Rano Kau

Rano Kau is a large volcanic crater at the southwestern end of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) in Chile, notable for its steep crater walls, a freshwater lake in the crater floor and important archaeological sites on the rim.

The outer rim hosts the ceremonial village of Orongo, an archaeologically significant complex of stone houses and carved panels related to the island’s Tangata Manu or Birdman cult. The crater lake and inner slopes contain terraces and historic cultivations that illustrate long-term local land use.

Orongo on the crater rim was the focal point for annual rituals that involved long offshore journeys to collect bird eggs, and the site contains carved petroglyphs and house foundations dating to the late prehistoric and historic periods. The crater and Orongo remain central to the island’s cultural landscape and are managed as part of Rapa Nui National Park.

Rano Kau occupies the island’s southwestern headland and is visible from the island’s main settlement of Hanga Roa; the rim walk and Orongo are commonly visited as day trips from Hanga Roa and provide coastal panoramas toward the Pacific.

• Rim trail: The rim trail around the crater provides dramatic sea views and is the main route used by visitors arriving from the island’s main settlement.

What to See#

• Orongo ceremonial village: Orongo is a stone village and ceremonial centre sited on the outer edge of the crater rim, associated with the island’s historic Birdman cult and decorated with carved petroglyphs.
• Crater lake: The crater lake occupies the bowl of the volcano and sits below the steep rim, forming a closed freshwater basin that can be viewed from the rim trail.

Rano Kau (the crater on Rapa Nui/Easter Island) is reached from the island’s main town, Hanga Roa. Follow the main paved road out of Hanga Roa toward the Orongo ceremonial village and the southwest coast; there is parking near the Orongo/Rano Kau viewpoints and a short walk from the parking area to the crater rim viewpoints and trails.

• Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon - light at those times brings out the crater's colors and helps avoid the busiest periods when island tour groups arrive.
• Buy your Rapa Nui National Park ticket in Hanga Roa before you go and approach Rano Kau via the official marked path at Orongo; park rangers check tickets and the site is part of the park's protected area.
• Don't rush past the rim: take the short path down to the crater lake and spend time at the Orongo stone village ruins on the southwest rim for petroglyphs and expansive views toward Motu Nui - many visitors only stop at the main viewpoint.