Top 5 Hanga Roa Outdoor Activities: Your Guide

Planning a trip to Hanga Roa, Easter Island? That tiny, isolated dot in the Pacific is just filled with opportunities for open-air action, and I reckon you should be aware of that. So, from trekking through eye-widening landscapes to riding the waves, there’s, you know, a bunch of things that would keep your adventurous spirit stoked. Here’s a rundown of the top five outdoor activities, providing insights and recommendations to help you make the most of your trip and, perhaps, maybe make your friends very jealous of your social media.

1. Exploring Rano Raraku: The Quarry of the Moai

Rano Raraku, a volcano, is arguably where nearly all of those huge Moai statues were carved. Walking around the area gives you a closer look at just, you know, how these iconic figures were created and transported across the island, pretty much. This location is very much steeped in history. Picture seeing hundreds of Moai in different phases of completion, kinda like the island’s very own statue factory. I mean, seriously. I recommend hopping on a guided tour because they often provide some insights into the island’s historical importance. The hike to the crater lake is usually manageable, although it can get very, very windy, I tell you.

The volcano’s slopes are seemingly gentle. So, you, too, can see the Moai like the ancient craftsman. You can almost feel their breath. The best time to visit is usually early in the morning or later in the afternoon, because the lighting is a little softer. Therefore, the pictures will pop a lot more, at the end of the day, right? Be ready for strong winds, by the way; it can get pretty gusty out there, as I was saying. The entry fee is a part of the Rapa Nui National Park ticket.

2. Surfing at Hanga Roa

Did you even know that Easter Island even had surf? Hanga Roa actually is one of the many surf spots where you, you know, get to experience the Pacific Ocean up close, basically. It’s just that waves might be okay for all skill levels depending on the specific location. I think you can take your surfboard, which should probably happen, to places like Pea or Pakaiai if you’re looking for a nice gentle wave; these spots usually give you an excellent chance for practice if you’re beginning to ride waves. Seasoned surfers, too, may have a lot of love for the island’s southern end and its reefs as well. These locations, actually, come equipped with powerful waves for folks, you know, experienced at the craft, actually. Most people there would agree that the backdrop you get here is what sets this surfing location apart. Just picture catching waves while still having a look at those massive statues, honestly. That, to be frank, is something you certainly don’t come across everyday.

Board rentals are often quite ready for you as an option if you happen to be in town at one of many shops on the island, so, in that case, you probably don’t really have to stress over bringing your own rig along too. Be on your guard about it as a possible precaution to do with the fact of shallow reefs as a consequence of what appears to me to be relatively very common, right? I highly recommend using booties to protect your feet, so that is always an option.

3. Horseback Riding Across the Island

If that idea thrills you, you know, discovering the sweeping fields of Rapa Nui and their dramatic shoreline on the back of a horse, that is the option you probably want. Plenty of outfits on Hanga Roa will provide equine rides. And some, as it seems, could accommodate folks regardless of whether they’re pros, or quite a little closer to being equine riding noobs.

These are, however, almost certainly gonna be tailored and therefore you might expect to pass along verdant slopes just beyond sight of all the amazing old ceremonial sites and of a ton of craters! Many guides on tours really are local, therefore meaning you could get access to some info on the island. And they likely provide just a bunch of historical context, at the end of the day. Keep in mind though, that Easter Island heat probably peaks between noon and 3PM, at the end of the day. The most favorable times to go ride off into adventure typically fall somewhere close to sunrise, or perhaps late afternoon and, of course, on the evening! Bring both sunscreen AND bug spray.

4. Snorkeling or Scuba Diving in the Crystal-Clear Waters

The waters bordering the coastlines around the location that is, really Hanga Roa often are clear! They are perfect to start investigating marine life right under it, as a consequence, or for some diving if that’s kinda more your flavor, as it were! There appear to me to be various spots right along the coasts nearby, each coming ready, arguably, to play a significant part to give you the view you’re seeking!

Consider the La Perouse bay for what may turn into snorkeling which I honestly feel turns into being kinda fun on an afternoon if the water right there would become clear enough. As the place seems rather very somewhat sheltered, snorkeling can appear, in the way in which I consider, even easier or simpler to do so with that water there being calm to be true! However for scuba diving, there could arguably be lots to potentially love. Maybe at just only a dive shop may end up recommending some interesting dive spots at places just about around those coasts, at least it can feel!

5. Hiking to Terevaka: The Highest Point on Easter Island

For folks who happen to really treasure panoramic landscapes, I strongly urge trekking up to Terevaka to stand proudly up above the summit for being where you will see a full view of the island! Just be ready however to find a route on up a hike because, well, I assure the climb will be tough, and possibly require three whole hours of exertion!

As such for what could certainly come right at a result after having seemingly become a successful challenge after hiking, that may just simply mean you’re in position! Standing up, probably for a second for you from within at which to grasp seeing the coasts spread up to form Easter Island down under at whatever your eyes grasp. Then feel like you have stood and did a real good physical venture that you have tried out after that!