Amid the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, 2,300 miles from the South American mainland, Easter Island emerges as an exotic tourist destination that remains shrouded in an aura of mystery and fascination with the unknown. Silent stone witnesses of the island´s enigmatic past, the moai— colossal monolithic statues—exert a great attraction for visitors. No less enticing is the unusual Ovahe beach with pink sands or the warm turquoise waters kissing the coral shores of Anakena beach. The Ature Huki Ahu, a group of moai facing the sea from the beach, jealously guard so much beauty and tranquility.
The climate of Easter Island—classified as a tropical rainforest—is very pleasant most of the year. The island’s topography consists of green meadows interspersed with low-rise dormant volcanoes. It is the ideal environment for short walking tours or horseback riding to the summit of the Rano Kau volcano with its extensive interior lagoon. Another exciting attraction is Rano Raraku, where you’ll find the “Path of the Moai” featuring dozens of statues in different stages of carving.
Scattered around the island, there are dozens of incredible stone monuments and intriguing archaeological remains, including the enigmatic Tepito Ote Henua, a large round stone that ancient inhabitants identified as the “navel of the world”. A visit to this fascinating and remote corner of the world would not be complete without diving into the multiple underwater caves of transparent waters. Review our selection of luxury hotels and exotic destinations.
Easter Island is part of Chile´s national parks system and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its archaeological and cultural value. The interest in this mysterious island began with the description of Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen. Upon discovering it in Easter Sunday, 1722, Roggeveen described its inhabitants as “a subtle people of beautiful women and kind men.”
The spirit of their culture is reborn every February during the Tapati, a two-week festival when natives paint their bodies as their ancestors did and sing, dance and elect their queen.
One of the best ways to experience Easter Island is to stay at the stunning Explora Rapa Nui. The resort’s unique architecture allows the traveler to come in contact with the natural environment and the wonders of the island. Located about 8 miles from Hanga Roa—the central town, port and airport—the resort features amenities such as a spa with jacuzzi, sauna and massage in the pool area, ideal for relaxing after a long day of exploration and discovery. The most popular meeting place is the Explorer Bar, where guests enjoy cocktails, Chilean wines and snacks. If you want to refuel, the Explora Rapa Nui restaurant offers the subtlety of international cuisine, as well as delightful local dishes.
The rooms at this resort are designed to enjoy the scenery and relax in total privacy and silence. The philosophy of Explora Rapa Nui ensures that its guests can disconnect from their quotidian and convoluted lives. For this reason, the modern and comfortable rooms are not equipped with TV or Wi-Fi. These services are only available in the public areas. ■
