Rano Raraku
Rano Raraku – Easter Island
Located on the eastern side of Easter Island, Rano Raraku is the island’s most iconic archaeological site. It is the volcanic quarry where around 1,100 moai found across the island were carved.
🗿 The Moai Quarry
Most of the monumental statues were sculpted directly from the volcanic rock here.
Visitors can see:
- Moai still attached to the rock face
- Unfinished statues
- Dozens of partially buried moai on the slopes
The famous “buried heads” actually have full bodies, gradually covered by centuries of sediment.
⚠️ Access
- Included in the Rapa Nui National Park ticket
- A certified guide is mandatory for entry
- Visitors must stay on the marked paths
- Certain areas are strictly restricted to protect the site
Summary:
Rano Raraku is the birthplace of the moai.
With around 1,100 statues recorded across the island, this is where you truly grasp the scale and ingenuity of the Rapa Nui civilization.
An absolutely essential stop when visiting Easter
With around 1,100 statues recorded across the island, this is where you truly grasp the scale and ingenuity of the Rapa Nui civilization.
An absolutely essential stop when visiting Easter