Rapa Nui is much more than a collection of photographs of moai. Plan a visit around the living island, its cultural heritage and the rules that protect significant sites.
Find your starting point
Allow time for local-led interpretation rather than treating archaeological sites as a checklist. The island has its own history and identity, within the wider Polynesian world.
Give the journey room
Confirm current visitor documentation, national-park access and guiding requirements before travelling. Rules can change, and an old itinerary is not a substitute for current official information.
Be a thoughtful guest
Stay on authorised paths, follow the park rules and never climb or touch cultural structures. Ask before photographing people or ceremonies, and listen to site-specific guidance.
Three things to check
- Confirm park and entry rules before booking visits
- Choose qualified local interpretation
- Keep time for the island beyond its best-known sites
Check the current details
Use Rapa Nui National Park visitor information for official information. Confirm the details that affect your route directly before booking.
Planning introduction checked 3 November 2026. Suggestions on pace and routing are editorial guidance.
