Easter Island – Rapa Nui is one of the most remote islands in the world,
with incredible mysteries, beaches, volcanoes and a unique culture.
Wellcome to
Easter Island
Rapa Nui
Since its “discovery” on Easter Sunday in 1722, Rapa Nui has aroused the interest of navigators, historians, scientists and travelers from around the world. Much has been written about what is considered “the most island island”, due to its remote location in the Pacific Ocean. The gigantic volcanic stone statues, known as moai, the unscrambled writing of the Rongo Rongo symbols and the history of its inhabitants who were about to disappear, have originated the myth of Easter Island.
Discover Rapa Nui
Where is Easter Island?
Although most people associate the famous giant stone statues with Easter Island, many are unaware of where it is located. Do you know the answer?
The names of Easter Island
Learn about the origin of the name of Easter Island and the other names by which this fascinating island has been known throughout history.
History
The history of Rapa Nui has always been surrounded by a halo of mystery, being one of the most remote and remote places in the world.
Flora
Much of the island is covered by grassland and small tree formations. They are currently trying to recover endemic species such as the toromiro.
Wildlife
The fauna is not very abundant, however the animals of Rapa Nui have had a notable influence on the culture and diet of its inhabitants.
Weather
The subtropical climate on Rapa Nui has a high humidity index and a pleasant average temperature of 20ºC with small variations between seasons.
The moai, the gigantic stone statues of Easter Island, constitute the most important expression of Rapa Nui sculptural art and have become its hallmark.
Moai, a tribute to the ancestors
Ahu
The ahu is the representative ceremonial center of Rapa Nui. On the island there are more than 300 platforms and most were built to display the moai.
Rano Raraku
The Rano Raraku volcano is one of the most incredible and extraordinary archaeological sites on the planet. In this magical and mystery-filled place the moai were made.
Pukao
The pukao were large cylinders made of volcanic red scoria that adorned the heads of Easter Island statues. Discover its history.
Rapa Nui Culture
Rapa Nui symbols
Learn about the origin and meaning of the main symbols of Rapa Nui iconography that have become an inspiration for artists.
Myths and legends
The fact that the Rapa Nui history and culture has not been able to fully unravel, has caused myths and legends to become very relevant.
Rongo Rongo
The enigmatic RongoRongo is a writing system, based on signs carved on wooden tablets, which to date has not been deciphered.
Tangata Manu
The choice of the Tangata Manu or Rapa Nui Birdman was made through an extreme competition that took place between Orongo and Motu Nui.
Living traditions
Music and dances
Rapanui music, inspired by Polynesia, is based on ancient legends with songs and dances dedicated to gods, spirits, war, rain or love.
Tapati Festival
La Tapati is the most important cultural festival on Easter Island and one of the most outstanding in all of Polynesia. This great party is celebrated every year during the first fortnight of February.
Takona
Takona is the ancient art of decorating bodies with natural pigments. Each drawing had a meaning that identified the person who wore it, their clan or indicated their status.
Tatoo
As in other Polynesian islands, this art had a fundamentally spiritual connotation and in some cases the tattoo was considered as a receiver of divine force or mana.
What to see in Rapa Nui
Hanga Roa
Almost all the inhabitants of Rapa Nui live in Hanga Roa, the capital and the only urban center of the island. Here the main social, cultural and economic activities are developed.
Archaeological sites
There are thousands of archaeological sites that are scattered throughout the island and give an idea of the development achieved by the ancient Rapa Nui people. Know the most important.
Museums and cultural centres
The visit to the Easter Island museums is very interesting as it complements the knowledge acquired during the tour of the monuments.
Beaches
The few beaches on Rapa Nui remain practically unspoilt. The beautiful Anakena beach stands out with its turquoise waters and perfect temperature.
Volcanoes
Easter Island arose as a product of the successive volcanic eruptions that occurred thousands of years ago. You will be amazed by its huge craters and interior lagoons.
Caves
The flow of the lava on its way to the sea, created channels that when cooled became caves, some small and others hundreds of meters long.
Tourism
Rapa Nui National Park
In order to visit the main archaeological sites of Easter Island it is necessary to buy the entrance to the Rapa Nui National Park. Here you will find all the information and rules to follow during your visit.
Itineraries
Although the island is small in size, it has a lot to offer its visitors. We suggest these itineraries to get to know it and enjoy it thoroughly.
Easter Island Tours
The best alternative to not miss anything and learn as much as possible about the fascinating Rapa Nui culture, is to hire some of the tours offered by the different tourism agencies.
Rent a car
Tour Easter Island for free and at your own pace reserving a car, motorcycle or bicycle. Learn about the different rental options in Rapa Nui.
Things to do on Easter Island
Horseback riding
Horseback riding allows you to explore Rapa Nui in a different way and have access to areas that cannot be reached by car, such as the top of the Terevaka.
Diving
Easter Island is an ideal place for diving and snorkeling, thanks to the fact that its waters are so clear and transparent that visibility can reach up to 60 meters.
Boat Tours
The boat trips give the opportunity to navigate to the nearby motu or islets, contemplate the marine fauna and appreciate the island from a different perspective.
Surf
Easter Island offers a complete mix of excellent waves for those who want to surf, whether they are beginners or experienced. The most accessible place is Hanga Roa Otai.
Kayak
Skirting the shoreline by kayak is an exciting activity and no experience is necessary. Enjoy new perspectives of the island while you snorkel to appreciate the seabed.
Hiking
The island offers an important number of trails that allow you to visit its main tourist attractions on foot and enjoy wonderful views of volcanoes, cliffs and the sound of the sea.
Rapa Nui Experiences
Dances shows
It is absolutely recommended to witness the traditional dances that are shown in various Hanga Roa shows, since in this way we can delve a little deeper into the Rapa Nui culture.
Photo shoots
Dare to pose for a session with typical costumes and body paint. It is a unique opportunity to share with your partner or family, and take you an indelible memory of ancient traditions.
Crafts and Shopping
The offer of Rapanui handicrafts and souvenirs that can be acquired is very varied. Highlights include sarongs, necklaces, precious jewels and true works of art made of stone or wood.
Weddings
Ancestral weddings are organized especially for each couple, and can range from simple rites to complete ceremonies with photoshoots, videos, and the traditional curanto.
Rapa Nui Gastronomy
Typical food
The typical local food is based mainly on marine and agricultural products. You have to try the honey, the pineapples, the pattys and the rapanui tuna ceviche, one of their star dishes.
Umu Rapa Nui
The most traditional preparation is the Umu or Rapanui curanto, which is cooked in a hole in the ground with firewood and red-hot stones, in the same way it was done hundreds of years ago.
Restaurants
The offer and quality of the restaurants on Easter Island has grown a lot in recent years and now you can choose simple and cheap menus or gourmet preparations.
Easter Island accommodation
Hotels
The construction of new and modern hotels on Easter Island has contributed significantly to the improvement of the local tourist offer.
Hostels
The hostels in Easter Island are ideal for tourists whose priority is to know and enjoy the attractions of Rapa Nui but without spending too much.
Cabins
The cabins on Easter Island are an excellent alternative for families, groups and for those who want to have more freedom and save.
Camping
For those traveling on a tight budget and looking for cheap accommodation on Easter Island, camping is the cheapest option in Rapa Nui.
Practical information
How to get to Easter Island
We inform you about flights, points of origin, airlines and when to buy airline tickets to Easter Island.
Best time to visit Easter Island
Tips to know when to go to Easter Island and the best time to travel according to the season and the events that take place.
Documents and requirements
All the information about the documents and requirements necessary to travel to Easter Island.
Transport
On Easter Island there is no public transport, but there are other options to get around this small island where it is very difficult to get lost.
Money and prices
What currency is used, where to exchange currencies, which banks are in Hanga Roa, and the prices in Rapa Nui for you to calculate your budget.
Health and vaccines
In general, Rapa Nui is a very safe place for the traveler but it is advisable to know the possible risks and thus avoid any inconvenience during the trip.
Blog
Here you will find more information about Easter Island. We offer you news, events, curiosities and everything you wanted to know about this magical place.
