Category Archives: South America

7 Reasons to Visit Easter Island

Easter Island is a Chilean island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. It’s most famous for its 887 extant monumental statues, called moai.

Why visit Easter Island?   7 reasons, via this guest post:

Easter Island coastline at beach. credit

  1. To throw claim to the fact that you’ve been to one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world.

Easter Island is part of Chile, but located nearly 2000 miles (3000 km) away from the mainland. It doesn’t get much more remote than this!

Moai at Rano Raraku - Easter Island

2. To watch the sun come up over Ahu Tongariki – breathtaking!

I recommend heading there as early as you’re able to wake up. Rent a car to make the experience truly memorable.  Sunrise Ahu Tongariki Easter Island

3. To climb a real volcano, stand at the top and take in nothing but fresh Pacific Ocean air… and this stunning view!

The photos don’t even do it justice. There are several hiking paths around the crater and a visitors center. Views of Hanga Roa town are also spectacular!

Top of Volcano in Easter Island

4. To wander in the footsteps of the ancient Rapa Nui people through the quarry of Rano Raraku.

Admire the unfinished moai and puzzle over just how these (sometimes huge) sculptures ended up scattered all over the island!

Quarry Easter Island
The statues, called moai, were created by the early Rapa Nui people.

5. To make new friends.

Wild horses and cows frequently appear in the road. They have the freedom to roam as they wish so be sure to move aside if you spot them ahead. Don’t be afraid to stop and snap some photographs; they’re renowned for their quiet temperament.

animals cows in Chili by the blue water

6. To see some incredible wildlife up close and personal.

These beautiful birds of prey were plentiful in number. They were more than happy to sit and pose for photos.

bird landing on a rock in Chile7. To watch the sunset over the statues at Tahai in Easter Island.

Arrive early to set up your spot. Everybody in Easter Island wants that perfect sunset photo. The sky changes color so quickly – enjoy every moment!

Sunset silhouette of moai in Chili

Know before you go

Easter Island is far, hard to get to, and expensive. But it’s special, and very few people get to visit.

Details below:

Getting to Easter Island:

Comprised of three (now extinct) volcanoes, Easter Island is accessible via a daily flight from Santiago (or a weekly flight from Tahiti).

map of South America, including Easter Island

Budget – Easter Island:

If you’re planning your trip, be aware that flights are expensive and hotels aren’t cheap.  Only a handful of people get to visit Easter Island in their lifetime

This was a guest post by Jess, who writes the awesome travel blog Jess is a Wanderer.  Join Jess’ adventures around the globe, to top tourist spots and off the beaten track.

Come wander with us!

Photo credit:  featured photo and 1st photo, and the rest of the photos  were from Jess’s blog.

I’ve been to many remote places, including diving in Sipadan and Mabul