Our Favorite Easter Island Activities

Now that we’ve introduced you to Easter Island and given you a background on its famous Moai statues, we’d like to share with you a few of our favorite Easter Island activities to experience while on the island. This secluded volcanic island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean begs for its land to be explored and for its story to be told.  A mixture of guided tours and solo adventures is the perfect way to take in all that is Easter Island, learning about its rich history and taking in the sights of one of the most interesting and beautiful places on Earth.

♦ Enjoying the Amazing Ocean Views by Bicycle

With its jaw dropping landscapes, calm roads and breathtaking ocean views, Easter island is perfect for exploring by bicycle.  Whether you’re up for a guided bike tour or you just want to rent a bicycle from your hotel and set off on your own adventure, seeing the island on bike is highly recommended. There are various lightly traveled routes to explore throughout the island. Most of the terrain is easy to maneuver, which makes for a fun activity for the whole family. The southern part of the island however is known to have a bit more difficult terrain, with steep and winding roads providing a challenge for the more experienced riders.  One could spend hours exploring on bicycle enjoying the panoramic island and surrounding Pacific Ocean views, so just be sure to bring water and snacks with you as you’ll have limited options once you leave the capital of Easter Island, Hanga Roa.

♦ Taking a Tour of the Orongo Village

The Orongo Village was established as a ceremonial site centered on the traditional cult of the Birdman or ‘Tangata Manu.’  Located between a narrow ridge with a 1,000ft drop and the volcanic crater of Rano Kau, this village of  50+ stone homes has an abundance of history, whose customs and eccentricities are among the most intriguing in the world.  This being said, a guided tour led by one of our local expert guides is the best way to make sure you don’t miss a single detail, as there is historical significance everywhere you turn. Observe the beautifully carved petroglyphs of animals and Birdmen dating back to the yearly Birdman Ceremony, which have surprisingly withstood the elements over the years to tell their magnificent story.

♦ Relaxing on Anakena Beach

One of only 2 small sandy beaches on what is predominantly a rocky coastline, the white coral sand beach and warm waters of Anakena are a must see when visiting Easter Island. The beach is rumored to be the home and landing place of Hotu Matu’a, the chief and founder of the first settlement on Rapa Nui. Anakena is also home to the first re-erected Moai on Rapa Nui, ‘Ahu Ature Huki’ which some associate with the rise of the Birdman cult.  The beach is best enjoyed in the morning while there is next to nobody around, as most locals and tourist groups alike make their way in the afternoons to relax on the best beach on the island.

Thanks for visiting our Central & South America Travel Blog! Feel free to contact one of our Travel Specialists via email, phone or chat to plan your unique Easter Island itinerary.