Easter Island
A stranger in our midst
As soon as you get off the plane you immediately feel that relaxed island atmosphere. Nature, a rough coastline full of rocks at the foot of a blue sea, is magical. This, in combination with herds of horses and cows running around freely, the special Polynesian culture and of course the special statues called Moai's, make this island one of the most special experiences of your life.
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The sculpture factory
Rano Raraku, an ideal place to start your exploration of Easter Island. This is where the statues were all carved from the same mountain, and from where they were spread across the island.
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Village of Hanga Roa
Hanga Roa is actually the only village on Easter Island and is therefore also the base from where you can start your adventure. It is a nice place to dine in the evening. Here you will find a small church where you can see how local traditions and symbols are mixed with the customs and symbols of the Roman Catholic Church. Visit the small harbour or experience a performance where the locals perform their traditional dance.
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Choose to stay overnight in Nayara Hangaroa Eco Village
Located by the sea, Nayara Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa is the perfect place to relax after a day full of discoveries. The rooms are spacious and furnished with natural materials. The accommodation also has a spa and swimming pool. Above all, from the hotel you can do unique activities to explore the island.
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The Birdman competition
In the south of the island you will find the ceremonial town of Orongo. Every year the Birdman competition was held here. The goal was to be the first to get the egg of the Manutara seabird. The participants swam to the rock and waited days, or even weeks, until the first egg was found. The winner was allowed to call himself Birdman and was considered a saint the following year.
Far from civilisation
Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is located in the Pacific Ocean, 3,700 kilometres from the Chilean mainland, making it the most remote place in the world. Easter Island, similar in size to Texel, has over 5,000 inhabitants. The island was discovered by the Dutchman Jacob Roggeveen on Easter Monday, 1722. Although Easter Island belongs to Chile, the Easter Islanders descend from the Polynesians. They probably set foot here for the first time in the fourth century of our era.
These first inhabitants were probably also responsible for the realization of the rock sculptures 'Moai' that can be found all over the island. However, opinions on how these gigantic sculptures were realized still vary. The Moai can be up to over 9 meters high and stand on a platform (ahu) with their face towards the inland. The Moai represent the ancestors, begging for fertility. Reproduction was crucial for survival on such an extremely isolated island.
Rondreis door Chili maken?
Would you like to make a trip through Chile yourself, including a visit to Easter Island, and are you curious about the possibilities? Then take a look at the travel itineraries that we have put together for inspiration. You can book these trips directly, but we are also happy to create a personal programme based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We are happy to help you.