Iglesia Hanga Roa

Rapa Nui (Easter Island)


The unmissable Iglesia Hanga Roa, the island's Catholic church, is well worth a visit for its spectacular carvings, which integrate Christian doctrine with Rapa Nui tradition. It also makes a colorful scene on Sunday morning.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rapa Nui (Easter Island) attractions

1. Ahu Tautira

0.42 MILES

If you've just arrived and can't wait for your first encounter with the moai (large anthropomorphic statues), head straight to Ahu Tautira. This site…

2. Caleta Hanga Roa

0.43 MILES

Your first encounter with the moai will probably take place at Ahu Tautira, which overlooks Caleta Hanga Roa, the fishing port in Hanga Roa at the foot of…

3. Playa Pea

0.45 MILES

For a little dip, the tiny beach at Playa Pea, on the south side of Caleta Hanga Roa, fits the bill (though it's more of a rocky cove than a sandy oasis).

4. Ahu Tahai

0.66 MILES

Ahu Tahai is a highly photogenic site that contains three restored ahu (ceremonial platform). Ahu Tahai proper is the ahu in the middle, supporting a…

5. Museo Antropológico Sebastián Englert

0.82 MILES

This well-organized museum makes a perfect introduction to the island's history and culture. It displays basalt fishhooks, obsidian spearheads and other…

6. Caleta Hanga Piko

0.99 MILES

Easily overlooked by visitors, the little Caleta Hanga Piko is used by local fishers. Facing away from the caleta, the restored Ahu Riata supports a…

7. Ahu Akapu

1.09 MILES

You'll find this ahu with a solitary moai along the coastline, north of Hanga Roa.

8. Puna Pau

1.3 MILES

The volcanic Puna Pau quarry was used to make the reddish, cylindrical pukao (topknots) that were placed on many moai. Some 60 of these were transported…