Easter Island Chile Southeast Pacific Ocean

Easter Island, located in the southeast Pacific Ocean, is renowned for its 900 monumental statues known as Moai. These impressive monoliths were carved from volcanic rock by the island’s ancient inhabitants beginning in A.D. 1250. Today, Easter Island is part of Chile and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Easter Island Chile Southeast Pacific Ocean Summary

Attraction: Easter Island
Country: Chile
Continent: South America
Capital Name: Santiago
Language: Spanish
Currency: Chilean Peso
Nationality: Chilean

Why must you visit Easter Island Chile?

The Easter Island Chile visit is a must-do for anyone visiting the island. The island is home to some of the most impressive stone formations in the world, as well as some of the most interesting history. The visit also offers a chance to see the amazing road system that is built on the island.

Tell Us About Easter Island Chile

Easter Island is an inhabited island located in the Southern Hemisphere, east of Chile. The island is about 120 miles long by 30 miles wide. Easter Island is the largest and most northerly Island in South America. The Eratosthenes Bible called Easter Island the “Island of the Unseen.”

Easter Island is thought to have been settled by Polynesian people around 500 BC. The island was colonized by Spanish sailor Nuño de Cardenas in 1770. Carlos V resident on Easter Island in 1793. In 1905, the Chilean government acquired Easter Island to protect it from becoming a community within Chilean territory.

The Chilean government began missionary work on Easter Island in the 18th century. The first Christians on Easter Island arrived in 1778. There was only one church on Easter Island at that time. The islanders native to the island built only stone landmarks, such as huts, between 1800 and 1840. However, the missionaries began to build wooden churches and houses in the 1840s.

In 1967, the Chilean government acquired remaining Easter Island to manage it as part of its resources. In 2006, the Chilean government moved all the Easter Islanders to Rapa Nui (the main island of Easter Island) pending the completion of a plantation campaign to extirpate any remaining rats.

Easter Island is the most northerly Island in South America and is thought to be the most northerly human inhabited Island in the world. Easter Island is about 120 miles long by 30 miles wide. The Eratosthenes Bible called Easter Island the “Island of the Unseen.” The island is the only place on Earth where anyone has landed on what is now known as Easter Island.

What are the Things to do in Easter Island Chile?

Easter Island is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world and has long been a magnet for travelers looking for an unforgettable holiday experience. At the forefront of any visit to Easter Island are the hundreds of iconic moai statues, clustered around the many archaeological sites found on the island. Apart from the statues, the other major drawcard is the immense natural beauty of the islands, with its volcanic cones, undulating hills and aquamarine seas. Here are some of the best things to do in Easter Island, Chile:

Visit the ancient moai statues: These iconic statues, carved from volcanic stone, are the emblem of Easter Island and the main attraction for many visitors. There are over 800 of the moais on the island, some standing tall, others fallen and in various stages of restoration.
Take a scenic flight: If you want to appreciate the beauty of Easter Island from a bird’s eye view, then taking a scenic flight (by plane or helicopter) over the islands is the best way to do it.
Explore Rano Raraku volcano: This volcano was home to the quarry where the ancient moai statues were carved and here, you can see a number of mostly finished statues, still stuck in the hillside.
Enjoy the amazing Waittara Valley: Located in the middle of the island, the Waittara valley is home to one of the most unique landscapes and ecosystems in the world.
Go surfing at Anakena Beach: This white sand beach, located near the north-eastern tip of the island, is the best spot in Easter Island for surfing – and thanks to its location sheltered by small cliffs, the waves here are perfect for those in search of an amazing surf experience.
Explore the coastline on foot: If the beach isn’t your scene, then why not get a little closer to nature and explore the coastline on foot? The many trails that wander along the island’s shoreline provide some spectacular views, and some even offer access to secluded coves.
Visit Orongo Ceremonial Village: This ancient village, located on the dizzying cliffs of the Rano Kau volcano, is where the locals once attended annual religious ceremonies and worshipped an ancient fertility goddess.
Shop and eat at Hanga Roa: The islands only town and “capital”, Hanga Roa offers visitors a relaxed atmosphere as well as a few souvenir shops and excellent dining options.
Visit the Vinapu site: Located on Easter Island’s eastern end, the Vinapu site is home to a variety of sculptures that were made from stone blocks and feature precise Inca-style stone masonry.
Go swimming and snorkeling: Last but not least, Easter Island’s waters are teeming with marine life, and snorkeling along the coral reefs and coves found here is an excellent way to explore the islands’ underwater world.

What are the Best Foods at Easter Island Chile?

The best foods found on Easter Island are dry fruits, nuts, and seeds. These items are usually eaten as part of a sweet and savory breakfast or at lunchtime. Additionally, local seafood dishes such as reef fish, octopus, and tuna are often featured in traditional dishes. Soups made from root vegetables and squash, beef, or pork are also popular. Common main dishes are quinoa stir fry and pastel de choclos, made with sweetcorn pudding and topped with eggs, cheese and olives.

Desserts are usually based on fruits such as passion fruit, apples, pineapples, oranges and guavas. Lastly, local dishes such ramen, loempias, and mashed potatoes are widely consumed in Easter Island.

What are the Best Hotels to Stay in Easter Island Chile?

The best foods at Easter Island Chile are:

Curanto: A traditional dish made with potatoes, seafood, and pork.
Crab Soup: A traditional Easter Island dish made with fresh crab, onions, tomatoes, and other local spices.
Patagonian Lamb Stew: Tender lamb with potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables.
Roasted Pork with Chimichurri Sauce: A traditional Easter Island dish of pork, cooked slowly on a wood-fire and served with chimichurri sauce.
Sea Urchin Soup: A unique Easter Island dish made with a variety of fresh ingredients and herbs.
Ceviche: A fresh seafood appetizer made with fish, onions, and lime juice.
Curanto Stew: A hearty stew made with potatoes, seafood, and pork.
King Crab Soup: A rich soup made with the freshest king crab from Easter Island.
Cheesy Seafood Empanadas: Delicious empanadas filled with a variety of seafood and cheese.
Moai Chocolate Cake: An Easter Island desert made with chocolate and topped with crunchy meringue.