Easter Island
Discover the mysteries of the Rapa Nui


Known as Rapa Nui, Isla de Pascua, and Easter Island – no matter what one may call the island, it’s sure to bring mysterious and
surreal images to mind. Images of moai, the enormous stone heads/torsos that dot the landscape, are often recalled from
childhood explorations through back issues of National Geographic magazines.
Though Easter Island is a famous name, few know what other treasures the island holds beyond its notable, and albeit
incredible and mysterious Rano Raraku quarry – where all of the iconic stone statues are housed. In reality, the island offers
much more to curious travelers looking to step into a new world.
Adventure lovers can rejoice at all of the experiences available in this remote part of the world. Dust off your hiking boots and commence the 2-hour trek to the top of the Terevaka Volcano, the highest point on Easter Island with stunning 360-degree views. For those looking to catch a wave, Hanga Roa offers world-class surfing and surfboard rentals. Hike the historical Orango Village perched on the side of the volcano itself for a mix of adventure and culture and don’t forget to rent a bike and take the bike trail to Anakena Beach, a postcard-worthy beach with golden sand, turquoise water, gentle waves, and folding palm trees, plus 8 moai. For scuba and snorkel enthusiasts, head to Hanga Roa during high tide, as this area attracts turtles and other incredible marine life that you will not want to miss.
Early history of the island is likely to always remain a mystery. The first colonization occurred around 300-400 ad, most likely from Polynesia (based on the physical characteristics of the people, their culture, religion, and language). Today the island still has many of its original inhabitants, Rapa Nui people, who have a thriving community on Easter Island. There is a council of elders who have a fairly strong field of influence in the governing decisions of the island. This council has one representative from each Rapa Nui family. Today, there are close to 4,000 people living on the island, with about 2,000 of them being Rapa Nui. The remainder is mostly Chilean.
Easter Island is a volcanic high island, consisting mainly of three extinct coalesced volcanoes: Terevaka, which forms the bulk of the island, while two other volcanoes, Poike and Rano Kau, form the eastern and southern headlands and give the island its roughly triangular shape. Though Easter Island generally sees few animals, birds are the exception with seasonal seabirds, including frigates, noddies, terns & petrels, nest on the surrounding islets. Some land birds, including chimango caracara, common Diuca-Finch & Chilean Partridge, are also living on the island. The island is surrounded by bays with crystal blue waters, perfect for snorkeling or fishing.
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The warm climate of the Southern Hemisphere combined with the light crowds during these months makes it an ideal
time to discover the many highlights of the island.
See The Moais at Rano Raraku National Park This is the main attraction on Easter Island and the one place you shouldn’t miss. This was the main moai (statue figures) quarry and the place where you’ll see them in all their glory and all stages of production. In fact, about half of the moai of Easter Island are located in this national park. The Moai are monolithic human statues carved between 1,250 and 1500 AD and are considered to be the “living faces” of deified ancestors. They look inland towards the clan that created them as a sign of protection.
Stargazing in Easter Island The remote location of Rapa Nui makes it one of the most phenomenal places to admire the night sky. When the sun sets, the stars come out in all their glory! The remoteness of the island provides the ideal condition for clarity and clearness of the sky on Easter Island. The best part is you don’t even have to leave your hotel to see the Milky Way. If you happen to be on the island during a new moon the lights from Hanga Roa only have a small effect on the sky, meaning you can see everything from right there in town.
See a traditional Rapa Nui dance show Get a taste of the Pacific Islander life at a traditional dance show, put on by the local Rapa Nui community. Music and dancing are very important to Polynesian culture, including Rapa Nui - with elaborate costumes, dances, and lively and inspiring shows, it offers a deeper look into the community and their customs and traditions which have shaped the island for thousands of years. You may even feel compelled to join them in the dances, as they frequently engage the audience!
Scuba Dive With The Underwater Moai Scuba dive to the depths of Easter Island and find the iconic Moai statues laying on the ocean floor. Sitting about 20m below the surface this moai makes for some incredible underwater photos. The ocean is stunningly clear and gives you an unforgettable Polynesian diving experience. There are also other excellent dive sites around Rapa Nui, including some cavern and wall dives for scuba diving enthusiasts looking to explore more.
Watch The Sunrise From Tongariki Tongariki is one of the most iconic sights on Easter Island - here you will see its 15 moai statues stand next to each other on an Ahu (ceremonial platform) facing inland as you see the orange sunrise right behind them, creating a shadowy silhouette out of the statues. Be prepared for a late sunrise, sometimes at 8 or 9 am! Watching the sun peak over the statues and illuminate the sky is by far one of the most magical travel experiences one can have.
Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa Set in the main town of Hanga Roa, right on the shoreline looking out to sea, is this large hotel, spread across 17 acres and designed in the traditional style of the indigenous Rapa Nui people. Rooms are set in individual huts formed of grass-covered roofs, wooden pillars, and dark stone walls. Stroll just three blocks and you will come to the fish restaurants, bars, art galleries, and souvenir shops that make up the majority of the town. Inside you will find white walls, high ceilings, and modern furnishings. The expansive spa is also Rapa Nui-inspired with indigenous architecture. Staying as part of the Discovery or Experience programs, you will have a half-day group excursion each day included in the price, or can opt for bike hire or a trip to the beach.
Hare Uta This hotel is located on the outskirts of Hanga Roa, on the road that leads to Anakena Beach, on an elevated terrain from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the interior of the island. The hotel consists of four rustic-style houses connected by wooden walkways. Each one contains four spacious private rooms with a shared bathroom, and a shared living room and kitchen, making this ideal for a family vacation to Chile. In the lower area, find a small pool built with stones, that mimics the natural pools where the islanders bathe. This is a pleasant place to relax along with the acclaimed Umanga Restaurant, located in the center of the property and open to the general public, where the chef serves traditional Easter Island cuisine based on local produce.
Altiplanico Hotel The Altiplanico Rapa Nui belongs to a small Chilean hotel chain and was inspired by the traditional “hare paenga” or boat houses inhabited by the original Rapa Nui people. It is located on the outskirts of Hanga Roa, on an elevated terrain that provides beautiful panoramic views of the coast towards the archaeological site of Hanga Kio’e. It has luxurious gardens, a beautiful swimming pool overlooking the sea and decorated with the eye of a moai, and large open spaces to relax after exploring the mysteries of the island. The hotel has 16 spacious and elegant, double, and triple rooms, all of which are independent bungalows, linked by outdoor corridors of stone, sand, or grass, each with a private terrace and a view of the sea. The restaurant is open every evening and the food is inspired by Peruvian, Chilean, and above all Rapanui cuisine.
Explore Rapa Nui Set in a quiet location outside the island’s main town, this luxurious full-service, and adventure-oriented resort offers superb food and upscale accommodation in a destination where even humble lodgings and dining options are heavily marked up. Located five miles from Rapa Nui’s main town, Hanga Roa, the Explora hotel enjoys lovely vistas out over farmland and the Pacific coast. All 30 rooms have partial sea views (from the ground floor, the view will be a slender blue line on the horizon) and have walls and windows that artfully combine concrete and unvarnished wooden fixtures.
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