Rano Kau

Happy Friday!

This is Adventure Fix, the weekly email that’s filled with extraordinary journeys through the world’s most uncharted territories.

Today we’re heading to Easter Island, to explore Rano Kau.

Rano Kau

Rano Kau is a 3,000-foot-wide extinct volcano that dominates the southwestern corner of Rapa Nui, Chile’s remote island in the Pacific Ocean.

What sets Rano Kau apart from other volcanic craters is its unique morphology and its proximity to the ocean.

Unlike many other volcanic structures, Rano Kau's crater is partially submerged, creating a stunning caldera that extends into the vastness of the Pacific.

Its bowl-shaped depression is now a serene freshwater lake. Rano Kau’s steep slopes have a microclimate that is ideal for growing pineapples, figs, sea reeds, and oranges.

Not only is the crater lake a beautiful sight but its fertile soil and freshwater source are also thought to have played an important role in the survival of early Polynesian settlers.

Explore More

• Explore Easter Island’s Lesser Known Natural Wonders (article)

• Exploring the Mysterious Island by Drone (video)

How To Visit Rano Kao

The trailhead to Rano Kau is easily accessible from the island's main town, Hanga Roa. It’s an easy to follow 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) trail.

We hope your travels take you in this direction very soon.

Until then - keep exploring!

- Amanda