Ahu Tongariki
15 restored moai facing the Pacific. Very popular at sunrise. 18 km from Hanga Roa.
The most remote island in the world
Rapa Nui guide: what to see, when to go and how to get there
Rapa Nui (Easter Island) has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Here's what a local host recommends to make the most of your trip, with real distances from Hanga Roa.
1. What to see on Rapa Nui
Rano Raraku
The moai quarry. Walking tour among 300+ statues in different carving stages.
Anakena beach
White coral sand, palm trees and the Ahu Nau Nau moai. The only sandy beach for swimming.
Rano Kau & Orongo
One of the most impressive craters in the Pacific. At its edge sits Orongo, ceremonial village of the Birdman cult.
Ahu Tahai
1.4 km from Hare Mahalo. Ideal for sunsets. Includes three ahu with moai — one with coral eyes.
Puna Pau
Quarry for pukao (the reddish "hats" of the moai). 5 km from town.
2. When to visit Rapa Nui
December – March
Southern summer. 24–28 °C, high humidity. Tapati Rapa Nui (cultural festival) in early February.
April – June
Autumn. 20–24 °C, fewer tourists, better rates. Great diving visibility.
July – November
Winter and spring. 15–22 °C, occasional rain. Ideal for hiking without crowds.
3. How to get there
Rapa Nui connects with the world through a single airport: Mataveri International Airport (IPC). Regular flights depart from Santiago, Chile (SCL), with a flight time of about 5 h 30 min. Occasional connections from Papeete (Tahiti).
From Hare Mahalo the airport is just 1.9 km away. We offer paid airport shuttle for arrival and departure.
- ✈️ Main airline: LATAM Airlines
- 🛂 Mandatory FUI form (Rapa Nui Law): filled online before your flight
- 🏷️ General maximum stay: 30 days
Before boarding
You'll need:
- • Valid passport or Chilean ID
- • Filled FUI form
- • Accommodation confirmation on the island
- • Return ticket
4. Rapa Nui National Park
More than 40% of the island is a National Park, managed by the Ma'u Henua community. Entrance is required to access most archaeological sites, including Orongo, Rano Raraku and Ahu Tongariki.
Adult foreign ticket
USD 80
Reference · check current price
Chilean resident ticket
CLP 30,000
Reference · check current price
Orongo and Rano Raraku can be visited only once per ticket. Buy online or at CONAF / Ma'u Henua at the airport on arrival.
5. Getting around the island
🚙 Car or SUV
Most flexible option. Rental in Hanga Roa. Asphalt is limited on rural routes; 4×4 recommended.
🚲 Bike or e-bike
Perfect for the coastal loop and Ahu Tahai. We offer rentals from Hare Mahalo.
🚶 Guided tours
Recommended for Rano Raraku and Orongo. Bilingual guides with deep cultural knowledge.
6. Local tips
- ✦ Never touch or climb on moai or ahu — they are legally protected.
- ✦ Bring biodegradable sunscreen: the sun hits hard even on cloudy days.
- ✦ Bring Chilean pesos in cash: not every business accepts cards.
- ✦ Local cuisine focuses on fresh fish (tuna, kana kana) and curanto.
- ✦ Learn some Rapa Nui: iorana (hello), maururu (thank you).
- ✦ Book your airport shuttle in advance — avoid waiting in the sun.