Easter island - Isola di Pasqua

Easter island (Rapa Nui or Isla de Pascua) it's an island Chilean located in the Pacific Ocean.

To know

Geographical notes

Easter Island is an island in the South Pacific Ocean belonging to the Chile. Located 3,601 km west of the coasts of Chile and 2,075 km east of Pitcairn Islands, is one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the world.

Easter Island is located on the peaceful ridge from which it originates. The coast then abysses rapidly around the island to depths that can reach 3000 meters. Due to its volcanic origins the island was formed on a basaltic base typical for oceanic ridges and therefore does not boast many beaches but is instead characterized for the most part by steep cliffs.

Its shape vaguely resembles that of a right triangle, with a maximum length of 24 kilometers and a maximum width of 13 kilometers. The three main elevations are given by three extinct volcano cones, which are the Rano Kau, the Maunga Puakatiki and the Maunga Terevaka. The latter reaches a height of 509 meters and is therefore the highest point on the island.

Finally, in the southern area of ​​the island there are three smaller islands (Motu Iti, Motu Kau Kau is Motu Nui) which are uninhabited. The archipelago closest to Easter Island is the Austral Islands archipelago, with the islands of Tubuai and Rapa.

Due to its position, Easter Island enjoys a subtropical climate with average temperatures of around 21 degrees centigrade and with almost zero temperature changes between one season and another. The island is therefore exposed for most of the year to the trade wind, which blows in a north-easterly direction.

Flora

Easter Island with its only 48 native plant species is one of the poorest islands in plant species in the entire South Pacific area. The island is in fact located in an area far from the coast and in all its geological history it has never enjoyed a connection with the mainland, while most of the ocean currents that affect the island come from the west and therefore do not carry seeds. from the mainland. The contribution from the migratory bird species that populate the island was also modest.

It is therefore believed that most of the plants currently present on Easter Island have been imported by man. This theory is also confirmed both in the local legend of Hotu Matu'a (Great Parent), according to which men brought the plants, and in the diaries of the first Europeans who visited this island, according to which the local population had at the time of their arrival already of their own crops, which were used for human sustenance and as a source of animal feed.

There are fifteen species of ferns on the island, of which four are endemic.

Among the indigenous plants existing on Easter Island, the Triumfetta semitriloba also stands out, a small shrub that belongs to the Tiliaceae family. This is probably, according to some studies, one of the first plants that populated the island about 35,000 years ago. In the past this plant was used to weave fishermen's nets.

Coming to today's landscape as a whole, this is mainly occupied by large grasslands, mostly populated by Poaceae, Cyperaceae and Asteraceae, to which are added some eucalyptus plants (of Australian) in the southern area of ​​the island, the result of some attempts, carried out in recent decades, to plant eucalyptus forests. On the island there is also a species of potato originating from Central America, which in past centuries has expanded throughout the South Pacific area.

The strong wind that blows almost all year round on the island makes the cultivation of sensitive plants almost impossible, and made it necessary to implement special precautions so that these plants could be cultivated. As at the time, even today some banana plants are grown inside the calderas which, being sheltered from the wind, have a microclimate favorable to the growth of this plant.

Fauna

Like the flora, the fauna of the island has suffered considerably from the presence of humans and its isolated position. According to research conducted in recent years, Easter Island was inhabited by at least 25 species of seabirds and 6 species of land birds before human colonization. No terrestrial species has survived extinction, and of the marine species only one remains on the island.

The mammals that live on the island such as horses, sheep, cows and pigs have all been imported by humans, as was also the case for rats, imported at various stages of the island's history. It is believed that the Polynesian rat (Rattus exulans) was imported to Easter Island as a slaughter animal by the first settlers and that only later, with the discovery by the Europeans, was the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) imported. entered into competition with the Polynesian rat causing its extinction.

As for the reptile family. the island is inhabited by the lizard Ablepharus boutonii, which on the island is also called moco. The animal measures approximately 12 cm in length and has a light brown color.

Finally, of particular interest is a curious species of gastropod (a snail) that exists only on Easter Island and on the island of Sala y Gómez: the Cypraea englerti, so named in honor of Sebastian Englert.

Background

The history of Easter Island is difficult to reconstruct as there is a complete lack of certain sources and the first settlers did not leave written documents to refer to, given that these peoples at the time of the first colonization of the island did not yet have a writing. Regarding the origin of the population, various disputes arise here too. According to Thor Heyerdahl, a proponent of the multi-wave colonization thesis, the indigenous population must have originated in the 'South America. Nevertheless, Heyerdahl deserves credit for having shown that a colonization of Easter Island could also have taken place from South America.

The island had to present itself as an immense palm forest. The population remained numerically modest and substantially in balance with the natural resources present. Later, however, the inhabitants needed to build moai, whose transport system required considerable quantities of wood. Therefore, an important deforestation work began on the island which was further intensified after the significant increase in the population due to new landings. The reduction of the forest resource caused an exacerbation of internal social relations which sometimes resulted in violent civil wars. The living conditions on the island therefore became prohibitive for the small population left, largely decimated by internal clashes and emigration flows.

To explain the early loss of trees on the island, hypotheses have been brought forward today concerning the possible responsibility of the Polynesian-type rats that colonized following the Polynesians around 1500 or other rats that reached the island after 1700 AD, the landings of the first Europeans. The absence of natural predators allowed these small mammals to multiply excessively and, considering that palm seeds immediately entered their diet, it is believed that they could have contributed to the extinction of the island's trees.

Spoken languages

The languages ​​spoken on the island are the native one, Rapa Nui, and the national one Chilean, lo Spanish.

Culture and traditions

The huge colossal statues found on the island are called moai. According to research conducted by Sebastian Englert 638 moai exist on the island, although it cannot be excluded that originally there were over a thousand statues on the island. Despite the research carried out in recent years, their purpose is still not known with certainty. According to more recent studies, the statues represent dead indigenous tribal chiefs, and according to popular belief they would have allowed the living to make contact with the world of the dead.

Territories and tourist destinations

Urban centers

How to get

By plane

Tourism has only reached Easter Island since 1967, when the first commercial flight reached this remote island. Getting to Easter Island from Italy is a long journey, there are two possible alternatives, arriving from Chile or from French Polynesia in both cases the airline that operates the flights is the LAN Chile, it is about 6-7 connections per week from Santiago de Chile to Easter Island or two connections a week from Papeete (Tahiti) on Easter Island. The flight time from both Santiago de Chile and Papeete is approximately 5 hours. The Easter Island airport is that of Hanga Roa, the Mataveri International Airport.

If you leave Easter Island for a foreign country you will have to pay a small exit tax in cash.

On boat

The possibilities to reach the island by sea are very limited: the small port of Hanga Roa it is not able to accommodate large cruise ships which therefore have to drop their passengers offshore and then take them to the island by motorboat. Added to this is the fact that the sea in that area is often very rough, making it impossible to reach the island.

If you have arrived by boat on Easter Island, the next most logical step is the Pitcairn Islands, those of the "Mutiny of the Bounty". They are a sort of "neighbors" of Easter Island and contend for its scepter as the most isolated place, without access by air and without tourism.

How to get around

Easter Island is small enough that getting around is easy although there is no public transport. The best option is to visit the archaeological sites with guided tours. It takes 2 days to visit all the main archaeological areas, which is why the recommended minimum stay is at least 3 nights.

There are many stray dogs but they are not aggressive. Just the tone of voice and a few gestures to push them away.

By car

There are agencies that rent cars, usually 4x4s with manual transmission, in Hanga Roa. It should be remembered that vehicles on the island are not covered by insurance as insurance companies on the mainland do not provide coverage for the island. This is why you cannot rent a car without a guarantee (credit card).

With a car it takes 2 days to visit all the archaeological sites. There are also several accommodations that offer vehicles. Even if the rates are lower, these vehicles are often damaged: better check them carefully, take pictures before accepting. If you have any doubts, it is better to rely on the car rental agencies that are located on the main road of Hanga Roa such as Insular, Kia Koe Tour and Oceanic.

Be very careful if you drive at night as cows and horses roam freely around the island and may find themselves in the middle of the road.

The inhabited centers of Mataveri and Hanga Roa are finally connected by an asphalted road that continues up to the Poike peninsula also passing through Anachena beach.

You need a valid driving license for scooters and motorcycles. The normal one for cars allows you to take 4x4 quads too.Outside Hanga Roa the roads are not illuminated.

By bike

You can also take bicycles, but you have to be prepared especially in summer given the heat and humidity. Between June and August it is also better to have protection against rain and wind. the road to Anakena is paved, but most of the others are not (quite bumpy and with holes). However, an experienced cyclist will find himself well in every part of the island.

What see

The most important attraction of Easter Island are the Moai. Moai are found on ceremonial platforms called Ahu.

Moai and platforms are protected by law and should not be approached. Don't walk on the Ahu. It would be a gesture of extreme disrespect and if the site were to be damaged the penalty would be very severe.

Rano Raraku and Orongo require entry into the national park which can be purchased upon arrival at the airport or at the CONAF office. The same entry is valid in both places, so make sure you keep your ticket. The rest of the island can be visited freely.

The Ahu are found mostly along the coast. The archaeological sites are numerous and depending on the time of year and time it can happen to be practically alone.

Each clan had an ahu although not all had moai; driving along the south coast there are many sites where you can admire the ruins.

Two outstanding sites are the volcanic craters of Rano Kau and Rano Raraku. The quarry near "Rano Raraku" is on a hill and is where most of the moai were created. The remains of this volcano provided the stones for the statues and it is where the different phases of the excavations can be admired together with some unfinished figures. It is worth climbing the eastern side of the crater, reaching the top and then descending inside. The path on the other side of the crater, where most of the moai are located, leads to one of the most spectacular spots on the island.

Rano Kau is what remains of a volcanic cone and like Rano Raraku it is filled with rainwater and has a truly spectacular supernatural and variegated appearance.

Easter Island has two beaches. Anakenato the north it is an excellent place for bodysurfing. You can also surf at the port of Hanga Roa, many locals do. There is a small car park, changing restrooms ($ 1 USD), several small BBQs with cold drinks, and a communal picnic area.

The second beach is a hidden gem called Ovahe, not far from Anakena. It is a beautiful and deserted beach surrounded by breathtaking cliffs. Warning: the path that leads down to the beach is unstable and a bit dangerous, better to do it on foot. Driving off-road is illegal on the island (contrary to what many tourists do in a reckless way).

One of the surprising things is that every now and then there are natural phenomena, such as big waves, which carry away all the sand from Ovahe, sand which then slowly returns back by the waves. The last time was in 2012.

Some sources recommend sleeping in one of the caves near Ovahe, but this information is outdated: water enters from some cracks above the cave. Also entering these areas in the dark and without a guide is a bad idea.

Some areas are recovery zones (the Poike peninsula and Terevaka) where trees have been planted. These areas can only be accessed on foot or on horseback. Entering with a vehicle is strictly forbidden.

Most of the west coast cannot be reached by vehicle, so the options are the same: on foot or on horseback (limited availability).

Diving and snorkelling are popular, although there are restrictions in some areas (near the islets of Motu Nui is Motu Iti). There are dive centers that rent equipment and organize boat excursions: Atariki Rapa Nui^{[link previously not working]}, killer whale^{[link not working]} is Mike Rapu Diving^{[link previously not working]}. Close to the fishing boats it is easy to see large sea turtles.

An often overlooked but particularly fascinating aspect of Easter Island is its extensive cave system. Although there are a couple of already interesting "official" caves, the most adventurous thing is to explore the many other unofficial caves found on the island, most of which are in the vicinity of Ana Kakenga.

CONAF (the company that manages the national park) has classified the caves as dangerous and the park rangers have been regulating access since March 2014. According to the rangers there is a danger of collapse, especially regarding Ana Te Pahu which is located under a road. As a result, tour operators no longer take customers to the caves (visits replaced by archaeological sites). There are currently no gates blocking access and local guides can enter with individual clients although there may be some limitations and precautions to be taken.

Although the entrance to most caves is small (some as large as you can crawl into) and hidden (amidst a surreal landscape of a lava flow that looks like the surface of Mars), many open into large and deep systems of caves. Warning: these caves can be dangerous and some are very deep. A person who gets lost without a flashlight would find himself in total darkness without being able to find the exit so easily. The caves are also very humid and slippery (the ceiling of some has collapsed due to water erosion). Furthermore, the subtropical rain should not be underestimated: the weather changes rapidly and the risk of being surprised by the water falling inside the cave with little space to move must be taken into consideration.

The nightlife on the island is not very lively and the main attraction is undoubtedly the Polynesian dance shows. Kari Kari on the main street, Go Te Mihi close to the cemetery and the restaurant Te Ra'ai outside Hanga Roa they have their shows throughout the year (excluding holiday periods and Tapati when party attending festivals). The discos Toroko is Pyrites are the places to join the locals.

Other

• Ana Kai Tangata cave. 
• Ceremonial village of Orongo. 
• Rano Raraku quarry. 
• Ahu Tongariki. 
• Anakena Beach. 
• Ahu Akivi. 
• Moai Ahu Tahai and Ahu Akapu at sunset. 

Events and parties

What to do

Tour

Tours are the best way to explore the island. In a group or with a local guide you avoid putting too much stress on the environment.

Local guides, native to the island, can also introduce you to aspects that you would not otherwise be able to see or discover.

Travel agencies usually sell packages that include tours and accommodation.

There are 4 well known local tour operators, each with several years of experience:

• Aku Aku Tourism. Tour operator especially for Spanish groups. Their office is near the reception of the Hotel Manutara. 
• Kia Koe Tour, Atamu Tekena s / n, Hanga Roa, ☎ 56 32 210-0852. The largest tour operator on Easter Island has an office on the main street. Tours available in groups or with a private guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Japanese. They also do charter and cruise service. In business since 1984. 
• Mahinatur. One of the oldest tour operators, specializing in French tours. 
• Rapa Nui Travel. Tour operator especially for groups in German. 

The tourist information office can also put you in contact with freelance guides, but the guides mostly work for tour operators.

In some guides there may be references to operators that no longer exist. Usually there are foreigners who come in, open their own business as guides doing considerable marketing, work for a few anus and then disappear.

With small companies and freelancers it is best to have a description and cost of the service in writing to be on the safe side.

Trekking

Trekking is easy on Easter Island. A guide is not necessary, just a map and advice from hotels or park rangers (especially regarding local regulations).

In most cases the trekking can be considered as a complement to see the island after visiting the archaeological sites.

• Terevaka, the highest point of the island, easy route. It takes about an hour and a half to reach the top of the hill and an hour to return (to / from Ahu Akivi). Another option is to leave from Vaitea (approx. A road from Anakena beach). You can also arrive with a guide on horseback (usually the tours are every morning, depending on the weather conditions).
• Rano Kau you can reach it on foot easily. Once you reach the volcano, take the path on the east side of the crater to see scenarios that cannot be reached by vehicles. Since there is also a road to Orongo, you can cycle to Rano Kau or just join a tour.
• Northeast coast it takes about 5-7 hours and requires some preparation. You can take a taxi to Anakena beach and travel along the coast to Hanga Roa. You can also go horseback riding even if there is less availability (the route is not very well known and is also more expensive).

Shopping

Since there is only one town on the island, Hanga Roa, the shops and the workshops of the artisans are all on the main road.

Souvenir vendors, who all sell more or less the same things, can also be found at the entrance to the archaeological sites.

The official currency is the Chilean Peso but, unlike on the continent, you could also pay in cash using US dollars.

Some guides say that you can pay in Euros but it is false. However, some petrol stations accept them at a good exchange rate (cheaper than banks).

When buying souvenirs it is best to use cash. If you use a credit card, a commission is often added (about 10-20%). This is only if the seller accepts the credit card, many in fact only want cash.

There are 2 ATMs on the island. One in front of Banco Estado in Tu'u maheke, Hanga Roa, which only accepts Cirrus, Maestro and Mastercard cards, no Visa. The Santander ATM in Policarpo Toro accepts Visa, Cirrus, Maestro and Mastercard.

The local bank can give you cash if you present a Visa card, but opening hours are limited (Mon-Fri 08: 00-13: 00) and there can be long queues, especially at the end of the month.

How to have fun

Where to eat

The restaurants ad Hanga Roa they are located on the main street and near the port, but there are others scattered in the nearby areas.

Traditional dishes are Curanto and Tunu Ahi.

Menus are limited as most of the food is imported which also explains the prices on the island. Even in the less beautiful restaurants, appetizers start at $ 20 and go up. The variety of fish, however, is remarkable, as in almost all of Chile.

There are 2 species of lobster. The larger one is referred to as a normal lobster, while the small one, equally delicious, is referred to by the local name "Rape Rape". The lobster is currently under protection and there are restrictions when it is not in season.

The local tuna can be recognized by its white meat and is recommended. Rain and other fish species are all delicious.

There are also several grocery stores (few can be considered supermarkets) where you can buy snacks, alcohol, etc.

Like many other vendors on the island, many restaurants don't accept credit cards. Tips are appreciated (10% is considered fair). However, it is best to check the receipt before tipping as some restaurants add a mandatory service fee to the bill (in this case you do not need to tip).

Drinks

The Chilean specialty, the pisco, made with fermented grapes is the island's unofficial drink.

However the pisco sour, i.e. pisco with lemon juice and egg white is a better alternative if you are not used to whiskey or rum. Drinking pisco smooth is less strong than vodka, but many Chileans don't recommend it.

On the island then you can try the papaya sour, the mango sour or the guave sour depending on the season. They are all juices mixed with pisco.

Very common is also the piscola - pisco and Coca Cola.

There is also a local brewery, Mahina, which produces pale ale and stout.

Moderate prices

Less expensive options are sandwiches and empanadas. Also you can find a local bakery and make your own sandwiches. Budget travelers can try the following:

• Berta (On the main street). It has several empanadas ready-made or to be made right now. Recommended those with tuna. 
• Club Sandwich. It also has great empanadas but sandwiches are the specialty. Try the banana and orange juice if they have it. It doesn't open for breakfast. 
• Donde el Gordo (On the way to the church). Great for those looking for simple things even if the sandwiches are a bit expensive. 
• Mahina Tahai. The classic menu is great and includes bread, butter, soup, fish and rice, juice and dessert. 
• Miro (Near the cemetery). It has good pizzas. 

Average prices

• Herring Now. Large restaurant at the south end of the main street, with two replicas of moai at the entrance. Simple dishes but perfect for those who want to save. 
• Au Bout du Monde. Belgian restaurant overlooking the sea. Expensive but good food. 
• Hetu'u, ☎ 56 32 2552163. Excellent cuisine and staff on the main street, renovated in 2014. 
• Kanahau. Good food, on the main street. 
• Kotaro. Excellent Japanese restaurant, dishes served by the chef himself. 
• Kuki Varua. Excellent food and service too, try to sit on the second floor terrace. 
• The Kaleta. Gorgeous ocean views and great food. It has a reputation for being the best restaurant on the island, so it's certainly not cheap. 
• The Taverne du Pêcheur. Small French restaurant in the harbor area. Excellent cuisine, probably the most expensive on the island. 
• Mom Nui. Family-run, traditional cuisine. The specialty is the Tunu Ahi. 
• Tataku Vave. Since it is not centrally located you will struggle to find it without asking for directions. The cuisine, service and views are on par with more expensive restaurants, but the prices here are much more reasonable. The specialty is lobster. 
• Te Moana (Close to the coast). The tuna sandwiches are very good. Live music on Wednesdays and weekends. 
• Te Ra'ai. It offers a package that includes transfers (hotel-restaurant-hotel), Polynesian dance show and dinner. It is located outside Hanga Roa. Reservation required because it is well known. The show has Brazilian influences due to the owner. 
• Varua, Atamu Takena. New restaurant at a good price, also has a menu of the day (starter, main course and fruit juice). Excellent service and cuisine. 

Where stay

Despite the small size of the island and the smaller number of tourists than the other Polynesian islands, Easter Island can boast a large number of hotels and resorts offering a wide range of prices. However, the cost of living on the island is higher than on the mainland in Chile, since all goods on the island must be imported.

Moderate prices

• ^{[link not working]}Petero Atamu, Petero Atamu s / n, Hanga Roa (5 minutes from the main street), ☎ 56 32-255 1823, 56 9-7648 8615 (mobile). All types of rooms and two kitchens available to guests. Accompaniment from / to the airport and free wifi. 
• ^{[link not working]}Inaki Uhi, Atamu Tekena, Hanga Roa (On the main road), ☎ 56 32 210-0231. Close to restaurants, supermarket, pubs. 15 various types of rooms with bathroom and two apartments. Kitchens available to guests. Reasonably priced and clean. 

• Tekarera Kainga Now, ☎ 56 9 8134 5757. Excellent accommodation in the center, but not on the main street. is a hut / house with two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen, washing machine, TV and more. Breakfast (abundant) included. Perfect for families, couples and friends. Reasonable prices depending on the exchange. 
• ^{[link not working]}Tauraa Hotel, Atamu Tekena, Hanga Roa (Less than 5 minutes from the airport), ☎ 56 32-100 463. Bill and Edith are very nice and also do 2 day island tours. A little expensive. 
• Kona Tau, Avaraipau, Hanga Roa, ☎ 56 32-210 0321. Nice and cheap hostel, simple rooms. They rent scooters, free transport from the airport. 
• Tupa Hotel, Sebastian Englert, Hanga Roa, ☎ 56 32 210-0225, @[email protected]. Hotel with 30 rooms with ocean views, two blocks from the main drag. Free breakfast, transport and wifi. 

Cabanas

Another alternative if you are traveling in a group are the cabanas.

• ^{[link not working]}Cabanas Morerava, Go Kia Kia SN, ☎ 56 2 2335 8978, 56 9 9319 6547. Clean, hot water from solar panels, ecological. 4 huts with BBQ area, wifi and bicycles for guests. Free transportation upon arrival at the airport. Book in advance. They can help with tours and to rent a car. 
• Easter Island Hostel (Rosie's Hostel or Albergue), Atamu Tekena, ☎ 56 9 7565 1416, @[email protected]. $ 27 per night / person. Check in: 13:00, check-out: 10:00. Small and simple, run by Fatima, 10 minutes from the center. Shared rooms with IKEA beds, a shared kitchen and bathroom (hot water shower). Breakfast not included. Transportation upon arrival at the airport for a fee. 

Average prices

Good hotels although fairly simple. There is a "superior" middle category that differs only in price. One of the confusing things is that many claim to be close to the beach. However this is not true because Anakena beach is about 20km from Hanga Roa and there are no hotels nearby (the area is protected because it is inside the national park). These hotels have restaurants offering breakfast and dinner.

• Iorana hotels. One of the oldest, currently associated with Kia Koe Tour. 
• Gomero hotels. Close to the main drag, associated with Kia Koe Tour. 
• ^{[link not working]}O'Tai Hotel (In front of the Rapa Nui post office), ☎ 56 32-210 0250. 40 rooms with balcony and bathroom. Nice garden and swimming pool. prices depending on the type of room. 
• Manutara hotels. In a quiet place and a good base for exploring the island. Associated with Aku Aku Tourism. 
• Altiplanico Hotel (Just outside Hanga Roa). Slightly more expensive than others in the same category although some of the amenities of others are missing. 
• Puku Vai hotel, ☎ 56 32 255 1838. Associated with Kia Koe Tour and competitive prices when booking hotels and tours. 

High prices

These hotels describe themselves as 5 stars.

• Explora. The most expensive hotel is outside Hanga Roa. The downside is that it's so isolated that it keeps you out of the island vibe with nothing else to do except tour and go to a restaurant. 
• Hanga Roa hotels. One of the oldest hotels, renovated a few years ago and the closest to international standards. Unfortunately it makes it a bit impersonal and gives the feeling of getting what you get in the rest of the world for a much higher price given the location of the island. 

Safety

On the island there are: a small emergency hospital, a dentist and pharmacies.

How to keep in touch

Telephony

Both satellite and cell phones work throughout the island.

Internet

The island also has internet connections.

Around

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Easter island
• Commons contains images or other files on Easter island
• Wikiquote contains quotes from or about Easter island