A trip to a magical island filled with enchantment and tradition
When referring to the most western island of the Polynesia, with a surface of about 166 square kilometers and over 600 stone monoliths or moai scattered over the territory, one immediately thinks of Rapa Nui.
Some Characteristics of Easter Island
This small island, the furthest inhabited island away from any continent, lies 3700 km away from the Chilean coast. It is a volcanic formation where little over 4500 islanders live.
It is dominated by 3 big volcanoes: the Maunga Terevaka is the highest with 511 meters, the Poike reaches 370 meters and the Rano Kao is 400 meters high. There are also about 70 other smaller craters, among them the Rano Raraku, the Puna Pau, the Maunga Orito and the Rano Aroi.
The climate is typically maritime and subtropical, with a relative humidity of 77%. It rains all year, and the annual average is 1140 mm. The rainiest month is May and the driest is September. The yearly average temperature is 20.6ºC.
Arrival to the Island
After descending from the plane at Mataveri International Airport, tourists are received by the staff of their respective hotels with a necklace made from natural flowers. Before going to their accommodations, most of them usually pass through Hanga Roa so that the tourists can find their way through the capital. There are 3 main streets, so this usually takes around 6 minutes.
The Moai
Evidently, the moai are a must. Originally, they were placed on the ahu and faced the center of the island. Although nobody knows for sure, they were allegedly sculpted by Polynesians in order to represent the deceased and to project their mana, supernatural power, over their descendants. Only 7 moai face the ocean. These are the moai from Ahu A Kivi, and people believe they look towards the constellation of Orion.
Although it is true that the moai were knocked down from their ahu during the 17th century, they have undergone restoration since 1965. One of the biggest mysteries is how they were transported to their final destination.
Rapa Nui: The Navel of the World
Te Pito Kura, on the northern coast of the island, has the biggest moai ever to be successfully transported and lifted. It is 11 meters long and weighs around 80 tons.
In this place there is also a perfectly round stone known as the “navel of the world". People say that placing your hands on the “navel” gives you renovating energy for the body.
Anakena Beach
The beach of Anakena is considered to be one of the best beaches in Chile, with white coral sand and turquoise transparent waters. There are a few palm trees lined up along the coast, and more of them can be seen in the inner part of the island.
Anakena was the housing center of ancient governors and the school of ancient Maori or masters, who preserved the teachings and wisdom of their culture.
Suggestions
We recommend this trip for all those who want to live and feel a special experience. The ideal way is to rent a SUV, since tourism attractions are far away from Hanga Roa. This also gives you the freedom of not having to rely on a tour guide.
It is best to stay at least 5 days in the island, so you can visit everything with time and enjoy a day at the beach without any hurry. The best time of the year is summer, which is less rainy. If you visit in February you will enjoy the Tapati. More than a traditional celebration, the Tapati is a cultural expression that Easter Island has had every summer for over 3 decades.