Brazil
Argentina
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Archaeological site · Hanga Roa, Valparaíso
Rano Raraku
Volcanic crater that served as the quarry for almost all of the island's moai. On the slope, dozens of unfinished or partially buried statues; inside, a freshwater pond.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Rano Raraku
Rano Raraku is a tuff volcano—rock formed by compacted volcanic ash—on the southeast coast of Rapa Nui. For about 500 years, until the early 18th century, it was the island's quarry: roughly 95% of the known moai were sourced from here. The statues were carved from the rock itself and then brought down the slope.
The trail passes among moai planted in the ground up to their chests or necks, covered by excavation debris accumulated over centuries. On the rock face there are still unfinished statues attached to the cliff, including one about 21 meters high, known as El Gigante, which was never removed from the stone. In one section is the Tukuturi, a bearded moai, kneeling, different from the others.
Inside the crater is one of the island's three freshwater ponds, with totora reeds at the edges—the reed the rapa nui used to roof shelters and make floats. From the top of the trail you can see Ahu Tongariki in the bay, about 1 km away. The park ticket entitles visitors to only one entry to Rano Raraku, controlled by park rangers.
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
About one and a half to two hours on the trail.
Best time
In the morning the light is softer and the heat less intense; you can combine it with dawn at Tongariki. In summer, from December to March, the sun on the slope is strong: bring a hat and water. On rainy days the trail becomes slippery.
How to get there
It's about 18 km from Hanga Roa via the south coast road. Visits are conducted with an accredited guide, and entry goes through the park control post.
Tip
Because the ticket allows only one entry here, save the visit for a day with good weather. Do not approach the moai off the trail and do not touch them.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Rano Raraku
What is Rano Raraku?
It's the volcano where the moai were carved. The slope holds hundreds of statues at various stages, from those barely begun to those ready for transport.
Can I return to Rano Raraku more than once?
The park ticket entitles you to one entry to Rano Raraku and one to Orongo. Other sites are not subject to that limit. Confirm the rules before traveling.
What is the Tukuturi?
It's a kneeling moai with a beard, in a posture called tuku turi, reminiscent of the singers in old festivals. It stands on the slope of Rano Raraku and breaks the pattern of the other statues.