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Deemed the “most remote island on planet earth,” Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, dots one of the least travelled corners of the Pacific Ocean. Any destination that earns such a superlative deserves a nod from Pyrodes, so here we go. Owned by Chile and regulated by no one, Easter Island offers a living museum of one of the most unique cultural stories anywhere. Dotted by ancient stone figures, known as Moai, the island and its rocky residents inspire tales of space aliens, lost civilizations, disease, war, and colonialism. No matter what version of history you adopt, the present day Easter Island offers one of the most unrestrained and engaging adventures available to travelers anywhere. Let’s go there and figure out how to get you there after the jump…
It was Easter Sunday 1722 when the first European “discovered” Rapa Nui, thus giving us the name Easter Island. What that Dutch explorer found was an island not more than 63 square miles in area that had nevertheless hosted a complex history of prosperity and strife. Like many of the less remote islands of the South Pacific, Easter Island is thought to have been settled by peoples from the west in what we now know as Indonesia and Polynesia. The civilization took root in about the year 300, even though the exact date remains in dispute. In the years that followed, the population experienced years of prosperity, followed by war, famine, and damn near extinction (think only 3% left alive). All the while, the gigantic statues that now define their history were being carved out of a central quarry in the middle of the island and erected on the shores to represent deified ancestors. When the Europeans came, as they so often do, they brought disease, slavery, and exploitation, and finally the island and its beleaguered remaining residents were annexed by Chile in the 1960s. But, don’t let this less than happy history fool you, Rapa Nui offers one of the most distinct tourist scenes around today.
Hanga Roa, the capital of Easter Island
One can only arrive in Easter Island by air in two ways and through one airline: Lan Chile. This is good news as Lan Chile offers some of the most high quality service in South America today, but this is bad news in that you can only fly to Hang Roa, the capital of Easter Island, through Santiago, Chile or, less often, on the return flight from Tahiti. So, it’ll cost you $$$ to get there. Be ready. There are boat trips from New Zealand, but these happen only once a year and will probably bankrupt you. Look up the Tallship Soren Larsen for more information.
Once you land in Easter Island, getting around is a breeze. You name it, you can rent it: cars, jeeps, bikes, horses, and so on. A 63 square mile island that is mostly national park gives you the chance to take off on your own, off road, and explore every little piece of the island in just a day or two as if it were your own. And, well, that is good thing because there is much more than a spooky head or two to check out.
Moai dot the landscape between a central quarry and the coast
The central attraction on Easter Island is no doubt the Moai. Be careful though as you peer about because some have been restored and some are fake all together. General rule: the more perfect they look, the least likely they are to be authentic. And, do be respectful, otherwise you might end up like THIS waste of space. You can track the progress of the unfinished Moai in various states near the center of the island to the finished products sitting on their thrones along the island’s edges, often looking inward to protect the native populations.
But, in addition to these artifacts, the island offers the traditional fare of perfect beaches and pleasant snorkeling in scuba in select areas, minus the throngs of thonged Europeans you see in other parts of the South Pacific. The island is also ringed by a series of caves that sport ancient engravings and drawings from days past. The cave entrances can be hard to find and small, but once inside, many of them open up into extensive and elaborate caverns that sheltered many people in the past from war and invasion. All of this is yours to discover, as the island is largely unregulated and unspoiled. Truly, this aspect is the heart of its charm. But, even though the tourists may be lighter than other destinations, hotels and restaurants abound.
Easter Island Offers Great Beaches As Well
Hanga Roa has a great variety of guest houses. Most have reasonable rates and friendly staff. They will meet you directly at the airport and take care of you from there. (Look Here for specific suggestions and rates). In addition to the hotels, there are nearly 30 places to grab a bite in the capital, and there are several supermarkets around the island. For those on a tight budget, Easter Island offers several street stands that produce some highly acclaimed empanadas and other treats. Tourism is increasing, and so, the tourist traps aren’t far behind, so take care where you choose to eat. In all, however, Rapa Nui offers one of the most intriguing travel experiences anywhere on the planet. This won’t last forever though as the secret gets out, so travel while the traveling is good.
Now, enjoy this slightly dramatic video of the island’s history and mystery:
Happy Travels!
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I’d go there only for the Moai.
This amazing pics will certainly tempt any body to visit this place..In fact I too have visited it had not I been to Australia this July..Actually I grabed the Accor group’s new Asia Pacific “City Super Sale” offer through http://pea.to/ampind