By Lorraine Newberry
Most of us know of Easter Island, also called by its Polynesian name Rapa Nui, as home to one of the seven wonders of the world, the Easter Island Moai Statues. But there's much more to this mysterious island than its statues. Travelers to Easter Island will find themselves in a place full of natural wonder, quiet beauty and fascinating history.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step 1
Arrive on Easter Island.
Although the island is part of the South American country Chile, it is located in the South Pacific Ocean 2,180 miles west of continental Chile. Lan is the sole airline that flies to Easter Island, with air service out of Santiago, Chile and Papeete, Tahiti.
Step 2
Arrange for transportation.
An all terrain vehicle is perhaps the most convenient way to tour Easter Island's rugged landscape, although it can be fun to spend an afternoon seeing the sights from a motorcycle or horse.
Step 3
See the Moai statues.
They're Easter Island's claim to fame and the reason most vacationers head to Easter Island in the first place. The statues were constructed by members of Easter Island's indigenous tribes, the oldest dating back to around 800 AD. There are more than 800 statues scattered around the island --- however, you'll find the most impressive array of moai in the quarry at Raro Ranaku, the extinct volcano where they were originally carved. There you'll see over 300 maoi in various stages of completion, including a rare kneeling moai and a giant moai. Other sites around the island are Ahu Tahai, in the town of Hanga Roa, famous Ahu Tongariki, with fifteen of the most photographed moai, and Ahu Nau Nau, where the oldest moai on the island stand.
Step 4
Visit Hanga Roa.
This is Easter Island's only town and the place to go for shopping, hotels, bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
Step 5
Head to Museo Antropologico Sebastian Englert to learn about the island's history, the creation of the moai and see typical tools and artifacts once used by the tribes that inhabited the island.
Step 6
See the Iglesia Hanga Roa, the sole church on Easter Island.
The interior of this place of worship is a bewitching mix of traditional Catholic church adornments as well as those executed with Polynesian flair.
Step 7
Spend the day at the beach.
Easter Island's beaches, such as Hanga Roa's Playa Pea or picturesque Anakena Beach, are wonderful places to spend a quiet afternoon swimming and soaking up the sun.
Step 8
Go diving.
The South Pacific waters around the island also provide a fascinating view of colorful sea creatures and plants for snorkelers and scuba divers.
About the Author:
Lorraine Newberry graduated from the University of Michigan and worked in the field of technical writing for several years before turning to freelance writing. Since then she has written for print publications and websites like Go World Travel and Collector's Quest, as well as her own website, Traveling Latin America.
