Easter Island: West coast

One of the most beautiful hikes that the island has to offer takes us along the west side. Leaving the wonderful Anakena beach, the trail leads to Hanga Roa. Experienced hikers can walk this path in about 5-6 hours, since it has only moderate slopes. The different views to the varied coastal landscapes, the forests of palm trees in Anakena and the grass-filled hillsides in Teravaka show the island from its most beautiful side. The tour is not recommended for cyclists because of the great number of rocks on the road.

Description

The asphalt street ends in the parking lot of Anakena. A trail leads to the coast along a wooden fence. From here, you can take the most impressive shots of the bay. Following the trail for 10 minutes, we pass a grille and some 15 minutes later, a couple of trees that give shadow adorn an idyllic grass landscape. After another 15 minutes, an abandoned palm tree shows us the correct direction. To the right of the trail after 40 minutes it spreads a considerable estate where oxen are raised. This place is impressive for its location on the coast and the forest of palm trees that surrounds it. The estate is protected from the strong eastward winds by an imposing valley closed by rocks.

Our trail leads uphill again and after just 30 more minutes, we find a small ravine. A little later, we arrive at a gate that is located at 135 m of altitude. After another 30 minutes, we arrive at a second gate, from which we can see for the first time the highest elevation of the island, the Teravaka.

Now, the rest of the trail goes pleasantly downhill. Between the coastline and us, there is a farther road. On our trail, we find after some 30 more minutes, a third and last gate located at a small crossroads. To the left it spreads a long road to the summit of the Teravaka, and to the right, there is a narrow downhill path that leads to the road that runs below us leading to Te Peu (Rohio circuit). We, however, follow the path straight ahead. After some 30 minutes later, and a total of 3.5 hours of walking, we get to a trail that on the left leads to the Moais in Akivi, 1 km away, and to the right leads to Hanga Roa.

However, the most fascinating road for hikers is the direct one that passes by the very beautiful Hiva Hiva crater. To do this, we go on the track for approximately 20 m to the right and we search a grass-covered trail that forks to the left (Teravaka trail). On this trail or track, we arrive after only five minutes to a small cave made of lava with an impressive view to the Teravaka. Looking to the left is the Hiva Hiva with its characteristic white crossing. After another 20 minutes, we arrive to a small forest, in the middle of which there is a cistern. At about 100 m to left we find a stone wall. From here, there is a sand path, with barbed wire fence on each side, which leads after 15 minutes to a crossing. A sign indicates the road to Hanga Roa, which gets to the museum in about 20 minutes.