Rano Raraku is an archaeological site and quarry on Easter Island, Chile, in South America. It is where nearly 400 moai statues were carved, and it is widely regarded as the most important cultural site on the island. It is also known as the Moai Quarry or the Nursery of the Moai, a name that reflects its role as the place where the statues were made before being moved across the island.
What to expect
The quarry is part of Rapa Nui National Park, so a visit is best approached as a walk through a protected landscape rather than a quick stop. Many moai remain here in different stages of carving, some still partly emerging from the volcanic rock, and some lying on the slopes. Seeing them in place gives a clear sense of how the work was done and how many statues were started at this one spot.
- Type of visit: outdoor archaeological site and heritage area
- Setting: the quarry lies within Rapa Nui National Park on Easter Island
- Best suited to: visitors interested in history, archaeology and the island's cultural heritage
Planning your trip
Rano Raraku is one of the first places many travellers choose to see on Easter Island, because it explains so much about the moai found elsewhere on the island. Its position within the national park means you can combine it with other sites in the area. For up-to-date information on visiting, you can contact the site by telephone at +56-32-2100236.
