Easter Island (Rapa Nui) / Chile

In the southern Pacific Ocean, 3,500 kilometers from the shores of South America, lies the volcanic Easter Island. This small Polynesian island, belonging to Chile, is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. About 7,000 people live on the island, with nearly half identifying as the Rapa Nui people.

The first people arrived on Rapa Nui, as the island is called in the language of the indigenous people, probably around the year 1200. On Easter Sunday in 1722, the first Europeans, led by Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen, anchored here and gave it its current name. In 1888, Chile annexed Easter Island, which remains its "special territory" to this day.

The triangular-shaped island is about 25 kilometers long and 12 kilometers wide, with its highest point being Mount Terevaka, rising 507 meters above sea level. Nearby are several freshwater crater lakes, known as "rano." Easter Island boasts numerous volcanic caves and lava tubes, making it a paradise for geology enthusiasts.

Easter Island is world-famous for its monumental stone statues, "moai," which earned it a place on the UNESCO list. Nearly 900 moai with enormous heads, often placed on massive platforms, were carved from stone by the original Rapa Nui inhabitants between the 13th and 16th centuries.

The largest of the statues is known as "Paro," weighing 82 tons and measuring almost 10 meters. The largest group of upright moai on the island is Ahu Tongariki, while on Anakena Beach stands the first moai, restored to its platform in 1955 by renowned explorer Thor Heyerdahl using only human strength and wooden levers.

The island's capital is the port of Hanga Roa, with its central street Avenida Atamu Tekena lined with numerous hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Those seeking knowledge should not miss a visit to the Sebastián Englert Anthropological Museum, which features an interesting exhibition on the island and its statues. The charming Roman Catholic church, adorned with beautiful carvings, is also worth a short visit.

Easter Island's collection of petroglyphs is one of the richest in all of Polynesia. Visitors can find around 4,000 images here – of the Birdman, sea turtles, and other worldly and ritual symbols – carved into stone at about a thousand different locations across the island.

Just a stone's throw south of Easter Island's shores lie the islets of Motu Nui and Motu Iti, popular especially with divers. Those who prefer to stay on land can walk across the islands, where the Birdman culture and ceremony originated, and enjoy the stunning views from there.

Places Worth Seeing

Ahu Tahai – Marvel at some of the first moai statues, one of the most photographed groups of monoliths, which has become a symbol of the entire island.

Ahu Akivi – Don't miss the only group of statues built inland and the only ones with faces turned towards the ocean.

Rano Raraku – Visit the quarry where nearly 900 majestic moai were created over the centuries, and see almost four hundred of them that never embarked on their journey to their intended locations.

Rano Kau – Enjoy breathtaking views from one of the few freshwater crater lakes on Easter Island.

Orongo Village – Visit the village on the edge of an extinct volcano, admire the stone-carved petroglyphs, and soak in the mystical atmosphere of the place, which was the site of the Birdman cult in the 16th century.

Terevaka Mount – Climb to the highest point of Easter Island, the 507-meter-high volcano, and enjoy panoramic views.

Hanga Roa – Stroll along the main street of the town, visit the local museum, and the lovely church adorned with beautiful wood carvings.

Motu Nui, Motu Iti – Head to the mystical islets where the Birdman cult once originated, and with a tank on your back, discover the vibrant life beneath the ocean's surface.