Easter Island Location:
Easter Island is over 2,000 miles from the nearest population center (Tahiti and
Chile). It is a triangular shaped island is made mostly of volcanic rock.
What is Easter Island famous for?
This volcanic rock island is very famous for it's giant stone monoliths
and statues which are also known as "Moai". These statues are so interesting
that they are often referred as a
unique open air museum. There are about 600 giant carved statues which look
towards the sea from shoreline. No one exactly knows why those statues were
carved but there have been a few theories about how and why did its inhabitants
carved and transported these massive statues which surround the island.
The coastline has many lava tubes and volcanic caves. The only sandy beaches are
on the northeast coast.
Why is it called the Easter island?
The Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen arrived here on Easter in year 1722 and
therefore this island gets its name as Easter Island.
The History of Easter Island:
The population of Easter Island reached its peak at perhaps more than 10,000, far exceeding the capabilities of the small island's ecosystem. There was eventually a social unrest and later all of the Moai standing along the coast were torn down by the islanders themselves. Due to this a social unrest resulted in killing on the islands. After Europeans discovered the island in 1722, whaling ships commonly stopped by to get fresh water and food, shanghai replacements for lost crewmen, and forcibly enjoy the local women. Sexually-transmitted diseases became an Easter Island death factor.
In 1862, Peru began major slave raids that captured more than 1,000 Easter Islanders. After international protests against the slaving, Peru repatriated around 100 of the surviving slaves. Unfortunately, they brought smallpox home, and most of the remaining islanders died. In the 1870s, two European traders undertook to deport the last few Easter Islanders to Tahiti. They burned the natives' huts and destroyed the sweet potato crops three different times to persuade the natives to board their vessels. However with the annexation by Chile in 1888, it has risen to more than 2,000. Almost all of the statues now erected around the island are the result of recent archaeological efforts.
How to reach Easter Island and Where to stay:
To enjoy the Easter island tourism, you will need to take a commercial air service as LAN Chile airlines operated a 5.5 hours flight from the mainland Chile, and tourism is the main industry of the island. Roundtrip airfare to Easter Island from Santiago,Chile costs approximately $800 US Dollars. Although it is advisable to book a hotel in advance, some prefer to come stay with locals who operate guesthouses in their home and is a great way to experience the local culture.
As the island is at a great distance from the main cities in Chile, prices on the island are from 3 to 5 times as high as those in the rest of Chile. It is possible to rent jeeps and cars, from a few rental agencies and it's possible to see most of the Easter island tourism sites on the island in a few hours with a vehicle. Some people prefer to hire Bicycles or even horses. You can either stay at one of the guest house or Tauraa Hotel located 5 minutes from the airport.
Local Language:
The main language spoken on Easter Island is Chilean Spanish but many people speak English and French too.
Activities, Attractions and Festivals of Easter Island:
Hang out at Anakena beach, take the full island tour which includes the pukau quarry, the quarry, the cave of cannibals, the major moais, the old village and much more.The Rapanui are among the friendliest people you will ever meet, and the landscape is truly amazing - with its volcanic craters, lava formations, beaches, brilliant blue water, and archaeological sites. Scuba diving and snorkeling is possible near the islets Motu Nui and Motu Iti located about 1 km. south of the island. In late January to early February the islanders celebrate Tapati, a festival honoring the Polynesian cultural heritage of the island.
Additional Tips and Safety for Easter Island Tourism:
It is advisable to take light clothes, waterproof jackets, a pair of sneakers or trekking shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen. Its advisable to take bottled water, the most drinkable tap water in Hanga Roa, the only town in the island. There are no wild animals which can possibly endanger travelers in Easter Island, so you can wander peacefully among its attractions. If you need to change your money in Rapa Nui, you should go to the office of the local Chilean Bank. Easter Island tourism is overall a very safe place to visit. The National Tourist Service (SERNATUR) is located on the Tu'u Maheke Street. The Moai are archaeological features and should be treated with care as they are far more fragile than they seem. Often Moai will be placed upon ceremonial platforms and burials called Ahu and you should not walk on them.
