Easter Island is a remote island located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. Also known as Rapa Nui, it is a territory of Chile but located almost 3700km away from the mainland. The island is famous around the world for its unique moai statues-enormous paleolithic structures in the shape of human heads that were created by the island's early inhabitants. Today, the Rapa Nui National Park is a UNESCO World heritage site.
Easter Island's unassuming name belies the fact that it is one of the most mysterious, remote and hard to get destinations in the world, and that makes it a dream destination for thrill seekers and "Extreme Travellers"
The Story of the Mysterious Moai of Rapa Nui
The tiny island contains almost 900 giant Moai statues which date back many centuries. These statues were created by the early inhabitants of this island- the indigenous Rapa Nui people.
The Moai are thought to represent past kings of the Rapa Nui people. The statues were placed on ahu, or raised platforms, that served as a grave site for these kings. Once a king died, the village carve a Moai for him, using raw material from Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater and quarry where all the Moai were carved. The completed Moai were believed to embody the power and prestige of the chiefs and to serve as a connection between the living and the spiritual realm.
The method of transportation of the Moai remains a mystery even today. There are several theories, and they are believed to have been transported across the island using a combination of sliding, leveraging, and possibly even walking them in an upright position.
The construction of moai reached its peak around the 15th century, with an estimated 900 statues being created. However, a combination of factors, including deforestation, soil erosion, resource depletion, and societal changes, led to a decline in the statue-building tradition. Many moai were toppled or abandoned during internal conflicts and changes in cultural practices.
Later, in 1722, the Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen became the first known European Visitor to "discover" this ancient land. The Dutch named the island Paaseiland (Easter Island) to commemorate the day they arrived.
The Most Fascinating Things to See and Do:
Reaching this far flung island is an adventure in itself. But if you're confused about what to do once you've reached, here's a list of activities to engage in:
1. Soak in the Culture and History at Rapa Nui National Park
The mysterious Moai may be the primary reason which brings you to this island, so the top thing to do here is to take a guided tour into the Rapa Nui National Park, and immerse yourself into the incredible history of this tiny island, visit the Moai and other archeological sites. You can also visit the stone village of Orongo, a ceremonial village where the Birdman competition used to be held.
The entry fee to the park for foreign nationals(adults) is around 80USD at present.
2. Hike Up a Volcano
Easter Island offers some incredible hiking trails, which will open up the rugged terrain, volcanic landscapes, and beautiful coastline of this unexplored island. The most famous trekking route is the Rano Kau crater trail, which takes you to the edge of a massive volcanic crater.
3. Scuba Diving
The island's crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility for scuba diving, and you can explore vibrant coral reefs, underwater caves, and encounter marine life such as colorful fish, sea turtles, and possibly even dolphins or sharks. One of the diving highlights of Easter Island is visiting a submerged Moai statue – although this may have been placed there in more modern times.
4. Horseback Riding
There are some areas on the island which are not accessible by car. So, the tour operators provide a unique way of exploring the island's landscapes- on horseback! Many of the tours unfold in the interior of the island, climbing to the top of Terevaka, the highest peak on Easter Island (511 meters above sea level) which allows for a 360 degree view and can only be reached on foot or by horseback. Other alternatives include Anakena and a tour of the central coast, where there are no roads.
The tour of Anakena- a white sand beach is especially popular, because it also includes a visit to iconic sites such as the Ahu Tongariki, where 15 moai statues stand in a row.
5. Surfing
Experienced surfers can catch some epic waves around Easter Island. The island is known for both reef and beach breaks suitable for different skill levels. Ovahe Beach is a popular surfing spot on the island.
6. Camping
Free camping is prohibited on the island as most of the land is belongs to the Rapa Nui National Park. There are designated campsites to pitch your tent and spend the night under the stars. However, these campsites have to be pre-booked and necessary permits are required.
7. Other Activities
There are several other ways to explore the island- bicycles, kayaks, boats, ATV's etc. Travellers can choose their preferred combination of activities, as each one is equally thrilling and an experience in itself.
How to Reach?
Reaching Easter Island is exciting and challenging in equal measure due to its remote location. Here are the common ways to reach Easter Island:
1. By Air: The most common way to reach Easter Island is by air, but there are very limited flights to this destination. The Mataveri International Airport (IPC) is the only airport on the island.
From Chile: Latam Airlines operates regular flights from Santiago, Chile's capital, to Easter Island. The flight duration from Santiago to Easter Island is approximately five hours.
From Other South American Cities: Some airlines offer flights to Easter Island from other South American cities, such as Lima, Peru, and Papeete, French Polynesia. These flights are less frequent and may not be direct flights.
2. Cruise Ships: Another way to reach Easter Island is by taking a cruise ship. Some cruise itineraries include a stop at Easter Island, allowing passengers to explore the island for a day or two. However, availability and timing can vary, so it's important to check with cruise operators for specific details.
Transportation within Easter Island:
After arrival at Mataveri International Airport, taxis are available, or the tour operators/hotels can arrange transportation to reach the hotel or desired location on the island. The main town, Hanga Roa, where most hotels, restaurants, and services are located, is relatively close to the airport.
Best Time To Visit
The high season typically falls between December and March. During this time, the island experiences more tourists and higher prices. Even though the number of tourists is not much, but it becomes noticeable owing to the island's small size. If you prefer a quieter visit, you may consider traveling during the shoulder seasons, such as April to June or September to November.
Accommodation
Accommodation on this island is located in the city of Hanga Roa. It offers a range of stay options from five star facilities to budget options and even campsites.
Try Booking.com or similar websites for booking accomodations.
Here are a few options:
1. Nayara Hangaroa
This is one of the best and costliest hotels in Easter Island. Featuring spa facilities, an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant overlooking the ocean, Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa is a modern hotel that offers rooms with free WiFi.
2. Hare Nua Hotel Boutique
This is a comfortable, family-run hotel with large bedrooms set around a verdant garden. Decor is modern and reflects the lush, tropical green vegetation of the island. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar, hot tub, and included organic breakfast. Free WiFi available. The hotel offers different tours to explore the island, Various activities including horse riding, snorkelling and windsurfing can be enjoyed around the hotel, and guests can hire a shuttle service at the front desk.
3. Hotel Manavai
Only 300 metres from Pea Beach, Hotel Manavai Hanga Roa is located in the centre of downtown Hanga Roa. Free parking is provided and free WiFi in the common areas. Free shuttles to and from the airport are provided, upon request. It is just 1.5 km from Mataveri Airport.
If you are a thrill seeker or an "Extreme Traveller", as well as a connoisseur of history, then Easter Island may be the perfect destination for your next travel. However, since Easter Island is a remote and isolated destination, it's essential to plan your trip in advance. Flights to the island are limited, and accommodations can book up quickly during peak tourist seasons. Additionally, be respectful of the local culture and environment, as the island's fragile ecosystem is vulnerable to damage.
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