THE LAST STOP EASTER ISLAND
E A S T E R I S L A N D, C H I L E
THE LAST S T O P. AN ISOLATED VOLCANIC island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island is famed for the array of giant monolithic stone heads that guard its grassy plains. Though the island is located thousands of miles from the nearest occupied landmass, the majesty and mystery of these iconic moai statues have both captured the world’s imagination and baffled historians and archaeologists for centuries. As well as being home to more than 900 statues, which have created an unrivalled cultural landscape and continue to fascinate visitors to this day, Easter Island is inhabited by a population of just under 8,000, the majority of whom are descendants of the ancient, indigenous peoples of Rapa Nui. As is true for most moai statues, they were skilfully handcrafted by Rapa Nui from hardened volcanic ash as a form of ancestor worship, a common practice throughout Polynesia at the time.
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( P O P U L AT I O N 8 , 0 0 0 ) Concentrating the legacy of the island’s ancestral culture is the Rapa Nui National Park, a protected Chilean wildlife area located on Easter Island that displays this remarkable cultural phenomenon. Within this UNESCO World Heritage Site lies Rano Kau, Easter Island’s largest volcano and one of the most impressive natural settings that can be admired on this intriguing and mysterious Chilean territory. Easter Island was in fact formed by a series of volcanic eruptions, and in addition to the magnificent moai that meander its hilly terrain, the island is weaved with subterranean caves and corridors that run deep into the mountains of volcanic rock. The highest point of Easter Island can be found 560 metres high atop the Mangua Terevaka volcano, offering picturesque vantage points and panoramic views of the island. Mangua Terevaka is also the ideal space to retreat for some idyllic peace and quiet, as well as for keen walkers and joggers to traverse by foot.
At sea level, meanwhile, the beautiful Anakena Beach lies complete with white powdery sands, crystalline turquoise waters, swaying coconut palm trees, and in true Easter Island fashion, a collection of seven moai statues to create a scene fit for any postcard. Whilst flying to Easter Island can be time-consuming, with only one direct flight a day from the Chilean capital of Santiago, this is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
