Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, is one of the most remote yet populated island in the world - the closest continent (Chile) is located 2,182 miles away and it is 1,289 miles away from the Pitcairn Islands, the closest populated land. It's small: 163.6 km²; the widest point is a little over 7.5 miles and longest is just over 15 miles. And though it's small, it is extraordinary in its history.
During our week-long visit, we walked along the rugged coastline past historical sites, through lava tubes and past moais; we hiked the volcanoes that formed the island; ate local seafood; explored and learned about the incredible history with a local guide; danced in the sideways rain; swam in the "delicious" waters the color of sea glass; were up at dawn to watch the stars fade to daylight and at dusk to see the sunset fade to a starry sky.
We ate the famous tuna empanada and drank local brewed beer, listened and danced to traditional music, met locals who happily offered us rides and also told the history of the island and its present state.
To say it was the trip of a lifetime may be cliche, but perhaps true. I am not sure we would have found ourselves here if not in the southern hemisphere, or traveling to one of the two places that offers flights (which, are only once a day). It was a memorable experience indeed.
During our week-long visit, we walked along the rugged coastline past historical sites, through lava tubes and past moais; we hiked the volcanoes that formed the island; ate local seafood; explored and learned about the incredible history with a local guide; danced in the sideways rain; swam in the "delicious" waters the color of sea glass; were up at dawn to watch the stars fade to daylight and at dusk to see the sunset fade to a starry sky.
We ate the famous tuna empanada and drank local brewed beer, listened and danced to traditional music, met locals who happily offered us rides and also told the history of the island and its present state.
To say it was the trip of a lifetime may be cliche, but perhaps true. I am not sure we would have found ourselves here if not in the southern hemisphere, or traveling to one of the two places that offers flights (which, are only once a day). It was a memorable experience indeed.
Rano Kau, an extinct volcano at the southern end of the island.
The view from our cabana.
Ahu Tahai
Exploring a lava tube that opened out to the ocean.
This, and the following few photos taken from the Rano Raraku quarry, where the moai were carved.
Ahu Tongariki
Anakena Beach and Ahu Nau Nau
Ahu Nau Nau
