Things to do on Easter Island: A Dream Trip for Every Traveller

The monolithic statues of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) called moai are sublimely beautiful works of art. Tall figures carved out of volcanic rock between the 11th and 14th centuries by Polynesian settlers, they have long, unsmiling faces, elegant, hawk-like noses and brooding brows. Rapa Nui’s sites differ from most other ancient ruins because of the ongoing mysteries that surround the moai and their makers.

The travel agencies sell vacation packages that include various types of hotels in Easter Island of different charges. Some people booked their rooms online in advance of the vacation dates.

Tours to Easter Island:

Group tours are the most common way to explore the island. Considering the lack of public transportation, sharing a tour with a group of travelers is an efficient way of reducing environmental stress. Easter Island travel packages provide private tours and many other facilities as well. Local, native, tour guides can also show you aspects that you might otherwise never see or hear which is also included in the package.

Trekking:

Trekking is fairly easy on Easter Island. It’s not necessary to hire a guide for this activity, although to see some of the hidden archeological treasures along these routes it may be advisable. If you choose to do so without a guide you’ll only need a simple map and some advice from hotel reception or park rangers (especially considering the local laws and regulations).

In most cases, trekking can be considered as a complementary way of seeing (the rest of) the island after visiting the most famous archaeological sites. This is included in your Easter Island travel packages.

Most popular trekking options are-

• Rano kau: It can be easily reached by foot. When you’ll reach the volcanic crater, just take the path on the east side of the crater to see some scenery not accessible with vehicles.

• Poike:  It is an isolated northeaster peninsula with high cliffs falling away to the ocean below. Some of it is now used as a cattle station.

Shopping on the Easter Island:

Since there is only one village, Hanga Roa, on the island, artisan markets and shops are mostly located on the main street, Church Street or nearby. Many small local vendors set up their own tables at the big sites where the tourist buses stop and are worth a look if you want local crafts or souvenirs not clearly mass produced elsewhere. Souvenirs available at the airport also, but are clearly mass produced goods.

Foods and Drinks on the Island:

Restaurants of Hanga Roa are located on the main street and near harbor. Traditional food includes Curanto and Tunu Ahi.

Chilean specialty is Pisco which is made from fermented grapes is the unofficial drink of the island, as well.