Things to do & places to visit in Easter Island, Chile

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.

Easter Island #6 destination in Chile 2023. The average rating score is 4.73 based on 19.6k traveler reviews, of 50 attractions. Timezone: Pacific/Easter, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 2:37.

Top things to do (38)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Anakena Beach (2.637 reviews)
- Anakena Beach
Sunday: Beaches

We visited Anakena Beach twice on our tour of the island. Once at night under the light of the moon and stars to see the seven moai. The scene was both beautiful and magical and the moai looked even more dramatic with the moon light shining on them. We went back the next day, to find a beautiful white coral sandy beach along with a palm grove and to see how different the moai looked in the daytime. The area is a popular beach and picnic area, there is also a restaurant & pay toilets but was really rather busy, not surprising for one of the few coral beaches on the island. Well worth a visit at night for the atmosphere and great to go during the day if your into sunbathing and swimming in the sea. See more..
5.0 Rano Raraku (2.077 reviews)
- Stages of production...don't miss this!
Sunday: Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Volcanos

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. See more..
5.0 Ahu Tongariki (2.003 reviews)
- Ahu Tongariki
Sunday: Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

15 Of The Island's Famous Moai Statues Stand Here In A Military Lineup Upon A Flat Rock Platform. See more..
5.0 Orongo (1.459 reviews)
- Excellent history, better with a guide!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Bodies of Water • Geologic Formations

This lake-filled crater is filled with remnants of the Birdman cult practiced until 1867. See more..
5.0 Rapa Nui National Park (1.329 reviews)
- A world heritage site that is poorly managed.
National Parks

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. See more..
5.0 Easter Island Travel (613 reviews)
- Wonderful Company - highly recommend
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM Sightseeing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Bus Tours • Archaeology Tours • Day Trips

We toured for two days with our guide Franco & 6 other guests. He was so knowledgeable & accomodating. Each day we were invited to Marcus & Alicia’s home for lunch where we ate & listened to them singing. They are such welcoming owners - would highly recommend these small group tours! See more..
5.0 Kava Kava Tours (292 reviews)
- Easter Island private tour
Cultural Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Archaeology Tours

The best experience ever!!! Our tour guide Sebastian was incredible. He taught us so much about culture and history of Rapa Nui people. He explained the mystery of Moai statues. This is something you don't want to miss! Loved every minute. Money well spent. See more..
5.0 Easter Island Guides (108 reviews)
- An unforgettable experience with an incredible host
Historical & Heritage Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Photography Tours • Archaeology Tours

Few things can prepare you for what you’ll experience in Rapa Nui. It was truly a dream feeling visiting the island. Tiare was the perfect host in every way. Knowledgeable, funny, caring. Loved it so much the first day that we booked a second day trip to experience even more of the island. Her ability to share the history and culture of the island took the experience to a whole new level. See more..
5.0 Hahave Rapanui (62 reviews)
- GREAT Folks to deal with, Highly Recommended
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 7:30 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

Iaorana! My accommodation suggested a different Tour Company but Im glad I found Hahave. They were professional, communication was good (my Spanish is bad), and just plain very friendly. I used them for a snorkeling tour to the motus on the south side of Rapa Nui. The ocean is cold, others used the wetsuits offered, but I chose not to. We did not land on the motus but did snorkel next to them. They do take photos and videos and offer copies. I did use Hahave for sunrise at Ahu Tongariki (Its worth it) , Ovahe Beach and Anakena Beach. Also a day tour of Rano Raraku (Moai Quarry) and other sites. I booked private tours which, compared to other areas of the Pacific, are very reasonable. I was there for Tapati Festival, they gave me lots of useful information, and I will definitely use them again. Just be sure to buy a National Park Pass before doing any tour with any company. See more..
5.0 VaiaHeva Estudio de Danza Rapa Nui y Fitness (6 reviews)
- Danza y Cultura Rapa Nui
Sunday: Lessons & Workshops

Invitadisimos a tomar una clase y vivir Experiencia ´Ori. Danzas de Rapa Nui. Sin duda un imperdible en tu proxima visita a Rapa Nui. See more..
5.0 Yoga Moana (2 reviews)
- Todo excelente!
Yoga & Pilates

Las instalaciones demasiado buenas, utilizando materiales reciclados. La profe seca. Un agrado las clases, todo perfecto. See more..
5.0 Capalgatas Pantu (2 reviews)
- Awesome way to see the island!
Spent 2-3 hours Horseback Riding Tours

I just love the horses of Rapa Nui, it is so beautiful to see them in their family units living free risking the island. I decided I wanted to go the the top of Tere Vaka, the highest point in the island. Bad knees don’t allow me to hike too far do I looked up Pantu and called them! Very professional, good equipment and horses to suit your riding ability. On the day I scheduled I was the only one for the ride to the top of the mountain. It was great! The guide, Mau was excellent and very nice to talk to! Such a great ride! See more..
5.0 Te Maori Rapa Nui -Tevo Pakarati (1 review)
- Stunning pieces!
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries

Te Maori Arts &Handycrafts. Traditional crafts Rapa Nui. All your handmade works with first level materials. Traditional craft rapa Nui. All your handmade works with first level materials. Located in Easter Island See more..
4.5 Ballet Kari Kari (1.105 reviews)
- Show great – dinner not so much
Ballets

I usually do not have high expectations for these tourist-inspired cultural events. The meal in an adjoining room gave us 4 choices but was served so slow that we were almost late to the show and it wasn’t very good. The dinner and service gets 2 stars. But the show was a pleasant surprise and rates a 5. The Ballet Kari Kari is a very energetic, talented and enjoyable dance troupe that taught us about the historical legends and myths of Rapa Nui with dance. Of course, members of the audience were brought on stage to be more than spectators. I would say skip the dinner and enjoy the show. See more..
4.5 Playa Ovahe (1.047 reviews)
- My favorite of the 2 beaches
Beaches

Harder to get to but so worth it, after you follow the trail down from the parking lot go left climb some rocks and and there you will see this pristine perfect cove! A great spot there is a steep trail on the other end for some great views. A must stop, do not miss this!! See more..
4.5 Ahu Tahai (837 reviews)
- Sunset spot...Nice range of artifacts, near town
Historic Sites

We stayed at Kona Koa near here and this was our first stop on our guided tour of the island (which Kona Koa arranged for us with guide Nuku $120 for our family of 4 for the day, we provided the transportation, we highly recommend!) There are a variety of artifacts here that you would not understand without a guide, like the foundation stones remaining of the house that was once here and was built by the moai culture. Also some toppled moai. This is a nice spot for sunset & there is even a restaurant here, although we didn't try it. See more..
4.5 Puna Pau (763 reviews)
- Puna Pau
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Another stop off site on our Island tour. Puna Pau is a small extinct volcano. Inside the crater there is a quarry of red scoria, a highly pitted, dark coloured volcanic rock, that was once an important source of material for the islanders. The rock is an easy to carve material and was used extensively by the islanders. At the time of our visit, the crater is just a small depression covered with vegetation. Only a few of the scoria rocks are visible on the slope. Another site of historical interest and not to be missed. See more..
4.5 Ahu Akahanga (552 reviews)
- Off beat experience
Ancient Ruins

This attraction is an interesting one and different from other attractions. One can see an ahu(platform) in ruins with all of its moai fallen face down or on their backs, most likely toppled after the clan wars. At the entrance to this site one will see some well-preserved ruins of an ancient village with a number of earth ovens (umu pae), the boat-houses (hare vaka) as well as some paved areas which will show you a little of how the people of Rapa Nui used to live. Very close to here you will also find a small cave that was used as shelter for those who did not have a boat house. Behind the main ahu, one will find another moai that has been toppled as well as an unusually small moais that would have been one of the first ones to be built. Certainly would very highly recommend visiting this attraction to any traveler and especially those who are eager to have an off beat experience on Easter Island. See more..
4.5 Ahu Akivi (549 reviews)
- Good place to start
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We began our exploration of Rapa Nui at Ahu Akivi. Stepping out of the van, we were immediately in awe of these statues. Although most ceremonial platforms and their respective mo’ai are found along the coast, there are about twenty-five raised platforms inland. The seven mo’ai here were restored in 1976 and stand facing the rising sun. According to legend, these seven statues represent seven exploratory young men sent to investigate the island. The size and scope of this Ahu gave us the opportunity to easily understand the meaning of each element which served us well as we toured other larger locations See more..
4.5 Church of Rapa Nui (451 reviews)
- Unique
Churches & Cathedrals

This church which is also referred to as the Holy Cross Church stands out for it’s external decoration and the gardens that surround it. Mainly remarkable is it’s facade that mixes Christian religious motifs and Rapa Nui elements. It has several unique carvings inside which are worth viewing. Certainly would very highly recommend visiting this unique church to any traveler in Easter Island. See more..
4.5 Ahu Vinapu (294 reviews)
- Interesting archaeological site
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

Ahu Vinapu is an interesting archeological site in Easter Island. It has a ceremonial center, which includes one of the larger ahu(platform) on Rapa Nui. The ahu exhibits extraordinary stonemasonry consisting of large, carefully fitted slabs of basalt. This site was investigated by an American archaeologist, William Mulloy, in 1958. Certainly worth visiting for seeing the artwork from yesteryears, while in Easter Island. See more..
4.5 Ahu Nau Nau (260 reviews)
- Ahu Nau Nau
Spent < 1 hour Ancient Ruins

The Ahu Nau Nau is located 150 meters inland from the shore of Anakena beach. It is believed that here is the birthplace of the history and culture of Easter Island. This site has incredible views of the ocean. Ahu Nau Nau is the most elaborate and best preserved platform of the three that were built in Anakena. For a long time they laid buried in the sand on the beach, which allowed them to be more protected from erosion than the others. Restoration work started in 1978 and they were restored to their ancient splendor; making them the most beautiful archaeological site on the Island. A popular stop off on the island tours. See more..
4.5 Maunga Terevaka (250 reviews)
- Horse riding!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

See more..
4.5 Ahu Vaihu (187 reviews)
- Interesting area
Ancient Ruins

This are two things of interest here. One is a reconstructed village and the other is a moai platform. To really appreciate the reconstructed village, a guide is needed. Without the guide, one would lack the understanding of how exactly these people lived. The guide showed us how the ancient chicken houses worked. There is a stone that is removed from the wall and the chickens continue to file out. Very amusing. The boat houses were explained in detail, as well as how they farmed and how they cooked. See photos for details. Towards the water is the platform used to support 8 moai, each one with its red topknot. The moai are now lying prone in the exact position that they were thrown over. In front of the platform, you will see a large round circle named paina , after the ceremony that used to take place inside it. See more..
4.5 Ana Te Pahu (176 reviews)
- The caves to visit!
Caverns & Caves

3 different caves down some uneven stone steps in a banana grove. Very dark wish I had my torch my phone didn't penetrate the darkness enough. Go all the way to the end for cool openings to see outside. You need your pass to get in and it's about a 15-20 minute walk. Enjoy! See more..
4.5 Ana Kakenga (167 reviews)
- Adventurous
Caverns & Caves

The journey is adventurous from the parking and is then about 20 minutes on foot. The entry into the cave is for individuals with decent physical fitness. Certainly one will need a flashlight inside the cave. Located just north of Hanga Roa, this attraction is certainly worth considering for any traveler. See more..
4.5 Ana Kai Tangata (152 reviews)
- Uneven terrain
Caverns & Caves

This was close to our hotel so we walked here to see it. We didn't go into the cave directly as it was a steep decline plus walking on stones in the water to get there. We were able to view most of it from afar. It is a beautiful cave with pictograms, paintings on rocks. The paint is made from mineral pigments found on the island. The paintings depict the Manuatara Bird. The arrival of this bird in spring would start the Tangata Manu competition. See more..
4.5 Te Ra'ai (97 reviews)
- One of the best live performances
Theatre & Performances

The live entertainment/dance show at Te Ra’ai is one of the best one can find anywhere in the world. Front desk customer service is extremely courteous. Complimentary pickup and drop off us available. The show itself is based on Rapa Nui culture and is dominated by extremely high energy dancing by local performers. Certainly would very highly recommend this show to any traveler visiting Easter Island. See more..
4.5 Jardin Tau Kiani Rapa Nui (96 reviews)
- Garden Visit to Jardin Tau Rapa Nui
Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Gardens

I took a taxi to the garden as its a bit out of town. One of the gardeners gave us a lift back into town. See more..
4.5 Ahu Huri a Urenga (70 reviews)
- Hidden Gem. A Four-Hand Moai Statue
Monuments & Statues

This statue is a hidden gem away from the other statues dotting the island. We came to this nondescript location as a part of our cruise ship shore excursion. It is located on private property and is unique to all other Moai on the island. BOTTOM LINE: What makes this the most unusual Moai stature on Easter Island is that it has four hands. It was used anciently was a way to determine winter & summer solstices. This is a pretty cool location for snapping photos and selfies. According to our guide there used to be other statues here at one time. MY RATING: 8/10. See more..