Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Arrival in Hanga Roa: Fly from Santiago or Tahiti to Mataveri International Airport (Rapa Nui’s only airport). Flights from Santiago take around 5 hours.

Transfer to Hotel: Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation in Hanga Roa, the island’s only town. Options range from budget hostels to luxurious boutique hotels.

Afternoon Exploration:

Take a leisurely walk around Hanga Roa, the island’s small main town. Explore the Ahu Tahai complex, one of the most accessible archaeological sites, where you can see restored Moai statues at sunset. It’s a great introduction to the island’s culture.

Visit the Church of Hanga Roa and Plaza de Armas for a feel of the local life.

Dinner: Try local seafood like tuna or moai fish at one of the town’s oceanfront restaurants.

Day 2: Exploring the Moai Statues

Morning: Ahu Tongariki:

Start your day early with a visit to Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial platform on the island, featuring 15 Moai statues. The backdrop of the ocean and volcanic hills makes this one of the most iconic places to photograph on the island.

Hike to the Rano Raraku Crater: After visiting Ahu Tongariki, head to the nearby Rano Raraku volcanic crater, which is also a Moai quarry. Here, you can see the famous Moai statues in various stages of completion, some still embedded in the rock.

Optional Activity: If you’re feeling adventurous, take the short but rewarding Rano Raraku hike to the top of the crater for panoramic views of the island and the sea.

Afternoon: Anakena Beach:

After lunch, visit Anakena Beach, known for its white coral sand and crystal-clear waters. The site also has two restored Moai statues standing on a platform (Ahu Nau Nau).

You can relax, swim, or enjoy a beach picnic while contemplating the stunning scenery.

Snorkeling: If you’re up for it, consider renting snorkeling gear. The waters around Anakena are perfect for a leisurely swim with tropical fish.

Evening: Head back to Hanga Roa for dinner. Enjoy fresh seafood or try the island’s traditional curanto, a dish made with seafood, meats, and root vegetables cooked in an underground oven.

Day 3: Cultural Exploration & Hiking

Morning: Rapa Nui National Park & Museo Antropológico:

Visit the Rapa Nui National Park, which covers a large part of the island and is home to most of the archaeological sites.

Stop by the Museo Antropológico in Hanga Roa to learn more about the island’s history, from the first settlers to the Moai culture and the impact of European arrival.

Afternoon: Orongo & Rano Kau:

In the afternoon, take a hike to Orongo – the ceremonial village perched on the edge of the Rano Kau crater. Orongo was used for the Birdman Cult ceremonies. The village is known for its petroglyphs of birdmen and the view of Motu Nui, Motu Iti, and Motu Kao Kao, small islets in the ocean.

Visit the Rano Kau Crater for incredible panoramic views. The crater also contains a small lake, and the surrounding landscape is lush and dramatic.

You can hike along the rim of the crater to Orongo, which is a fairly moderate hike (around 1.5-2 hours).

Evening: Return to Hanga Roa for dinner and a relaxed evening. Optional: Enjoy a cultural dance or music performance at one of the island’s cultural centers.

Day 4: Rapa Nui’s Ancient Sites & Traditions

Morning: Ahu Akivi:

After breakfast, visit Ahu Akivi, one of the most important ceremonial sites on the island. The platform is unique because the Moai statues here are positioned to face the ocean, unlike most other Moai sites.

The site is also special because the Moai represent the 7 explorers who first arrived on the island from Hiva (a mythical island).

Afternoon: Hike to Terevaka:

In the afternoon, take a hike to the top of Terevaka, the highest point on the island (511 meters). The hike takes about 1.5-2 hours round trip from the Hanga Roa area, and the view from the top is spectacular, offering panoramic views of the entire island.

On clear days, you can see the neighboring islands of the Marquesas and Juan Fernández.

Evening: Dinner at Te Moana or another seafood restaurant. Afterward, you can explore the town or relax in your hotel.

Day 5: Boat Tour & Wildlife

Morning: Boat Tour to Motus:

Take a half-day boat tour to the nearby Motus (small islands), such as Motu Nui, Motu Iti, and Motu Kao Kao. These islands are famous for their birdlife, including seabirds, and they have significant cultural importance related to the Birdman Cult.

You can snorkel, kayak, or simply enjoy the stunning landscape.

Afternoon: Fishing or Dive Tour:

After returning from the boat trip, you can either go on a fishing tour (Rapa Nui is known for its fishing culture) or explore the underwater world by going on a scuba diving excursion. The island’s waters are clear and full of marine life.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening at one of the restaurants in Hanga Roa, maybe with a traditional Polynesian dance show.

Day 6: Relax & Explore the Coast

Morning: Rapa Nui Beaches & Relaxation:

Spend the morning relaxing on one of the island’s lesser-known beaches, such as Ovahe Beach, a secluded spot with reddish sand.

Alternatively, visit La Perouse to see the island’s rugged coastline and enjoy the quiet and natural beauty.

Afternoon: Visit the Local Artisans:

In the afternoon, visit the local shops or markets in Hanga Roa to buy souvenirs. Look for locally made carvings, jewelry, and clothing inspired by Rapa Nui culture.

You can also stop by the Te Pito Kura stone, which is said to be the “navel” of the world in Rapa Nui mythology.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed evening, perhaps visiting Ahu Tahai once more to watch the sunset over the Moai.

Day 7: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take one final stroll around Hanga Roa. You could visit the Market of Hanga Roa for last-minute souvenirs or visit any remaining spots you missed during the week.

Depart: Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Santiago or onward destination.