Rano Kau
NileGuide Expert Says:
One of Easter Island's iconic sites, but this one without moai. It's a hike from Hanga Roa, and you can spend as much or as little time as you like taking photos and exploring the crater.Address:
Hanga Roa, Chile
NileGuide Expert tip:
Come on a sunny day for spectacular views, including an impressive bit from Orongo where you can see where the edge of the crater has eroded from constant sea exposure.Description:
Rano Kau is a giant collapsed volcanic cone of over one mile in diameter. It is on the way to the former ceremonial village Orongo, which is now in ruins. The volcano is 324 meters in height, and sits to the south of the airport's excessively long runway, which was lengthened by the US government as a possible emergency space shuttle landing strip.You can walk to the volcano from Hanga Roa, or go as part of a tour. The crater itself is one of just three fresh water sources on the island, and enjoys a microclimate, which means different types of plants grow in the crater than you will encounter on the rest of the island.
An entrance fee is charged by CONAF (the Chilean parks service) to get to Orongo and Rano Kau. The hike up the winding dirt road that rises from Hanga Roa to Orongo presents some of the best views of the island, including where you can see where the volcanic crater has eroded from exposure to the ocean on the coast side.
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