Rano Raraku

The volcanic crater contains 397 moai statues in various stages of completion, from initial carvings to nearly finished figures ready for transportation.

For five centuries until the 1700s, this quarry provided consolidated volcanic ash used to create 95 percent of Easter Island's stone sculptures.

The statues carved at this site represented deceased tribal leaders, placed on platforms near villages to protect their descendants through generations.

The quarry paths guide visitors through different sections, showing the carving process from the initial stone selection to the final statue preparations.

The largest unfinished moai measures 21.6 meters tall and weighs 270 tonnes, remaining attached to the volcanic rock face.

Location: Rapa Nui Commune

GPS coordinates: -27.12493,-109.28625

Latest update: March 6, 2025 02:26