Marine Protection in Rapa Nui

Here is a recent post from Oceania as they work with local Rapanui people to protect the marine life which we are slowly losing.

As a private business on the island, Tupa Hotel hopes to work as a sustainable business so as to minimize the waste and help preserve and restore our natural environment here on Rapa Nui.  We welcome any recommendations from visitors as to new systems that we can implement to reach these goals.

Rapa Nui National Park Pass

The entire island of Rapa Nui is considered to be a National Park by Chilean law.  In order to visit any of the sites on the island, a visitor must purchase a park pass from the Parks Department (CONAF).  Here are the details:

Cost: USD60 / person ($15 x 4 major sites, Orongo, Rano Raraku, Tahai, and Anakena)
Control: The pass is checked regularly at Orongo and Rano Raraku before you enter.  At the other sites a park ranger (dressed all in green) may ask you to see it.
Entry / Length: The pass if valid for only 1 entry at the two major sites Orongo and Rano Raraku.  The other sites on the island are unlimited entries.  The pass is valid for 5 days from the date of purchase.

What to do on Sundays

A majority of the tour companies and rental car agencies do not operate on Sunday.  Most restaurants will be open, but government buildings and banks will be closed.  If you will be flying into the island on a Sunday, here are a few places that you can still visit without having to rely on a guide or car:

Museum Sebastian Englert
The museum is open until 1230pm on Sundays and exhibits a variety of artifacts in it’s exhibition hall.  Several unique moai are on display, along with artifacts like fish hooks, obsidian tools, and the eye of the moai found by archeologist Sergio Rapu in Ahu Nau Nau.  Entrance to the museum costs USD2 and you can easily walk there from the hotel (about 15 minutes).

Tahai Complex
Tahai is a complex of 3 different ahu that have been restored by archeologist Bill Mulloy.  The site also has a variety of hare paenga (boat houses), hare moa (chicken houses), ramp pavement, and fortified structures. The you can also find the head of one of the earliest moai found on the island, a round headed one.  Park rangers (dressed all in green) may ask you to buy your ticket once you arrive to Tahai.

Catholic Mass in Rapanui
Near the center of town is the largest church on the island, the Catholic Church.  Mass is held here twice each Sunday, once at 9am and once at 11am.  The 9am mass is filled with local people and is done primarily in the Rapanui language.  This is a great way to immerse yourself directly into the community.

All done with those?  Catch a taxi from the center of town (or ask us to call you one) and head out to Anakena Beach on the other side of the island.  While you are there, visit Ahu Nau Nau and Ahu Ature Huke.  All national parks (Orongo, Tahai, Rano Raraku, etc.) are open on Sundays.  If you will be on Rapa Nui over a weekend, make sure to rent your car Saturday night and keep it until Monday.

Safe travels!

Car / Moped Rentals in Rapa Nui

If you are interested in exploring the island on your own, renting a car or moped (motor bike) would be a good way to get around.  To get to the far side of the island (Rano Raraku Statue Quarry or Ahu Tongariki), look into getting a Jeep instead of a moped.  At times it can be difficult to navigate the unpaved roads on a motor bike, and the weather can be harsh.

All wheel drive Jeeps are available for rent in Hanga Roa from several different agencies.  We recommend renting from Haunani Rent-a-Car, next to the Kai Nene grocery store on the main road.  PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR LICENSE!  Vehicle laws are very strict here in Rapa Nui and no one can rent a vehicle without a valid driver’s license for that type of car/motor bike.  You may also need a credit card as insurance.  If you don’t want to travel with your actual license you can bring a foto copy of both sides and use it instead.

Happy Traveling!

March Specials

Enjoy Rapa Nui during the end of March 2011 with our discounted specials.  Type in code “RAPAMARZO11″ in the “Additional Instructions” section while making a reservation and receive US$20 off the daily rate of select Ocean View rooms.  This special is available only on selected rooms so act fast!