Easter Island Guide

Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is a remote island located in the Pacific Ocean, known for its mysterious and unique statues called Moai. This island is a true wonder of the natural world and is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves history, culture, and natural beauty.

Getting to Easter Island can be a bit challenging as it is located more than 3,500 kilometers off the coast of Chile. The best way to get there is by taking a flight from Santiago, Chile, or Tahiti, French Polynesia. There are also limited cruises that visit the island.

Once you arrive on Easter Island, there are many things to see and do. Here is a complete guide to help you make the most of your trip:

Explore the Moai Statues
The Moai statues are the main attraction on Easter Island. These massive stone statues were carved by the Rapa Nui people between 1250 and 1500 AD. They are scattered all over the island, and many of them are still standing today. The best places to see them are at Ahu Tongariki, Rano Raraku, and Ahu Akivi.

Visit Orongo
Orongo is a ceremonial village located on the edge of a volcano crater. This site is significant because it was where the Rapa Nui people held their annual birdman competition. The competition involved men swimming to a nearby island, collecting a bird’s egg, and returning to the village. The winner was declared the birdman for the year.

Relax at Anakena Beach
Anakena Beach is a beautiful white sand beach on the north side of the island. It’s a great place to relax, swim, and soak up the sun. There are also several Moai statues located near the beach, making it a unique and picturesque location.

Hike to Rano Kau
Rano Kau is a massive volcanic crater located on the southwestern side of the island. The hike to the top takes about 45 minutes, but the views are breathtaking. From the top, you can see the entire island, including Orongo and the Moai statues.

Explore Hanga Roa
Hanga Roa is the main town on Easter Island. It’s a great place to explore the local culture, try the local cuisine, and shop for souvenirs. There are also several museums in Hanga Roa that provide a great overview of the island’s history and culture.

Visit the Ahu Vinapu
Ahu Vinapu is an archaeological site located on the southwestern side of the island. It’s believed to have been built around the same time as the Moai statues and has similar construction techniques to the Inca ruins in South America. This site is fascinating to explore and provides insight into the construction techniques used by the Rapa Nui people.

Take a Horseback Riding Tour
One of the best ways to explore the island is on horseback. There are several tour companies on the island that offer horseback riding tours that take you through the countryside and to many of the island’s top attractions.

In conclusion, Easter Island is a true wonder of the natural world, and there are many things to see and do on this remote island. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, there is something for everyone on Easter Island. With this complete guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your trip and experience everything this amazing island has to offer.