Brazil
Argentina
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Volcano and viewpoint · Hanga Roa, Valparaíso
Rano Kau
Extinct volcano at the southwest tip of the island, with a crater more than 1 km wide and a lagoon at the bottom. From the lookout on the rim you can see the crater and, on the other side, the Pacific.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Rano Kau
Rano Kau is the volcano that forms the southwest tip of Ilha de Páscoa, rising to 324 meters. Its north slope descends to the runway of Aeropuerto Mataveri and to the houses of Hanga Roa. At the top, the crater is almost 1.5 km in diameter, and the bottom is occupied by a freshwater lagoon about 100 meters above sea level.
A lookout on the north rim shows the entire crater, with the water covered in vegetation and green walls. In one section the rim is so thin that the sea appears on the other side. The lagoon was one of the island's freshwater sources, and the interior sheltered from the wind housed cultivation plots.
The road that climbs from Hanga Roa passes the lookout and ends at Orongo, the ceremonial village on the southwest rim. There is also a walking trail starting from the village that climbs the slope with views over Hanga Roa and the airport. You do not go down to the lagoon: the visit is made from above.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes at the lookout to three hours for those who hike up on foot from Hanga Roa.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon light brings out the colors of the crater. Avoid foggy days, which hide the bottom. The wind is constant at the top.
How to get there
The lookout is about 5 km from downtown Hanga Roa, along the road that leads to Orongo. On foot, the trail starts from the south of the village and climbs the volcano's north slope.
Tip
Bring water and a hat for the hike up, which has little shade. Stay behind the lookout barriers and do not go down into the crater.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Rano Kau
Can you climb Rano Kau on foot?
Yes, there is a trail that starts south of Hanga Roa and climbs the north slope to the crater rim. Bring water and sunscreen.
Can you go down to the lagoon?
No. The visit is from the viewpoint on the crater rim, from where you can see the lagoon below.
What is the height of Rano Kau?
The volcano is 324 meters high. The lagoon at the bottom of the crater sits about 100 meters above sea level.