Easter Island | General Tips
Rapa Nui, best known as Easter Island is located far form the continent but it is one of Chile’s most visited destinations. The islanders still carry on with their cultural traditions and ceremonies, what makes a visit to this island a very rich and interesting experience. Part of this culture are the Moais, gigantic stone heads built by the first inhabitants of the island to commemorate their dead ancestors, and one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions.
The only city in this fishermen’s land is Hanga Roa, located to the west. There is where most of the islanders live. The city has banks, hotels, restaurants, telephones and post office. There is also a creek with a coral beach where you can enjoy diving and see the sea turtles. Some of the places worth visiting in the island are the Archaeological Tahai Complex and Ahu Tahai which have an important group of ceremonial altars where islanders honored their ancestors; Ahu Vinapu, located 5 km from the city and surrounded by a group of moais. Other ahu worthwhile seeing are Tongariki, the biggest one; Akivi, the only one that looks toward the sea (the others are oriented, as the moais, facing the interior of the island); and Pito Kura where the biggest moai and a rounded stone can be seen. That stone is supposed to mark an important spot, the navel of the world.
You can also go to Mauna Terevaka, the highest hill in the island (509 mts); from its top you can see Rano Aroi a volcano that has not been active for more than 10.000 years.
Tourist looking for beaches Who should go to Anakena by far the most beautiful in the whole territory. This beach of white sands, turquoise waters and palms is guarded by seven moais and it is believed to have been the residence of the royal family of the island. Ovahe, a red sanded beach, is ideal for practiceing snorkeling and enjoying its marine fauna.
These are only some of the places you can visit in Easter Island, but there are still many others worthwhile seeing. You must go for a long walk around this mysterious and old island.
