400m volcano offers panoramic views of the island's solitude in the South Pacific.
Reviewed By WImom - Fond du Lac, United States
This is Rapa Nui's largest volcanic crater and the island's most impressive natural wonder. The triangular appearance is the result of three main volcanic centers and 70 secondary volcanic cones. Rano Kau was the second of the three main volcanoes to erupt about 2.5 million years ago. It has a height of 1020 feet and a huge crater of approximately one mile in diameter and a fresh water lagoon of 33 feet in depth. Inside the crater grows grapes, bananas and totora, a reed used extensively for houses, boats and other uses. The best light is late morning or mid/late afternoon.
3. Rapa Nui National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,322 reviews
The landscape of Rapa Nui, the indigenous name for Easter Island, is an eerie exhibit of ancient cultural remnants of an abandoned desert-dwelling people.
Reviewed By markoBRISTOL - Bristol, United Kingdom
Not sure what I can say that hasn’t been said before - I’ve seen so many shows about this place but it feels amazing to make this long trip and stand next to them . A feeling of real history. Also didn’t know there was a volcano crater with more Moai on the inner slopes I was so happy to visit this once in a lifetime place . Be aware that your Park ticket will only allow you in here once so make the most of your time . We went at about 15.00 and not at all busy Would I go back ? Yes but I fear this will be my one and only visit to the island
4. Orongo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,459 reviews
This lake-filled crater is filled with remnants of the Birdman cult practiced until 1867.
Reviewed By JrnyJunkie - Cleveland, United States
Most interesting history about the Birdman cult where you can view the islands where the swimmers went to acquire the bird eggs and see the structures that the islanders lived in on the island.
5. Anakena Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,634 reviews
Reviewed By joemK5560UV - Houston, United States
Perfect mix of gently sloping sand, fun waves, clear water and small size crowds with a backdrop of moai and just enough services to get lunch or a drink. Perfect for cooling off after hiking or for just relaxing.
6. Playa Ovahe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,045 reviews
Reviewed By fsimon72 - Santiago, Chile
Getting there requires going through a path not suitable for seniors but it’s worth the effort . This is the local answer to Anakena , which is much more touristic . Some 100 meters from the beach there is a coral reef good for snorkeling
7. Poike Volcano
8. Ana Te Pahu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
Ana means cave, Te is “the” and Pahu is a Polynesian musical instrument, a kind of a drum, used in Tahiti amongst other places, so probably the Rapanui name means cave for playing the drum. The volcanic eruptions that gave rise to Easter Island thousands of years ago, created lava channels that cover much of the subsoil. Located on the foothill of the Maunga Terevaka, it is the largest cavern on the island and the best example of these large volcanic tubes. It is an off beat attraction that is best explored by walking. One needs to be in decent physical condition for the same as one may counter rough surfaces and frequent bending is needed to navigate through some of the narrow passages. One gets to see caves with open areas that were used by the former Rapa Nui people of centuries past to cultivate bananas, taro, and other produce. Certainly would very highly recommend this tourist attraction preferably with a local guide and with a head light to counteract some of the darkness in some of the passages.
9. Jardin Tau Kiani Rapa Nui
10. Ana Te Pora
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
Ana Te Pora is a medium-sized cave, located in the vicinity of a cliff on the northwest coast of Easter Island . It forms part of the great system of caves of the sector known like Roiho, whose greater exponent is the cave of Ana Te Pahu. Exploring through this entire cave needs a good degree of physical fitness. Would certainly very highly recommend exploring this long cave with a local tour guide and by having flashlights on the head as certain parts of the cave are extremely dark.
