Walk the moai route
1 DAY
Can you imagine walking along the ancient route the moai followed on Rapa Nui? Te Ara O Te Moai means “The moai route” and is a 2.5-kilometer archaeological walk that takes you from Hana Tetenga to Rano Raraku. You’ll follow the path used to transport these impressive figures from the quarry to the island’s different ahu. The circuit is part of the Te Ara o Rapa Nui Heritage Route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from the Ministry of National Assets, which you can review in full here. To do this route, you’ll need to be accompanied by an accredited guide
SEASON
ATTRACTIONS
ACTIVITIES
Inicio del itinerario
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
An unforgettable hike to Rano Raraku
This trip begins in Hanga Roa, the capital of Rapa Nui. Once you’ve contacted your guide, travel about 20 minutes by vehicle to the Hanga Tetenga stop, where the trail begins. There, you’ll be asked for your entry ticket.
At this point, you’ll do a 2.5 km hike along the route where the moai were transported in the past, connecting the Rano Raraku quarry with the ahu (the island’s ceremonial platforms).
Along the way, you’ll see 15 moai that were left lying down after failed transport attempts. You’ll also find the foundations of ancient boat-shaped houses and the famous pircas, or stone walls.
Finally, you’ll reach the impressive Rano Raraku quarry, where hundreds of moai were carved and around 400 still remain on the volcano’s slopes.
Here you can admire the partially buried statues and reach the freshwater lagoon that rests in the crater. From the outer slope, you’ll also enjoy panoramic views of Ahu Tongariki and the ocean.
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
An unforgettable hike to Rano Raraku
This trip begins in Hanga Roa, the capital of Rapa Nui. Once you’ve contacted your guide, travel about 20 minutes by vehicle to the Hanga Tetenga stop, where the trail begins. There, you’ll be asked for your entry ticket.
At this point, you’ll do a 2.5 km hike along the route where the moai were transported in the past, connecting the Rano Raraku quarry with the ahu (the island’s ceremonial platforms).
Along the way, you’ll see 15 moai that were left lying down after failed transport attempts. You’ll also find the foundations of ancient boat-shaped houses and the famous pircas, or stone walls.
Finally, you’ll reach the impressive Rano Raraku quarry, where hundreds of moai were carved and around 400 still remain on the volcano’s slopes.
Here you can admire the partially buried statues and reach the freshwater lagoon that rests in the crater. From the outer slope, you’ll also enjoy panoramic views of Ahu Tongariki and the ocean.
What you should know
How to get there by air
First you’ll arrive at Arturo Merino Benítez Airport in Santiago, and from there you’ll take a flight to Mataveri International Airport, on Rapa Nui. From Hanga Roa, you can travel to the archaeological sites in the island’s interior.
How to get there by land
The circuit starts at Hanga Tetenga and ends at Rano Raraku. To reach the starting point and then continue on to other attractions on the island, you’ll need to travel by road. The trail is done on foot and requires the company of a registered local guide.
Climate and clothing
Rapa Nui has a subtropical climate, with pleasant temperatures year-round and possible rainfall. Bring light clothing, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a waterproof or windproof jacket.
Must-Know Tips
To do the Te Ara O Te Moai Circuit, you must have an entry ticket to Rapa Nui National Park and a registered local guide. Respect the trails and archaeological areas: don’t touch or climb on the moai or ahu, and avoid interfering with structures or collecting anything from the landscape.
