Hanga Roa Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Located on Easter Island in the Valparaíso region of Chile, Hanga Roa is a captivating town that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, ancient history, and vibrant cultural experiences. With its stunning landscapes, mysterious moai statues, and warm Polynesian hospitality, Hanga Roa is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable adventure.

Hanga Roa is renowned for its proximity to the iconic archaeological sites of Easter Island, which are scattered across the island's rugged terrain. The town itself serves as the gateway to these ancient wonders, making it an ideal base for exploring the intriguing history and culture of the Rapa Nui people. Visitors can embark on guided tours to marvel at the enigmatic moai statues, some of which stand tall and proud, while others lie deserted in the quarries or along the coastline. These immense stone figures, with their distinctive features and mysterious origins, continue to captivate archaeologists and tourists alike.

Beyond its archaeological treasures, Hanga Roa also boasts breathtaking natural beauty. The town is surrounded by stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and rolling hills, all of which are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Travelers can indulge in a variety of activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. The nearby Rano Kau volcano offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island, showcasing its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity.

In addition to its natural wonders, Hanga Roa is a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates the traditions and customs of the Rapa Nui people. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local way of life by attending traditional festivals, exploring the vibrant craft markets, and indulging in the delicious Polynesian cuisine. From feasting on fresh seafood to witnessing traditional dance performances, every aspect of Hanga Roa offers a glimpse into the cultural heritage of Easter Island.

Alternative names: Founded: 1888 (136 years ago)Population: 3.3 thous. (2019)Area: 4.91 mi²Elevation: 75 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 27°8'54"S, 109°25'37"W

Location

ValparaísoChile

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Hanga Roa Top Attractions

Hanga Roa Attractions - What to See and Explore

Hanga Roa offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Ana Kai Tangata, Tahai Ceremonial Complex, Puna Pau, Holy Cross Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Cave
Ana Kai Tangata
Ana Kai Tangata is a sea cave in Easter Island that contains rock art of terns on its ceiling. It is located near Mataveri, and the cave opens up directly to the incoming surf. The cave is accessible and one of the most visited caves in Easter Island.
Historical place • Archaeological site • Sculpture
Tahai Ceremonial Complex
Nestled on the remote Easter Island, known locally as Rapa Nui, lies the Tahai Ceremonial Complex, a testament to the island's enigmatic past. Located in the city of Hanga Roa, this archaeological site offers visitors a glimpse into the ancient Rapa Nui civilization...
Archaeological site
Puna Pau
Maunga Puna Pau is a small crater or cinder cone and prehistoric quarry on the outskirts of Hanga Roa in the south west of Easter Island. Puna Pau gives its name to one of the seven regions of the Rapa Nui National Park.

Church
Holy Cross Church
The Holy Cross Church, also known as Hanga Roa Church or simply Catholic Church of Hanga Roa is the name of the religious building affiliated with the Catholic Church in the "Te Pito Te Henua" Street in the city of Hanga Roa, the capital and greater city of the Easter Island, a Territory of Chile in the Pacific Ocean.
27°9'15"S • 109°26'20"W
Caleta Hanga Piko
Sailing • Scuba and snorkeling • Historical and heritage tours
Specialty museum • Museum • History museum
Museo Antropológico Padre Sebastián Englert
The Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum is a museum in the town of Hanga Roa on Rapa Nui in Chilean Polynesia. Named for the Bavarian missionary, Fr.

Day trips

Hanga Roa – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Hanga Roa, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Rano Raraku (Rapa Nui National Park), Ahu Tongariki (Rapa Nui National Park), Anakena (Rapa Nui National Park).

8.7 miE
Archaeological site with iconic statues
Rano Raraku, Rapa Nui National Park
Nestled on the slopes of a dormant volcano on the remote Easter Island, Rano Raraku is a site of both mystery and majesty. Known as the "nursery" of the iconic moai statues, this volcanic crater serves as a stone quarry and is one of the most significant...
9.3 miE
Famous stone statues and sunrise views
Ahu Tongariki, Rapa Nui National Park
Ahu Tongariki is a majestic historical landmark nestled in the heart of Rapa Nui National Park on Easter Island, Chile. This grand site is home to the largest ceremonial platform, or ahu, on the island, featuring an impressive lineup of 15 towering moai statues that...
8.2 miNE
Archaeological site, Beach, Park
Anakena, Rapa Nui National Park
Nestled on the shores of the remote Easter Island, in the heart of Rapa Nui National Park, Chile, lies Anakena, a beach that offers far more than just sand and surf. Anakena is not your typical beach; it is a place where natural beauty meets ancient history, making it...
3 miS
Archaeological site, Historical place, Body of water
Orongo, Rapa Nui National Park
ꞌOrongo is a stone village and ceremonial center at the southwestern tip of Rapa Nui. It consists of a collection of low, sod-covered, windowless, round-walled buildings with even lower doors positioned on the high south-westerly tip of the large volcanic caldera called Rano Kau.
2.1 miS
Nature, Natural attraction, Volcano
Rano Kau, Rapa Nui National Park
Rano Kau is a 324 m tall dormant volcano that forms the southwestern headland of Easter Island, a Chilean island in the Pacific Ocean.