TRAVEL: Easter Island, an Exotic Untouched Place far in the South of the World

Exotic Places of South America-Easter Island

By Jorge Jefferds October 30, 2014

Easter Island is located in the Polynesian Triangle, and in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. Geographically speaking, the island is situated in a remote place about 2,182 miles west of Chile. With a population of 5,761 inhabitants, according to the last Chilean census performed in 2012, the place prides itself for the 887 extant monumental statues called Moai.

The early Rapa Nui people, also called Pascuenses, supposedly sculpted these amazing stone monoliths between 1250 and 1500 AD.  Many of them are in bad condition: tumbled, broken or unfinished. Some statues are placed on ahu platforms and others are either scattered in groups on a wider area or are completely alone. An ahu usually had many Moai on it.

Many statues have shoulders and chest, some have arms, some have fingers and a single one even has legs. 397 of the statues are at the Rano Raraku quarry with the remainder placed along the shores, except Aku Akivi which is inland. The Moai face inland and it is believed that the statues were positioned that way to watch over the villages. 

Easter Island's climate is considered subtropical maritime. Winters are mild with cool temperatures, and abundant precipitation. The lowest average July temperature on Easter Island is around 64°F (18°C) while its highest temperatures are in February and average about 82°F (28°C).

Like many Pacific Islands, the physical landscape of Easter Island is dominated by volcanic topography and it was formed geologically by three extinct volcanoes.

Easter Island is considered a distinct eco-region by ecologists. At the time of its initial colonization, the island is believed to have been dominated by large broadleaf forests and palm. Today, Easter Island has very few trees and is mainly covered with grasses and shrubs.

There are three delightful beaches where to spend great summer times. For those who love diving into lapis lazuli colored water or walking along beaches of soft white sand, Anakena beach is perfect. This wonderful beach surrounded by a beautiful coconut tree forest is deservedly popular on weekends. Between December and March, it is common to see some huts and salesmen offering beverages, pies (banana cake) and snacks.

Anakena also has a very symbolic meaning. It is the place where Hotu Matua disembarked. Some people say that one of the many caves along the beach was this king’s home.  Also, Anakena must be the only beach in the world that was blessed with two important archeological sites. On the hill above the beach lies the Ahu Ature Huki, along with an enigmatic and solitary Moai. Anakena is also the home of the great Ahu Nau Nau.

Another unspoilt delight, Ovahe, between La Perouse and Anakena, is a gorgeous place to work your tan. At the foot of a volcanic cliff, this small beach is less frequented than Anakena but is considered dangerous because of falling rocks. You can also see a cave near Ovahe. Looking out of it you will see the Pacific Ocean.

For a little dip in Hanga Roa, the tiny Pea beach, on the south side of Caleta Hanga Roa, fits the bill.

If you are looking forward to enjoy local food and art, in Honu Nui camps you can participate in the process of making your mini Moai. In his workshop, the locally recognized artisan Miguel Nahoe will teach you this ancient sculpting technique.

Shows are performed to introduce the Rapa Nui culture, enjoying and paying respect to their songs, and folk dances, which are rich in old legends. They dress up beautiful outfits adorned with feathers and tiny seashells.

Two major airlines operate from the United States with non-stop flights to Santiago of Chile: American and Delta. At Santiago International Airport, however, you will have to take a connecting flight to Easter Island with LAN, the regional carrier.