With the world famous Moai statues stoically standing guard, Easter Island has always been one of the most mysterious and fascinating travel destinations. Located in the Pacific Ocean just west of Chile, it is a remote location that is nevertheless a popular tourist destination. Read on to learn more about the mysteries of Easter Island and how to plan your trip there:
Plan Your Trip
The most popular time to visit Easter Island is in the first two weeks of February when the annual Tapati Rapa Nui festival takes place. Tourists come in droves to witness this captivating display of Rapa Nui. This also makes it one of the most expensive times to visit. If you’d rather save money and explore the island without the crowds, plan to visit between September and October, or April and May. Book your flights and accommodations in advance to get the best deals, and don’t forget to reserve an airport parking space via ParkON.
ParkON offers parking at more than 200 lots across the country, all located close to major airports. Finding an airport parking space can be notoriously difficult, so booking a slot in advance can help you save precious time as well as your sanity. It can also give you peace of mind to know that you’re leaving your car in a safe, secure and well-lit facility before you go on your trip.
Guided Tour
As a location with a deep and fascinating history as well as a rich and vibrant culture, it’s definitely worth exploring Easter Island with the help of a guide. Most guides on the island are Rapa Nui, and tend to be very proud of their heritage. They can help you learn and understand so much about the island, its history and culture, and lead you to all the most interesting historical sites and attractions.
Stoic Statues
Without a doubt, the most compelling attraction on the island would be the famous stone figures. There are almost 1000 Moai statues scattered about the island, and their exact history still remains to be fully explored to this day. To see the best of these statues, visit the Rano Raraku quarry and Ahu Tongakiri. The latter is one of the most picturesque locations on the island, and holds 15 impressive Moai statues near the coast’s edge.
Volcanic Origins
The entire island would not exist if not for millions of years of volcanic activity. All three volcanoes on the island are now considered extinct, but it’s still worth exploring their magnificent beauty. Rano Kau, on the southwestern end of the island, has an enormous freshwater crater lake measuring more than a kilometer in diameter. It hosts a wide range of vegetation, and makes for a safe and scenic hike.
There’s definitely more to Easter Island than just the mysterious Moai statues. Impressive volcanoes, beautiful beaches, carefully preserved stone villages and delicious seafood all make this mystic island well-worth visiting for any serious travel. Start planning your visit now and don’t miss out on the beautiful mysteries this tiny island has to offer.
