Easter Island walking route: Moai Statues to Rano Kau Crater
Explore Easter Island's most significant archaeological and natural landmarks, including the iconic Moai Statues at Ahu Tongariki, the quarry at Rano Raraku where these massive figures were carved, and the ceremonial center at Orongo. The route connects Anakena Beach, Rano Kau Crater, and other key sites across Rapa Nui, Chile's remote Pacific island.
- Distance
- 39.0 km
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Easter Island
- End
- Rano Kau Crater
- Stops
- 8
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Easter Island — Remote Pacific island with ancient Moai statues and Rapa Nui civilization mysteries.
- Moai Statues — Iconic multi-ton stone figures of the Rapa Nui civilization.
- Rapa Nui — Ancient Polynesian civilization that inhabited Easter Island.
- Rano Raraku — Volcano and quarry site where most Moai statues were carved.
- Anakena Beach — Historic beach where early Polynesian settlers are believed to have landed.
- Ahu Tongariki — Largest ceremonial platform with restored Moai statues.
- Orongo Ceremonial Village — Ancient ceremonial center on the crater rim between two lakes.
- Rano Kau Crater — Large volcanic crater with ceremonial and cultural significance.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Only 1-2 flights per day arrive at Easter Island airport. Book flights well in advance as flights are limited.
- Transport
- There is no public transportation on Easter Island. Taxis do not operate. Arrange airport transfers in advance or rent a vehicle.
- Tip
- Internet is unreliable on Easter Island and cell signal is weak in many areas. Plan activities accordingly and rely on offline maps.
- Timing
- Be aware that Easter Island operates on its own time zone and clocks may behave unpredictably. Verify actual time with locals.
- Tip
- The island is very small and can be driven around completely in a couple of hours. Car rental is feasible for independent exploration.
- Where to stay
- Accommodation outside Hanga Roa (the only town on the island) is limited. All settlements are beyond the main town with only steppe and ocean.
- Food
- Shark is not commonly sold to tourists, but you may find it through local fishermen or arrange traditional earth oven cooking (umu) with indigenous guides.
- Timing
- Sunrise viewing points fill up early. Plan to arrive before dawn if you want to photograph Moai statues at sunrise.
- Tip
- Rano Raraku volcanic crater contains approximately 400 Moai statues in various stages of completion, making it the primary archaeological site.
- Tip
- Anakena Beach is one of few locations resembling ancient Easter Island vegetation. Palm trees were planted 60 years ago for tourists and sand was imported.