Why travel to Easter Island? Easter Island (or Rapa Nui) is a secluded and utterly mesmerizing island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. Located about 3,700 kilometers from Chile’s coast, this tiny volcanic landmass is known for its stunning moai statues, mysterious archaeological sites, and vibrant Polynesian culture. Easter Island is a beautiful place to visit if you are looking for a unique and captivating vacation.
How To Get to Easter Island
To get to Easter Island, you have two options: flying or sailing. The easiest and fastest way is to fly from Santiago de Chile or Tahiti with LATAM Airlines. Only this airline flies regularly to the Island. The flight from Santiago takes about 5 hours, and the flight from Tahiti takes about 6 hours. Boats and cruises are another option for getting to Easter Island, but they are less common and more expensive.
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Fun Facts About Easter Island Facts
Easter Island is a fascinating place you may have heard of because of its vast stone heads sticking out of the ground. But did you know there is more to the island than these statues? Here are some interesting facts that will make you want to learn more about it:
- Easter Island is one of Earth’s most remote inhabited places, 3,700km east of Chile and 2,000km west of Pitcairn, in the Pacific Ocean.
- The Rapa Nui National Park was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995 to preserve Easter Island’s rich cultural heritage.
- The mysterious statues of Easter Island are called “moai.” There are around 900 of these statues and over 300 ceremonial platforms.
- It is unknown how the ancient islanders transported the massive moai statues, some weighing up to 82 tonnes, across the island without wheels or large animals. Various theories regarding using log rollers, ropes, and wooden sleds exist.
- Initially, its inhabitants called the island Rapa Nui or Te Pito te Henua. 1722 Dutch admiral Jacob Roggeveen landed on Easter Island and named it “Easter Island.”.
- Unlike popular belief, moai statues have bodies, not just heads. Researchers discovered that many figures were buried on their shoulders, causing the misconception that they were only heads.
- It is known that Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl excavated the tallest moai statue, which measures 12 meters (39 feet) tall.
- An incident of vandalism occurred in 2008 when a Finnish tourist attempted to steal an ear from a moai statue. This resulted in tighter controls on tourist access to protect the ancient artwork.
- It is believed that the moai were designed to over-correct facial deformities caused by leprosy as a countermeasure to its effects.
- Its population died out dramatically between 1722 and 1774, from an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 people in 1722 to around 700. The reasons for this remain unclear.
The Trip to Easter Island is a beautiful and mysterious place with many secrets and stories to tell. It is a place that attracts travelers who want to see something different and unique.
Things to Do on Easter Island
A small Island holds a treasure of wonder and mystery in the Pacific Ocean. Easter Island is home to the Moai statues, one of the world’s most enigmatic monuments. They are witnesses of a lost civilization. These giant stone figures, sculpted by the Rapa Nui people, watch over the land, hiding secrets of a long-gone past. But there is more to this Island than its majestic guardians. It offers stunning natural beauty, thrilling outdoor activities, and a rich culture full of traditions. Easter Island invites travelers to discover its magic and charm as the sun sets, painting the Island in gold.
Mysterious Moai Statues
Easter Island is celebrated for its majestic moai statues. These monumental stone sculptures, carved by the Rapa Nui people centuries ago, are believed to be their ancestor’s faces and are seen as a testament to the island’s past. These massive statues dotting the landscape have always inspired a sense of awe and intrigue among travelers. The mystery surrounding these statues’ creation, transportation, and purpose makes Easter Island an ideal destination for history and archaeology enthusiasts exploring a unique and captivating culture.
Most of the Moai were initially located at the renowned Rano Raraku site. Still, many of them have since been transported to various locations along the coast.
Scenic Natural Beauty
Easter Island is renowned for its striking and varied landscapes despite its small size. The island is gorgeous, from breathtaking cliffs and coastlines to tranquil beaches and lush vegetation. Easter Island has three volcanoes: Rano Kau, Poike, and Terevaka. All three are extinct volcanoes. Terevaka, the youngest, makes up the majority of the island. Visitors can enjoy the captivating views of the island from these volcanic craters.
Another major natural attraction here is Anakena Beach. The beach is gorgeous, with palm trees, turquoise waters, and moai. Hotu Matu’a, the legendary ancestor of the Rapa Nui people, is supposed to have landed on this beach. The beach is also perfect for swimmers as the water is warm year-round.
Outdoor Adventures
Easter Islands is a must-visit destination for adventure lovers. There are numerous activities available here for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Travelers can go on guided hiking tours to the different critical archaeological sites. Trekking trips are open to the island’s most remote and isolated locations, like its northern coast. There are also plenty of opportunities to explore the Island on horseback. Easter Island is also perfect for aquatic activities for visitors to enjoy, like snorkeling, surfing, and diving.
Unique and Rich Culture
Easter Island, home to the Rapa Nui people, is steeped in a rich Polynesian culture that permeates all aspects of their life, from traditional music and dance to the Rapa Nui language. Tourists can learn about the local community’s history, traditions, and way of life by engaging with the friendly and welcoming locals. The Ana Kai Tangata cave, sometimes called “cannibal cave,” has numerous cave paintings that visitors can explore to understand the island’s history.
The annual Tapati Rapa Nui festival is also a major attraction here. It offers an immersive cultural experience to tourists and celebrates the island’s heritage through competitions and performances. During the Tapati festival, which translates to “the week,” two teams from various parts of Hanga Roa participate in canoeing, surfing, spearfishing, dancing, and singing. Events are organized all across the island, and visitors have opportunities to experience them.
Delectable Cuisine
Easter Island may not be famous as a gourmet destination. Still, the unique and flavorful cuisine is enough to capture the hearts of food lovers. Due to extensive deforestation, the island is facing resource scarcity. But its seafood cuisine is delicious and abundant. Yams, fresh beans, plantain, lobster, tuna, mahi mahi, shrimp, and swordfish are widely used in their dishes.
Umu Rapa Nui is the most well-known and sought-after dish on the island. It is prepared using a traditional technique, and the flavor is exquisite. Sweet lovers can try Po’e, a delicious sponge cake with plantain and pumpkin.
Planning a Trip to Easter Island: Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is the shoulder season, from April to May and September to October, when the weather is mild, the humidity is low, and the crowds are thin. You can explore the island’s unique sites and learn about its fascinating culture and history at your own pace.
Marvel at the moai statues, the silent witnesses of an ancient past, and uncover the secrets they hide. But suppose you crave the excitement of festivities. In that case, you can also visit during the high season, from December to February, when the island comes alive with the Tapati Festival and a vibrant celebration of Rapa Nui’s culture. Join the fun of music, dance, and traditional competitions, even if it means higher prices and more tourists. Whenever you visit this island paradise, Rapa Nui will enchant you with its scenic beauty and its ancient heritage that still echoes in the air.
Easter Island Resorts: Where to Stay at Every Budget
Easter Island has a variety of places to stay for different kinds of travelers and budgets. You can find luxury hotels, cozy lodges, or cheap hostels and campsites on the island. Let’s say you want to splurge on a lavish vacation. You can choose Nayara Hangaroa or Explora Rapa Nui, which have excellent amenities and tours. If you want to stay comfortable while saving money, here are some suggestions. You can opt for Hotel Manavai or Hotel Ohana, which have excellent facilities and services. Imagine you want to travel on a tight budget and meet other travelers. In that case, you can pick La Casa del Kori or Camping y Hostal Tipanie Moana, which have basic but clean and friendly accommodations.
| Hotel Name | Price per Night (USD) | Rating (out of 5) | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camping y Hostal Tipanie Moana | $25 | 4 | Budget |
| La Casa del Kori | $81 | 4.5 | Budget |
| Hotel Ohana | $150 | 5 | Mid-range |
| Hotel Manavai | $100 | 3.5 | Mid-range |
| Nayara Hangaroa | $470 | 4.5 | Luxury |
| Explora Rapa Nui | $605 | 4.5 | Luxury |
No matter your budget or preference, you’ll find a place to stay that meets your expectations on Easter Island. You can choose from various accommodation options, from cozy campsites to lavish resorts, and enjoy a relaxing stay on this magical island.
Remember that the trip to Easter Island is very isolated, so everything is more costly there than elsewhere. You should plan your budget well before you go there. You should also book your place to stay early because there are few options, and they can fill up fast. Easter Island is a stunning and unique place to visit, so you should find a place to stay that matches your needs and wishes.
Responsible Tourism or Eco-tourism
By traveling to Easter Island, you can help to promote sustainable development and the conservation of the Island for future generations. Tourism is an essential source of income on this Island, which also helps to fund conservation initiatives. Visitors can choose responsible tour operators and accommodation providers who prioritize sustainable practices and respect the delicate environment on the Island. Travelers can use this opportunity to engage with the local community and learn about their conservation efforts. You can also support local businesses to positively affect the Island and its inhabitants.
Conclusion
A Trip to Easter Island can be adventurous, peaceful, and full of exposure to cultural and archaeological wonders. Plan your Easter Island trip to ensure you know exactly what to see and do on the island. Easter Island is home to both luxurious and budget-friendly accommodations.
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