Rapa Nui - Easter Island
The island’s first inhabitants arrived between the 4th and 8th centuries, developing a civilization characterized by the construction of its "ahus" or ceremonial platforms and moai. The island managed to reach 15,000 inhabitants in the 17th century; however, the native population declined abysmally with the arrival of the Europeans. It was not until 1888 that the island was officially annexed to Chile during a period of expansion after the Pacific War. The climate in the Easter Islands is cool subtropical, with an average temperature of 20.5 °C.
The symbol of Easter Island is undoubtedly the moai, stone sculptures between 2 and 10 meters high scattered throughout the island. However, to this day, the techniques used to move them are a mystery since they weigh 12.5 tons on average.
18 km from the town of Hanga Roa (the only one on the island) is the Rano Raraku volcano, better known as "the hatchery,” from which the raw material for the moai’s construction was obtained. You can enjoy stunning views from the top, and within its crater, you will find dozens of moai and a small lake.
Much of the territory of Easter Island and its archaeological sites have been protected within the Rapa Nui National Park since 1935. Explore this open-air museum on foot, on horseback, or by bike.
