Easter Island: An isolated inhabited destination

Tapati festival, top celebration in Chilean island
2022-06-23
/
/ New Delhi
Easter Island
Easter Island: An isolated inhabited destination

The Moai statues are perhaps what one would call ‘the face’ of the island (Photo: Chile Travel)

Though it annually draws several visitors for its enigmatic stone statues, Rapa Nui, also called Easter Island off the coast of Chile has managed to provide several other reasons to charm its visitors.
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Situated 3,700 kilometres from the western coast of Chile, Rapa Nui or Easter Island is a remote volcanic island in southern Polynesia which is also known to be one of the most isolated inhabited place on Earth.

It is a land that has long confused historians on when people first settled here, or why they even took the task of carving the human faced statues its famous for. Nonetheless, it has been able to attract several tourists all year round. If one is planning to visit this beautiful island, here’s just a taste of what they can experience.

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Moai statues

The Moai can be found scattered everywhere around the entire island (Photo: Chile Travel)

The Moai statues are perhaps what one would call ‘the face’ of the island. Just go through the internet and type Easter Island. The first picture to pop in the screen would be these human faced statues, that are seen lined or scattered somewhere in the region. It’s no wonder that when one accidentally glimpses a picture of the Moai statues it is the name of Easter Island that crawls at the back of their mind, or even vice versa hears the name of Easter Island, these statues are the first thing that comes to mind.

These unique monolithic human statues carved from a single piece of stone are so unique to the world that it has become one of the principal reasons people come to visit the island. Do note that when visiting the island one will never have to fear on missing out on them, for these statues carved in every shape and sizes, sometimes even showcasing a tattoo are scattered almost everywhere in the island. One can see some with bodies buried on the ground and only faces erected out of the grasses, while those with their full bodies lined together with their backs towards the sea.

Perhaps it would not appear within a glance but these statues that date back to the twelfth century were carved very differently from each other. For what reason? It is still a mystery. Some say it was carved by the local people as a way of honouring their ancestors.

Have fun while looking out for the slight difference in the features distinguishing them from each other.  You may perhaps even stumble upon ancient Oceania’s only written language scribbled in some of them.

Tapati Festival

The Tapati Festival  is one of the top festivals in the region (Photo: Chile Travel)

Though it remains a mystery on how the Easter Island came into habitation, it wasn’t until 1722, when a Dutch expedition arrived that the Rapa Nui (Easter Island) had any contact with the western world. At the time, the local population numbered around 20,000.

Today, the islanders number 5,000 in total, which is just four times the number of Moai and less than the island’s horse population. However, the island’s unique culture has still been kept alive with activities and festivals highlighting ancient arts such as spear throwing, tobogganing, dancing and body painting.

One of the top celebrations of the island is the Tapati Festival that is based on ancient sports and held for two weeks in the beginning of February.

There are many activities carried out during the festival but the highlight remains the Haka Pei, in which male islanders wearing only small loin cloths are seen toboggan down the Maunga Pui volcano on banana tree trunks. Here, the last competitor remaining atop his log is declared the winner.

Local cuisines

Easter Island is not what you would call a gourmet destination. But being surrounded by the ocean, it has managed to serve some outstanding seafood. Be prepared to witness fresh beans and yams accompanying many of these plates.

If you are looking to get an authentic taste of the island then make sure to try the island’s speciality -Umu Rapa Nui. The dish is cooked in a hole in the ground with firewood and red-hot stones, in the same way it has been done hundreds of years ago. One will have to be patient for the next six hours to finally get to taste the dish. Fish, lobsters, yams, anything can be cooked and served in the dish.

One should also definitely visit the Hanga Roa village’s, Ariki o Te Pana Cafe that serves delicious empanadas for those seeking simple, local food at reasonable prices.

 Diving and Snorkelling

Do take part in snorkelling & diving to witness an amazing marine life inside the waters (Photo: Chile Travel)

When the island is surrounded with vast ocean all around, it comes as no surprise to see activities such as diving and snorkelling carried out in the island. Do take part in them to witness an amazing marine life inside the waters. Perhaps you will even see some Moai buried under.

If you want to try something else, opt to go on a boat ride to check out the area. A glass-bottom boat is a great option to see above and below the water.

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