Easter Island | Chile

Easter Island, or Rapa Nui in the local language, is located in the South Pacific and belongs to Chile. It is approximately 3,700 kilometers west of the coast of continental Chile.

In terms of size, Easter Island has a total area of about 163.6 square kilometers (63.2 square miles).

History

The history of Easter Island, or Rapa Nui in the local language, is a fascinating tale of settlement, development, and decline of the Rapa Nui civilization, renowned for its monumental statues known as moai and its unique cultural legacy.

1. Polynesian Settlement: Easter Island is believed to have been colonized by Polynesian navigators around the 13th century AD. Isolated from other societies, the Rapa Nui developed their own distinct culture, including the construction of the iconic moai statues and complex social structures.
2. Moai and Ahu Platforms: From the 12th to the 17th century, the Rapa Nui carved and erected hundreds of moai, massive stone statues representing their ancestors. These statues were placed on ceremonial platforms called ahu, scattered across the island.
3. Crisis and Decline: By the 17th century, the Rapa Nui society faced environmental and social challenges, such as deforestation and resource depletion. This led to internal conflicts and a decline in population.
4. European Contact: The first recorded European contact with Easter Island occurred in 1722 when Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen encountered the island on Easter Sunday, hence its current name.
5. Annexation by Chile: In 1888, Easter Island was annexed by Chile, becoming part of Chilean territory. Since then, efforts have been made to preserve Rapa Nui culture and manage sustainable tourism on the island.
6. World Heritage Site: In 1995, Easter Island was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its outstanding cultural and archaeological significance, aiming to protect both the moai statues and other archaeological remnants.

The history of Easter Island serves as a testament to human ingenuity in adapting to extreme environments, as well as the resilience and vulnerability of cultures in the face of environmental and societal changes.

What do we find on Easter Island?

On Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, you can find several elements of cultural, historical and natural interest:

• Moai:

Without a doubt, the moai are the most emblematic figures of the island. These enormous stone statues, sculpted between the 13th and 16th centuries, represent the ancestors of the Rapa Nui culture. They are scattered all over the island, some of them on ceremonial platforms called ahu.

• Ahu:

These are the ceremonial platforms on which the moai are erected. Each ahu used to be the center of ritual and social activities in ancient Rapa Nui society.

• Orongo:

Located on top of the Rano Kau volcano, Orongo is an important archaeological site where the ceremonial of the bird man (tangata manu) was celebrated. This ritual had religious and political significance in the Rapa Nui culture.

• Rano Raraku:

It is a volcanic quarry where most of the moai were carved. Many statues are still semi-buried in the ground, offering a unique view of the moai construction process.

• Beaches and natural landscapes:

Easter Island also has beautiful beaches and natural landscapes, such as Anakena beach with its palm trees and turquoise waters, and the Rano Kau volcano with its impressive crater and panoramic views.

• Rapa Nui culture:

The living culture of the Rapa Nui is another highlight. Through their dances, music, handicrafts and festivals such as Tapati Rapa Nui, the current inhabitants of the island keep their cultural heritage alive and share their history with visitors.

• Archaeological heritage:

In addition to moai and ahu, Easter Island is home to numerous petroglyphs, stone structures and archaeological sites that show the evolution of Rapa Nui society over the centuries.

In short, Easter Island is a fascinating place for lovers of history, archeology, culture and nature, offering a unique and enriching experience to those who visit.

How to get to Easter Island?

To reach Easter Island, due to its remote location in the South Pacific, the typical approach is to take a flight from mainland Chile. Here’s how you can generally get there:

1. Flight from Santiago, Chile: The most common way to reach Easter Island is by flying from Santiago, the capital of Chile. Santiago’s Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) offers direct flights to Easter Island.
2. Airlines: Several Chilean airlines operate regular flights to Easter Island, including LATAM Airlines and Sky Airline. Flight duration is typically around 5 hours and 30 minutes.
3. Flight Frequency: Flights to Easter Island are not as frequent as to more popular destinations, so it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
4. Mataveri Airport (IPC): Upon arrival, flights land at Mataveri Airport, the only airport on the island. From there, hotels and transportation services usually provide transfers to accommodations.
5. Recommendations: It’s important to note that Easter Island has special restrictions and regulations due to its cultural and ecological significance. For instance, there are restrictions on importing food and plants to protect the island’s unique ecosystem.
6. Accommodation: Planning accommodation in advance is recommended as the hotel infrastructure on Easter Island is limited compared to larger destinations.

Traveling to Easter Island offers a unique and exciting experience, providing the opportunity to explore its rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes such as the moai and pristine beaches.

Recommendations for visiting Easter Island