When we think of Rapa Nui we may think of the famous brand of ice cream and handmade chocolates, right?

But, in case you still didn't know, Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, is a small island with only 7 thousand inhabitants. It is located in the South Pacific Ocean, on the easternmost tip of Chilean Polynesia. 

 

Considered one of the most isolated places in the world, about 3800 km. to the west of the American continent, Rapa Nui belongs to the Republic of Chile, as a "special territory" / Photo: Luigi Farrauto

 

It has a town called Hanga Roa which is its capital and is formed by three volcanoes that give it a triangular shape: Terevaka, Poike, and RanoKau; which in turn, has more than ninety parasitic volcanoes.

Its maximum extension is 24 kilometers so in just one day you can go from one end to the other and cover the island completely. 

 

Tropical climate, intense colors, its own language, autochthonous music, and a disturbing millenary culture make up the habitat of a destination that invites you to live an unforgettable experience / Photo: Magaiza

What to visit?

1- The Moai

The seven explorers, the only Moai facing the sea. They form an important attraction that opens the way to the knowledge about the Rapa Nui culture. 

Legend has it that the seven explorers were sent by King HotuMatu'a from a mystical island in the Pacific, "Hiva", in search of new lands so that its population could survive because there were social problems on his island. It was then that the seven explorers found Rapa Nui, and they are looking out to sea because they are actually looking towards Hiva.

Travel Tip: The Central Coast of Chile has a unique charm and is full of beautiful beaches and resorts that you can't miss during your stay in this country, click here and book now the Central Coast of Chile Excursion from Viña del Mar!

 

Each volcano is a destination to visit. RanoKau is the most impressive, since there is water in the crater, which, combined with the view of the sea, is an amazing postcard / Photo: Akivi 

 

2- The Quarry

This is the place where the moai were made and where the tallest one, 20 meters high, is currently lying down. The striking thing about the site is that there are many on the slope of the volcano as if the quarry had been suddenly abandoned.

Travel Tip: Take advantage of your stay in Chile and knows part of the Patagonian rainforest and its great biodiversity in the Huilo Huilo Tour and visit the most beautiful places in southern Chile.

 

3- The Rohibo Caves

They are a kind of lava channels that were formed with volcanic eruptions and extend throughout the island. Formerly, they were used by the Rapa Nui as a refuge in times of confrontations. One of the largest caves that was recently discovered is Ana Te Pahu, with a dimension of 7 km. In this cave, you can enter and walk inside through rocky and humid corridors. We recommend you to bring flashlights and comfortable shoes. 

Travel tip: If you are a fan of volcanoes, dare to take the Villarrica Volcano Ascent tour and conquer the summit of one of the most active volcanoes in Chile. 

 

Considered one of the most important cultural landmarks in the world, the island was declared Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO / Photo: Luigi Farrauto

 

4- Ahu Te Pito Te Henua

It is the place on the seashore where the stone that symbolizes the navel of the world is located. According to the Rapa Nui culture, this stone has magnetic properties and was transported by HotuMatu'a from Hiva. In addition, the four smaller stones surrounding it indicate the location of the island of Hiva. 

It is so powerful that it is said that the energy concentrated in the stone is equivalent to all the energy of the Earth.

 

Rapa Nui is famous for its archaeological sites, including nearly 900 monumental statues called "moais" / Photo: Antonello Proietti

 

5- Anakena and Ovahe 

These are the 2 beaches suitable for getting into the sea. Anakena, which has white sands, crystal clear water and the famous seven moai on the shores of the ocean. It is ideal to spend the day and enjoy nature.

Ovahe, on the other hand, is characterized by pink sand. It is recommended to go during the morning because in the afternoon it is shaded by the cliffs, it is ideal for snorkeling.

Travel tip: If you want to live a traditional Rapa Nui experience but more focused on tourism, you have to visit Ta ra' ai. There you will be able to dance, see a typical Rapa Nui show, and taste local dishes prepared under the ground with volcanic ash and banana leaves.

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As you can see, Chile has countless tourist attractions throughout its territory, but the most impressive is the incredible variety of its regions, defined by particular characteristics that will make you feel as if you were traveling back in time to the origins of the world. Come and discover it!

By: Nathaly Bosch, social communicator by profession and curious traveler by choice. Spanish editor for Daytours4u.