UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Rapa Nui National Park
Chile

Rapa Nui National Park

Moai statues on remote Easter Island.

Location

Explore the Map

Historical Context

About

Rapa Nui National Park, located on Easter Island, Chile, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its iconic moai statues. These statues, carved from volcanic rock by the early Rapa Nui people, are a testament to the island's rich cultural heritage. The park's landscape is marked by volcanic craters, rugged coastlines, and ceremonial platforms, reflecting a unique megalithic culture. The moai statues, varying in height and made from local tuff and scoria, represent a significant archaeological and artistic achievement. Over time, the indigenous Rapa Nui people have regained authority over their lands, emphasizing the importance of preserving their ancestral heritage. Despite challenges such as ecological changes and recent forest fires, the park remains a crucial site for understanding Polynesian history and culture.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations

FileAhu-Akivi-1.JPG
FileAhu_Tahai.jpg
FileMoai_Easter_Island_geod0095.jpg
+7 More
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Settlement by Rapa Nui people

300 CE - 1200 CE

Toppling of Moai Statues

1837 CE - 1864 CE

UNESCO World Heritage Designation

1996 CE

Return of Ancestral Lands

2017 CE

Forest Fire Damage

2022 CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Religious and Ritual Structures

Ceremonial Platforms
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

StatuesPetroglyphs
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Volcanic Craters
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore

Plan Your Visit

Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information

Reference

Details

Country

Chile

Coordinates

-27.15° N, -109.45° E