Five Unmissable Things to Do on Your First Trip to Rapa Nui 🗿

Rapa Nui is a fascinating place, where culture and nature mix, where the Moais merge into landscapes with stunning views of the sea. On the island there is a large number of platforms with Moais, which represent the ancestors of the different family clans, being some of the most attractive points in the navel of the world, along with its volcanoes and its sea.

Also take into account the new regulations after the reopening of the island after the pandemic, which indicates the obligation to have an accredited tour guide or a host resident over 18 years of age, to be able to visit any archaeological site within the National Park. Rapa Nui, that is, the entire island.

Definitely putting together your travel itinerary, when you visit a place so rich in history and beauty, can be somewhat complicated. Ojos Viajeros presents you 5 of the most representative places on the Island.

AHU TONGARIKI

It is a platform of 15 Moais, one of the largest you can see on the island. It is located about 30 - 35 minutes from the town of Hanga Roa. To get there, you must do so in the company of a guide, given the new regulations for the archaeological sites of Rapa Nui. We recommend going at dawn, being there around 5-6 in the morning to have some truly unique postcards.

ANAKENA BEACH

It is a white sand beach with warm waters, perfect for enjoying the sun. It also has a moai platform called Ahu Nau Nau, a large part of these moais still preserve their "Pukaos" (representation of hair). This beach is part of the history of Rapa Nui, since King Ariki Hotu Matu'a landed here, a fact that marks the beginning of this civilization. You can get to this beach by car, bicycle or taking some snorkeling tours. There are also on-site food outlets, bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, and local craft shops.

AHU TAHAI

It is a platform with a single moai facing the sea, accompanied by other moais called Ahu Vai Uri. The latter mean "where the sun hides." This place is ideal to enjoy the sunset, around 7 pm, it is usually a very busy place. To get there, it can be accessed by walking from the town of Hanga Roa, by bicycle or jeep.

RANO RARAKU

One of the most mystical places on the island corresponds to this quarry and source of the stone in which these statues were carved. This is the place where the majestic Moais were made. The first question that arises when visiting this place is "How did they move so many statues for so many kilometers?" The main theory in this regard says that "the Moais walked", that is, they were carried standing, while they made rounds of logs that they placed one after another. Mechanism similar to the tradition of Chiloé, "La Minga (La Mink'a in Quechua)", where they move their houses. To enter this place, you will need the company of an accredited guide taking a tour.

RANO KAU

It is the crater of a volcano, one of the 3 volcanoes along with Poike and Terevaka that gave rise to the island. Currently a lagoon is located inside the crater. In addition to the natural heritage of this place, it has an important cultural heritage for one of the eras of this civilization. On one of its slopes is the ceremonial village of Orongo, where the "Tangata Manu" (Bird Man) ceremony was held. This ceremony gained importance after their lack of belief in "mana", spiritual power given by their ancestors and the reason why they built the moais. Through this ritual, the family clan that would govern the island for a period of 1 year was chosen. To enter this place, you will need the company of an accredited guide taking a tour.

Tips: Something that you cannot forget when visiting Rapa Nui is that you must buy a ticket when you arrive on the Island, which is sold at the Mataveri International Airport itself or at the CONAF Offices, which makes a price distinction between adults and minors, as well as if you are a national or foreign tourist.

Tell us about your experience touring the magical landscapes of Rapa Nui, what other place would you add?