Te Ara o Te Ao Trail: Hike to Rano Kau and Orongo, Easter Island

Introduction

The Te Ara o Te Ao Trail is one of those hikes on Easter Island that surprises you from the very first steps. It starts quietly just outside Hanga Roa, but the landscape changes fast — from small gardens and farming fields to a shaded forest, and then open slopes with the ocean stretching behind you. As you climb, the view gets bigger and the island slowly unfolds in every direction.

Everything on Easter Island impresses. The Easter Island National Park was another stunning hike, and the road trip around the island was one of the most memorable road trip we did.

At the top, the trail leads straight to the rim of Rano Kau, the largest volcano on the island. The crater is huge and almost surreal, filled with floating totora reeds and steep green walls that catch the light in every direction. A short walk along the ridge then brings you to Orongo, the ancient ceremonial village perched right above the Pacific. Stone houses, petroglyphs, and stories of the Birdman competition make this place feel completely different from the rest of the island.

It’s a simple hike but one that gives you a real sense of Easter Island’s landscapes and history — and for us, it ended up being one of the most memorable experiences on the island.

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How to get to the trailhead

Reaching the start of the Te Ara o Te Ao Trail is straightforward if you’re staying in Hanga Roa. From the centre, follow the main road south until you reach the end of town, then turn right and pass the gas station. Keep going for a couple of minutes and you’ll see the sign marking the beginning of the trail on your left.

It’s close enough to walk from most guesthouses, and the path starts right where the last houses fade into gardens and open fields. No need for a guide or any special preparation — just follow the road out of town and you’ll be on the right track.

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When to hike

You can hike the Te Ara o Te Ao Trail all year, but the experience changes a lot with the seasons. Mornings are usually the best, as the heat builds slowly and the visibility is often clearer. I actually hiked it right after a stormy night, and the air felt fresh and clean — those calm post-rain mornings can be some of the nicest on the island.

Here’s what each season looks like on Easter Island:

• Summer (December to February): Temperatures sit around 23–28°C (73–82°F). Days are long, warm, and sunny, which makes the hike beautiful but a bit hot on the exposed sections. Start early to avoid the mid-day sun.
• Autumn (March to May): Expect 20–25°C (68–77°F) with softer light and fewer people on the trail. It’s a comfortable time to hike, although occasional showers can appear. The landscapes look greener after the summer heat.
• Winter (June to August): Temperatures drop to around 17–21°C (63–70°F). It’s cooler, windier, and you’ll likely get a mix of clouds and sun. Trails are great during this season as long as you avoid heavy wind or rain. Bring a light jacket for the crater rim.
• Spring (September to November): A sweet spot with 19–24°C (66–75°F). The weather is usually stable, the trail feels quieter, and the views are crisp. It’s one of the easiest seasons to plan around.

If you want the best overall conditions, start the hike in the morning and avoid very windy days. The crater rim gets exposed fast, so clear skies and calm weather always make the experience better.

Our Favorite Hotels in Hanga Roa

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Cabaña del mar Rapanui

Hare Nua Hotel Boutique

Nayara Hangaroa

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Te Ara o Te Ao Trail

How to hike

The Te Ara o Te Ao Trail is easy to follow and doesn’t require any special planning, which makes it a great morning or early-afternoon activity from Hanga Roa. Once you reach the trailhead, the path is clear the whole way and climbs gently until you get closer to the crater.

The first part takes you through gardens and small farming areas, then you’ll pass a fenced section marking the start of the forest. It’s a nice shaded stretch and a good place to pause if you want a quick snack. After that, the trail opens onto grassy slopes that lead straight to the rim of Rano Kau. The view starts appearing behind you little by little, so don’t forget to turn around from time to time — this was one of the things that made the hike worth it for us.

From the crater viewpoint, just cross the road and follow the well-marked path along the ridge to reach Orongo. You’ll pass a checkpoint with information boards before entering the ancient ceremonial village. The trail between the crater and Orongo is short, and it’s one of the most scenic walks on the island, especially with the Pacific stretching out on your right.

Once you’re done exploring Orongo, you can return the same way or walk down the main road back toward Hanga Roa. It’s a simple hike with big rewards, and a great way to spend a half-day on the island.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Rano Kau volcano

When you reach the top of the trail, all you have to do is cross the road and you’re suddenly standing in front of one of the most impressive views on Easter Island. Rano Kau is the largest volcano on the island, rising to 324 metres, and its crater feels almost unreal when you see it for the first time.

Inside, a huge lake has formed over the years from accumulated rainwater. The surface is covered with floating totora reed islands, giving the whole crater a patchwork look that changes with the wind and light. It’s a natural greenhouse, warm and sheltered, where different plants grow in a way you won’t see anywhere else on the island.

The viewpoint sits right on the edge of the crater, so you get a full panoramic view without needing to climb any further. It’s one of those spots where you automatically stop and take your time — for me, this is where the hike really pays off. The colours, the depth of the crater, the contrast between the lagoon and the steep walls around it… it’s one of the most beautiful places on the island, and a moment that stays with you long after the hike is over.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring a good camera, such as the SONY A7 — it makes all the difference for capturing those unforgettable moments.

Orongo

From the Rano Kau viewpoint, a short and easy path along the crater’s edge leads you to Orongo, one of the most fascinating places on Easter Island. Before entering the site, you’ll pass a small checkpoint with boards explaining the history and rituals that took place here — definitely worth a quick read.

Orongo was a ceremonial village used seasonally during the Birdman competition, a ritual that brought together tribal leaders and important figures from across the island. In total, 54 stone houses were built here, all facing the ocean, with low entrances designed to protect from the wind. The village sits right on the edge of the cliff, overlooking the three small islets where participants would swim to retrieve the first manutara egg of the season.

As you walk through the site, you’ll find petroglyphs carved into the rocks and a few restored structures that give you a sense of how the village once looked. The mix of the ocean, the crater behind you, and the history of the place makes Orongo feel different from anywhere else on the island. For us, this was one of those moments where you slow down without even trying, letting the landscape and the story sink in before heading back toward Hanga Roa.

Our Favorite Hotels in Hanga Roa

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Cabaña del mar Rapanui

Hare Nua Hotel Boutique

Nayara Hangaroa

See all available hotels in Hanga Roa

Timing for the hike

The Te Ara o Te Ao Trail is short enough to fit easily into half a day, but long enough to feel rewarding. I started the hike around 12:20pm and reached the rim of Rano Kau at 1:20pm — a comfortable one-hour climb with a few short breaks along the way.

From the crater viewpoint, it takes about 20 minutes to walk to Orongo at a relaxed pace. I arrived around 1:40pm and spent roughly 30 minutes exploring the site, reading the panels, and taking my time around the stone houses. If you like to move slowly or stop for photos, you might stay a bit longer.

Once the visit was over, I had a quick snack before starting the walk back toward town. If you stop at the small facilities near Orongo, keep in mind that the toilets cost 500 CLP.

Overall, expect the full outing — hike up, crater viewpoint, walk to Orongo, visit, and return — to take around three hours without rush

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Where to stay on Easter Island

Choosing the right place to stay in Hanga Roa makes your whole experience so much better. The town is small, so you’ll never be far from restaurants, shops, or the coastal sunset spots — but comfort, views, and style vary a lot.

Here are three great options depending on your travel style:

Cabaña del Mar Rapanui: A super charming, cozy stay right by the ocean. Perfect if you want your own space, a kitchen, and that easy “home on the island” feeling. Great for couples or slow travelers who want peace and privacy.

Hare Nua Hotel Boutique: A beautiful boutique hotel with a warm atmosphere and lovely décor. They have a wellness vibe, friendly staff, and one of the best breakfasts in town. Ideal if you want comfort without going full luxury.

Nayara Hangaroa: If you’re looking for a stunning, eco-luxury stay — this is the one. Gorgeous architecture, beautiful ocean views, spa services, and high-end comfort. A splurge, but absolutely memorable.

Here are all your accommodation options in Hanga Roa