Trekking Easter Island

Chile’s Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is renowned for its natural beauty and grandeur, with landscapes ranging from volcanic hills and mountains to picturesque beaches and scattered ancient ruins. The island also offers some of the best hiking and trekking opportunities anywhere in the world, with several trails of varying difficulty around the island.

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Challenge yourself with the Patrimonial Route, a four-hour, four-mile trek through the ceremonial village of Orongo, where trekkers discover the ancient sites of indigenous cultures and more than 800 carved monoliths.

Take a three-hour climb to Mount Tereveka, near the Akivi Ahu. The hike starts in Vaitea, the center of the island, and ascends to its highest point, 511 meters above sea level. At the top, you’ll find breathtaking panoramic views of the island. The walk continues downhill toward the white-sand beach of Anakena.

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For a more casual route, take the one-day walk around the Poike Peninsula for panoramic ocean views or follow the road along the north coast from the Tahai Ahu to Anakena, a white coral sand beach in Rapa Nui National Park lined with lush palms and moai, ancient statues of indigenous figures.

The Ara O Te Moai ancestral trail was one used by the indigenous Rapa Nui tribes, and trekkers will encounter numerous statues across the path. Climb to Rano Raraku Volcano where you’ll find views of a lagoon in the volcano’s crater and arrive at One Makihi, a collection of natural pools in the rocks.