Easter Island

Easter Island, traditionally known as Rapa Nui, conjures up images of myths and tragedies and forgotten far off lands. The island is indeed one of the most remote parts of the world - the nearest populated land mass is tiny Pitcairn Island almost 2000km to the west with the South American coast being 3,700km to the east. There are no islands to the north or south. The Polynesian people who lived, first arrived about 400AD from the Marquesas but in time, they believed they were from Te Pito o Te Henua - the navel of the world and there is little evidence of trade with other islands - it seems these Polynesians knew nothing of the world beyond their horizon.

Facts

-land mass: 45 sq. miles

-population: 2,500

-tourists: 3,000

-total islands: 1

-# of hotels (approx.): 15

-language: Spanish, Rapa Nui

-temp 0C : Jan 25 ; Jun 20

-currency: Chilean Peso

There are several unique and fascinating archaeological sites to see including the many, now fallen, Maoi stone statues staring stoically into the ocean. There are also many stone platforms as well as the unique hieroglyphic scripts carved on wooden tablets - and no other Polynesian society had developed the written form.

Tourism remains low key despite the islands international recognition as a unique destination. There are no hotels as such but instead a good variety of guesthouses offering all standards and budgets. Several tour companies offer organised trips to visit the sights around the island. Car and bicycle hire are the alternatives. Cuisine on island is influenced by its many South American inhabitants and food on the whole is generally quite expensive.

Lan Chile operates four flights a week from Santiago in Chile and connecting on to Papeete in Tahiti.