Since 1935, most of Rapa Nui's land and all of its archaeological sites have been a national park administered by Conaf. The park teems with caves, ahu (ceremonial platforms), fallen moai (statues), village structures and petroglyphs. Spending the extra cash on a guided tour, or on an islander who can explain what you are seeing, is a very worthy investment.
Respecting these sites is essential – avoid walking on the ahu (revered by locals as burial sites) or removing/relocating rocks from archaeological structures. There are ranger information stations at Orongo, Anakena and Rano Raraku.
