maunga terevaka

One can hike or horseback to the highest point on the island. We chose to hike with Nico our guide. On the way we saw ravine where a German group was doing a dig on a water course built from the top springs for irrigation. Nico know the archeologist so she showed us around. Further up hill across plains we saw heard of horses roaming free and ascended the highest point of the island Great circumferential view of the island with a marking cairn at the top. Walking down was easy. The whole trip took almost 3 hours and 10.6 km to reach and descend 511 meters. Must to to get a good overview of the island and spot the sites visited.

As happens in Rapa Nui, there is no knowing when or where it will rain and so we set off with umbrellas on a cloudy day, optimistic that it would be a light drizzle at worst. As we were reaching the top, after walking for almost an hour an a half, the cloud mist descended so heavily and so fast that in a few minutes, we could not see even five feet away, leave alone see the promised views. It was dramatic - the sense of isolation and being wrapped up in clouds and nothing else being visible, even though we knew that were groves of trees about 50 metres away and a whole island that we were standing on and an even larger ocean that surrounded it. There was absolutely nothing that we could see, not even a group member, if she walked five feet ahead. That was quite an experience. Other people seem to have seen remarkable views. We did not, but this experience itself was remarkable for us. Tip: the paths are fine but there is more than one, so it might be confusing - check out a large map to get a sense of the exact path to follow.

We chose to walk because we heard the horses made you sore. Make sure you get the right entrance, not clearly marked next to Akivi. The views are relaxing and spectacular. Ideally you should go when it's not cloudy but this is hard in this part of the island. It's worth going in any case. Lots of wild horses.

This is a three hour round trip if you take your time for photos and to explore a bit. Quicker if you just go up and back. I started from Akivi and walked up, having arrived to this trailhead by bike from Hanga Roa. If you like biking, this is a great experience. Most people arrive to the trailhead by car.The views along the way are great, the only way really to see the majority of the island. There are pastures and horses along the way. The crater near the summit is amazing, but I thought it was worthwhile to go the extra 15 minutes to the summer to get better views of the eastern part of the island. Overall, this is a fantastic way to slow down, get away from the crowds and get a closer impression of the island.

Horse riding tours often bring you up here for the spectacular view out to sea. Strangely as we trotted up, the ground sounded quite hollow. The island seems to have a huge network of caves. It was very windy from the top and we could see some weird waterspout effect out to sea. If you choose a horse tour - be prepared - they gallop off really fast when they see a long straight stretch of road ahead.

Great views from the tallest point on the island! We were on a tour, so the travel was easy. If you like to hike, it is an easy hike. If you want to horse back ride, just know you may be sore afterward.

It was a great place to visit and to see practically the entire island from the top. it would have been more enjoyable without the horses that were a bit too competitive and the English-style saddles just about did everyone in. beautiful place though.

A nice way to get to the best view that covers the whole island - best to start and finish at different places - Ahu Akivi and Vaitea - a tiny pull off on the road to Ana Kena beach; try to do the walk as a party as taxis are very expensive.

I'd recommend to visit this when you love a hike, and have some time to spare. It's just under 5km uphill, and expect to hike no less then one hour. On the way there are views of the entire island, but once you reach the top the view isn't better then halfway up. It can be quite cold up there, and expect the occasional heavy rain (as we did).

The day after we took a guided tour, we rented a car to explore. This area was nice. We only saw a total of 4 people hiking. One couple had a small cooler. It was hot that day but we enjoyed it. Do not forget to bring water to drink, wear sunscreen and a hat. Comfortable shoes are a must.

We hiked through the eucalyptus forest side (SE) and it was pleasant. It took about 4 hours going up and back down, so only do this if you run out of moais to go see....

We went up by horse with a guide, usually takes four hours return, we did it in three but our bums are paying for it next day... AMAZING views from the top, 510 meters up and a 16km trek to boot!!! This is a must do once you've done your statues!

We "climbed" Terevaka in August - Winter on Rapa Nui. Still needed hats for shade, and lots of water. This will take about 3 and 1/2 to 4 hours if you walk briskly and don't stop for a lot of breaks/photos.The views on the gentle long climb up are beautiful - if coming from the area of the sheep farm/banana plantation, remember to look backwards toward Rano Raraku crater and Poike.At the top, if there aren't too many clouds, you get an essentially 360 degree view of the island and the surrounding Pacific. There is a small pile of rocks/bones to mark the pinnacle, not much to see at the top itself.We went down by the path that goes towards Hanga Roa, and actually stops at Ahu Akivi (the Seven)

It's a pleasant walk up....though it's very windy at the top. Worth it though to get a full view of the island. Combine this with visiting some of the caves on the shore (not that far away, though a 4-wheel is really needed).

Very impressive natural cave but it does require some hiking. It has writing and was the place where Birdman contestants stayed prior to beginning the contest.