Home to a community of just 5 000 inhabitants, Easter Island or Rapa Nui, as it is known to locals, is a Chilean territory in Polynesia. It has one national park, the Parque Nacional Rapa Nui which covers most of the Island and features the quarry of Rano Raraku where the moai were carved, the volcanic crater of the Rano Kau and the Ahu Tongariki where 15 moai rest. Easter Island has a colourful history
where it was first explored by outsiders in 1722 and named by Dutch naval commander Jacob Roggeveen on Easter Sunday. It was also where Captain Cook and his crew recuperated during one of his many explorations and where, in 1805, a vicious raid by slave traders left a scar in the community. Regardless of its size, there is much to do here from scuba diving and snorkelling to cycling and horse riding.
Why Visit?
- Ultimate isolation on one of the world’s most remote islands
- Witness the eerie, ancient, logic-defying stone statues that are scattered across the island
- Experience Polynesian culture at the island’s main celebration, the Tapati festival in February, which showcases traditional music, dancing, food and festive parades.
- Renowned for its eco-lodges that leave a light footprint on the iconic, volcanic landscape.
- World-class scuba diving, snorkelling and surfing.
Climate
Summer (January to March)
The average daily temperature is 26°C/78°F
Winter (June to September)
The average daily temperature is 20°C/68°F
The winters are relatively mild and May is the rainiest month, however, the island does experience rainfall year-round. Due to its remote location, the island is exposed to winds.
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