EEaster Island is one of the world’s most mysterious places. This Chilean territory is actually a volcanic island situated far away from mainland Chile, in the Pacific ocean. The island is home to mystical stone statues – human figures with large heads, known as moai, and believed to be from 13th- to 16-century. There are around 900 of them scattered throughout the island.
The harbor town of Hanga Roa is Easter Island’s main town. Despite a rocky coastline, the island has two sandy beaches – Anakena and Ovahe. With white-sands and the picturesque Ahu Nau Nau as the backdrop, Anakena is an excellent beach to relax. Around 40 percent of the island is protected under Rapa Nui National Park, named after the island’s native name – Rapa Nui. The park is home to most of the moai and other archaeological sites of Easter Island. Out of all the moai, Ahu Tongariki is the largest moai group on the island. Ahu Tahai is another popular group. Keep in mind that walking or climbing the statues is considered disrespectful and you could face punishment for attempting to do any such thing.
The quarry at the volcanic crater of Rano Raraku supplied the volcanic stone for the island’s famous moai. Rano Kau, another volcanic crater in the south, with a diameter of over one kilometer offers some of Easter Island’s most beautiful scenery. Perched on a narrow ridge, between the crater of Rano Kau and cliffs falling to the sea, the ceremonial village of Orongo is an archaeological site that contains dozens of petroglyphs and stone houses. If you visit around early February, you can also get to experience Easter Island’s traditional annual festival – Tapati Rapa Nui.
Easter Island is no doubt one of the most geographically isolated places on earth. With its mysterious surroundings, the island can become the perfect hideaway destination.
The 900 moai statues are believed to be from 13th- to 16-century.
