Following a record-breaking 2025 for visitor numbers, Ma’u Henua has updated the Rapa Nui National Park Public use plan with a measure that will take effect on October 1st.
Ma’u Henua Indigenous Community has set a maximum of fifteen tourists that an accredited Rapa Nui guide or host can lead at high-traffic sites, including Rano Raraku, Toŋariki, Haŋa Rau and ‘Ōroŋo. If a group exceeds this number, the agency must add a second guide.
The adjustment responds to the guidelines of the Public Use Plan and the participatory work with the Hōnui , the muto’i, the Guides Association, families, and community assemblies, as well as the growth in visitation: in 2025, the park received 132,203 visitors, 26.6% more than the previous year. The national market accounted for more than half of that increase, with two peak periods: July-September, with a higher number of Chilean visitors, and October-March, with a higher number of international visitors.
The measure aims to prevent overcrowding on the trails, as excessive flow accelerates soil erosion and puts the structures of the ahu and mōai at risk. The muto’i will, as always, have the authority to authorize or deny entry, based on the established ratio, and non-compliance carries penalties ranging from a warning to fines of 40 UTM and a thirty-day suspension.
Ariki Tepano Martin, president of the Board of Directors, recommends incorporating training guides to accompany groups of more than 15 people. “We are protecting our heritage and the operation of the park.
This raises the quality of service”, he states.
Starting in October, the use of safety equipment in the caves will also be mandatory, with a limit of eight visitors per guide, a measure that is already in effect.
The measure is being implemented gradually, and Ma’u Henua is already working to inform this measure in booths and with operators.
