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Easter Island |
 EASTER ISLANDEaster Island is one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth, a speck in the South Pacific Ocean, just over 2,000 miles off the coast of Chile. Its barren landscape has little in the way of natural resources, but in terms of capturing the imagination of all who have seen them, the giant stone Mohai figures of Easter Island take some beating. When to go The hottest month on Easter Island is February with the coolest months being July and August. March to June are the rainiest months while August to December are the driest, although heavy rains are possible at any time of year. How to get there Getting to Easter Island has become much easier since the opening of the airport at Mataveri. The Chilean national airline, Lanchile, has regular flights to the island from both Santiago and the island of Tahiti (French Polynesia). It's even possible to include Easter Island on some round the world flight tickets and cruise ships include it on many South Pacific itineries. Where to stay Most of the accommodation on Easter Island is in the form of guest houses and many of the owners come to the airport to greet new arrivals who may wish to stay with them. Many are very comfortable with en-suite facilities and even internet connections available in some. There are around two dozen restaurants on the island and a number of bars too. Credit cards are not widely accepted and there is only one cash machine on the island so make sure you take either Chilean pesos or American dollars in cash when you visit. Easter Island is very small (seven miles by 14 miles) and a taxi or a hire car will get you around the major sites in a few hours. You can also hire a bike or a horse for shorter trips. What to see and do The giant Moai statues are what attract you to Easter Island and you will find some 600 of them dotted around the island. Easter Island is now a World Heritage Centre and you are free to wander the island and marvel at the mysterious stone figures without any restrictions. There are also fascinating cave networks to explore, over 200 ancient shrines and two superb beaches popular with surfers. If you are on the island in late January or early February don't miss the Tapati Rapa Nui festival, with its traditional dancing, sporting and other cultural events.
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