Featured Destination: Easter Island

World Famous Statues or Moai on Easter Island

This week's feature destination is Easter Island. Technically considered a "Special Territory" of Chile, Easter Island is one of the most beautiful, yet isolated places on Earth that is permanently inhabited. The island, also known as Rapa Nui is more than 3,500 km west of continental Chile. The next closest civilization is the New Zealand protectorate of Pitcairn Island, which is still over 2000 km away, and actually has less than 100 habitants.

Easter Island has a little under 4000 year round inhabitants, 65% of which are natives. The remainder of the residents are primarily Chileans who have married into Rapa Nui families.

The Rapa Nui are fiercely protective of their Island, and are working towards gaining more control over emigration to Easter Island. However, tourism is a major industry on Easter Island, and the residents are most welcoming of visitors, so long as they are committed to returning home eventually.

Pano Anakena Beach

Easter Island is perhaps most famously known for the many statues that litter the shores of the Island. Many are in good shape and still standing or have been resurrected. There are a number of different theories and legends as to why they were built, and it has long been thought that the erection of the huge monoliths contributed to the massive deforestation of the island, in that the Rapa Nui cut trees down to help lift and move the statues.

But there are many other things to see and do on Easter Island. There are beautiful beaches to relax on or do some snorkeling, such as Pano Anakena beach. The waters are pure and crystal clean.

In fact, the Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is fiercely protected with a number of ecological programs ongoing such as re-introducing native flora to the island. Try taking a tour of the Rapa Nui National Park.

Viewing Orongo From The Ridge of Rano Kao Volcano

Easter Island was formed by extinct volcanoes. Spend a day hiking up to the top of Rano Kao volcano. The summit is 400 meter high and offers spectacular views of the island and the South Pacific. While you are on your trek, you can continue onto the the site of Orongo. Here you will find dozens of archeologically restored stone houses used by the Rapa Nui centuries ago. The houses are near a lake filled crater that offers a spectacular vista.

Stone Houses of Orongo

(All images from wikipedia.org)

When you go to Easter Island, you are best to go in January or February, which are the warmest months with daily highs around 28C. Going in the winter months of July and August will won't be too bad, with daily lows reaching 18C. I do recommend staying away during the month of April, as it is typically the rainiest.

To get to the Island, you can take Lan Chile from Santiago. Lan Chile is the main airline in Chile so it is a safe and reliable bet. That being said, flying to Easter Island is not cheap, so if you are on a budget, try searching one of the many smaller air companies that fly to the island.

While you are there, you can use the Chilean Peso, US Dollar or Euro. Sorry Canadians and Brits, but you will have to convert currency. There are several different tours that travel Easter Island, so if you are looking for a guide they should be easy to find.

Eco Cabins of Morerava

There are several different accommodation options on the island. If you check out the Easter Island home page, they even reference being able to stay in a private residence. That being said, why not try Cabanas Moreava?

Master Bedroom

This company has built a number of eco friendly cabins. The cabins are comfortable and well appointed and are meant to be as eco self sufficient as possible, so as to not damage the delicate ecosystem on the island. The cabins collect and purify their own rainfall, use solar panels and are built so they will do no damage if moved. You can check out the Moreava website here.

Living Room /Kitchenette

Easter Island is truly a unique place to visit. Their literally is no other place like it on earth. The island has only been inhabited for about 1000 years, but has such a rich history. It's a once in a lifetime trip, so if you go, take a million photos.

Happy Travels