Home to a community of just 5,000 inhabitants, Easter Island or Rapa Nui, as it is locally known, 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 volcanic crater of the Rano Kau and the Ahu Tongariki, where the 15 moai were carved and now rest. This remote outpost offers a fascinating glimpse into the heritage and lives of its Polynesian inhabitants and their remarkable achievements.
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. Despite its small size, the island is a treasure trove of archaeological wonders, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, with so much to do here from scuba diving and snorkelling to cycling and horse riding.
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