EASTER ISLAND / RAPA NUI

Of volcanic origin, Easter Island (166 sq km) is located 3,762 km from the Chilean coast.  It has a subtropical climate with abundant rains, low-lying coastal mountains, low hills, and dormant volcanoes.  This mystical and magical place is famous for its Moais (large anthropomorphic statues) and archeological sites.  The statues are huge human figures made of stone and are found dispersed throughout the island. 

The origin of its people is still unknown, but the oldest theory surmises that they came from Polynesia.  A new theory has been developed that surmises they are of South American origin, due to the similarity between the Andean and Rapa Nui constructions.  In 1995, the island was named a World Heritage Architectural Site.

Around 4,000 Easter Islanders live on the island; their economy is based on tourism. 

The island’s most visited places are:

TAHAI: At this ceremonial site, you can learn about the Rapa Nui culture during the apogee.  Nearby is the R.P. Sebastian Englert Anthropologic Museum, which exhibits objects and drawings about the Rapa Nui culture.

AHU AKIVI: This ceremonial center has seven Moais.  Nearby is the Te Pahu Cave, one of the island’s largest.

VINAPU: Here are the ruins of some Moais and of two temples.

RANO RARAKU: This volcano is one of the most visited sites, here are the quarries where almost all the Moais were carved.

ANAKENA: This is the most beautiful beach of the island and has two ceremonial centers.

RANO KAU: This volcano crater is 200 deep and 1.6 km wide.

ORONGO: This ceremonial village has important carved stone sculptures.

During the first two weeks in February, there is a folklore festival displaying the ancient Rapa Nui traditions and competitions.

ROBINSON CRUSOE ISLAND

This magical island is a World Biosphere Reserve and is located at the longitude mark of 47º 92.º  It’s approximately three hours from Santiago (flight and sailing time).  This ‘island’ is actually made up of two islands – Santa Clara and Alejandro Selkirk- and politically belongs to the province of Valparaiso. 

This archipelago was discovered (probably between 1563-1574) by the Spanish navigator Juan Fernandez.  However, the ‘official’ discovery date was established as November 22, 1574. 

In 1704, the English ships Saint George and Cinque Ports anchored on Robinson Crusoe Island, then known as Masatierra Island.  One of the Cinque Ports sailors, Alejandro Selkirk, was left on the island for 4 years and 4 months.  On February 12, 1709, Selkirk was retrieved by the privateer expedition comprised of the Duke and Duchess ships.  Upon returning to England, the story of his voluntary exile inspired Daniel Defoe to write his internationally known novel Robinson Crusoe.  Legend says that a treasure is buried on the island; the treasure has yet to be found.

The island’s beauty is ideal for those that love nature, adventure, and snorkeling.  The island’s park is of world-renowned botanical interest as its flora is 70% endemic - native and exclusive to the island.  It’s also known for its native fauna, such as the dos pelos wolves which are mostly spotted in the Santa Clara and Tres Puntas areas of the island.  Birds, such as the red hummingbird, also inhabit the island.

There are no hotels on the island, rather simple yet comfortable inns.   On the island, you can try the best lobster Chile has to offer, in addition to golden crab and fish endemic to the region, such as the grouper fish, salmon de roca, breca, and vidriola fishes.   

To reach the island, you must take a two hour trip on a two motor plane from the Tobalaba Airfield in Santiago to Punta de Isla.   From there, you take a one hour ferry ride to the town of San Juan Bautista. 

Important recommendations:

- Maximum air luggage weight is 10 kg
- The best time to visit the island is between November and March
- Temperature ranges from 15° to 26° C
- Bring light waterproof clothing, shorts, sandals, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent
- Bring any needed medication as there are no pharmacies on the island
- Bring cash – in Chilean pesos