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Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is a remote volcanic island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean and a special territory of Chile. It is world-renowned for its monumental stone statues called moai, carved by the Rapa Nui people between 1250 and 1500 CE from volcanic tuff. The island is triangular in shape, formed by the eruptions of three extinct volcanoes: Terevaka, Poike, and Rano Kau. Spanning roughly 163 square kilometers, it is one of the most isolated inhabited places on Earth, located over 3,500 kilometers from the Chilean mainland. In 1995, Rapa Nui National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site to protect its unique cultural legacy and archaeological ruins. The island's history is a compelling narrative of Polynesian migration, environmental transformation, and its first European contact on Easter Sunday in 1722. Today, tourism is the primary economic driver, while the local population works to preserve their indigenous language and cultural identity.

Location: Chile
Top sights: Ahu Ki Raau · Ahu Hanua Nua Mea · Rapa Nui National Park

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Oct–Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	24	24	23	22	21	20	19	19	20	21	22
Rain mm	33	25	39	63	89	73	52	40	50	40	47	32

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Reachable typically by hiring a local boat or joining a guided tour from the nearby mainland, as there are no regular public ferries to this isolated natural sanctuary in Chile.

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Best season

Planning your visit during the typical regional dry months ensures fewer trip cancellations due to rough seas and much better conditions for fully enjoying an isolated volcanic Pacific island famous for monumental stone statues.

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Terrain & paths

Much of the surface is preserved in its natural state without extensive modern infrastructure, so moving around typically involves walking on raw earth, sand, or rough coastal rocks.

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What to bring

Sturdy walking shoes and sun protection are absolutely essential, along with a waterproof bag to keep your camera and electronics safe from sudden sea spray during the boat transfer.

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Parking

Since vehicles cannot be transported to the site, visitors should park securely in the departure town before heading down to the docks to catch their scheduled maritime transport.

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Safety

Due to the remote nature of the location and limited mobile network coverage, it is crucial to stay with your organized group and completely avoid wandering into unmarked or steep sections.

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Time needed

A typical excursion to explore the area usually takes anywhere from a few hours to a full half-day, significantly depending on the specific tour itinerary chosen and the mainland departure point.

Geography

Coordinates

-27.11000, -109.35000

Facts

A total of 887 moai statues have been cataloged on the island.
Distance to the Chilean mainland is approximately 3,512 kilometers.
The largest statue, 'El Gigante,' is 21 meters tall and unfinished.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995.
The highest point is the Terevaka volcano at 507 meters elevation.
The island was first encountered by Jacob Roggeveen on April 5, 1722.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Rano Raraku7 km · NExplore →

Ahu Tongariki9 km · NExplore →

Orongo Village11 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Easter Island (Rapa Nui) (8)

Ahu Ki Raau

Ahu Ki Raau is a ceremonial platform on Easter Island, part of the Rapa Nui culture.

Ahu Hanua Nua Mea

Ahu Hanua Nua Mea, also called Ahu Arcoiris, displays colorful hues at sunset.

Rapa Nui National Park

Rapa Nui National Park is a Chilean national park on Easter Island, protecting the moai sites.

Taheta

Taheta is an archaeological site on Easter Island, likely an ancient quarry.

Moai

Moai are monumental stone statues on Easter Island, created by the Rapa Nui culture.

Ahu Te Hanga Kiri

Ahu Te Hanga Kiri is a ceremonial platform on Easter Island, featuring moai statues.

Pipi horeko

Pipi horeko is an archaeological site on Easter Island, possibly a residential or ceremonial area.

Moai De Escoria Roja

Moai De Escoria Roja are moai statues made of red volcanic stone on Easter Island.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the Moai statues?

Giant stone figures created by the Rapa Nui people to honor their ancestors.

How do you get to Easter Island?

Only by plane, usually with LATAM from Santiago de Chile (about a 5-hour flight).

Is a special document required for entry?

Yes, you must fill out an entry form (FUI) and show a hotel reservation.

When does the Tapati festival take place?

Every year in February, islanders celebrate their culture with dances and competitions.

Is it allowed to touch the statues?

No, touching them is strictly forbidden and results in heavy fines.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui): where is it located?

Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is located in Chile.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui): what is there to see?

Highlights include Ahu Ki Raau, Ahu Hanua Nua Mea, Rapa Nui National Park.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui): when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Oct, Dec.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui): why is it worth visiting?

Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is a remote volcanic island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean and a special territory of Chile.

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