Easter Island, Chile

A remote island famed for its mysterious Moai statues.

A striking lineup of several ancient Moai statues, with their unique stone faces and weathered surfaces, standing on Easter Island in front of the ocean and steep cliffs.

Overview

Easter Island, Chile Cruise Port

Easter Island (Rapa Nui in the native Polynesian language) is a remote volcanic island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, administratively part of Chile. It is one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the world, renowned globally for its enigmatic moai statues – colossal monolithic human figures carved by the ancient Rapa Nui people. These iconic statues, along with the island's unique culture, ancient ceremonial sites, and dramatic volcanic landscapes, have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Beyond the archaeological wonders, Easter Island offers stunning coastal scenery, volcanic craters, and a warm Polynesian welcome.

Easter Island is a highly sought-after tender port for trans-Pacific and world cruises, attracting visitors with its profound historical mysteries and unparalleled cultural significance. Cruise ships typically anchor in Hanga Roa Bay and tender passengers ashore to the small dock in Hanga Roa, the island's only town. Due to its remote location and sometimes challenging sea conditions, landing via tender is not always guaranteed. A visit to Easter Island offers cruise passengers an extraordinary opportunity to delve into one of the world's greatest archaeological puzzles, experience a vibrant Polynesian culture, and witness the awe-inspiring presence of the moai.

Top Things to Do in Easter Island, Chile

Marvel at Ahu Tongariki

Witness the most iconic and visually stunning site on Easter Island: Ahu Tongariki. This is the largest restored ceremonial platform, featuring 15 massive moai standing proudly with their backs to the sea, dramatically silhouetted against the sky, especially at sunrise.

Tip: This site is a must-see. Many tours prioritize it, and for good reason. Its scale and setting are breathtaking.

Explore the Moai Quarry at Rano Raraku

Visit Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater that served as the quarry where nearly all the moai were carved. Here, you'll find hundreds of statues in various stages of completion, some still embedded in the rock, others partially buried, offering incredible insight into their creation and the sheer ambition of the Rapa Nui people.

Tip: This is arguably the most fascinating site on the island. Wear comfortable shoes as there's a good amount of walking, and prepare for uneven terrain.

Discover the Ceremonial Village of Orongo

Journey to Orongo, a unique stone village perched on the rim of the Rano Kau volcano crater, overlooking both the ocean and the crater lake. This sacred site was the ceremonial center for the Birdman Cult, an important part of Rapa Nui culture after the moai-building era. Explore its distinctive stone houses and numerous petroglyphs.

Tip: The views from Orongo are spectacular. This site offers a different historical perspective than the moai sites.

Relax at Anakena Beach

Unwind on the beautiful white sands of Anakena Beach, a picturesque spot fringed with palm trees and with calm, clear waters perfect for swimming. This beach is not only idyllic but also historically significant as it is believed to be the landing site of Hotu Matu'a, the legendary first king of Easter Island, and features several restored moai on Ahu Nau Nau.

Tip: This is a great place to combine sightseeing with some relaxation. Remember your swimsuit and sun protection.

Visit Ahu Tahai Archaeological Complex

Explore the Ahu Tahai archaeological complex, located conveniently close to Hanga Roa. This site features three main ceremonial platforms, including Ahu Tahai with its single restored moai (the only one with eyes), Ahu Ko Te Riku with a moai wearing a pukao (topknot), and Ahu Vai Uri with five moai.

Tip: Tahai is excellent for sunset views and provides a good introduction to the moai without requiring extensive travel from Hanga Roa.

Experience Hanga Roa Town & Museum

Stroll through Hanga Roa, the island's capital and only town. Explore local shops selling Rapa Nui crafts, enjoy fresh seafood at a restaurant, and visit the small but informative Rapa Nui Museum, which provides context on the island's history, culture, and archaeology.

Tip: This is where you'll find local amenities. Cash (Chilean Pesos or USD) is recommended for smaller purchases, as credit card acceptance can be limited.

Overview