There are 887 reasons to see the world’s most remote inhabited island: the mysterious carved stone figures known as Moai.
If you love solitude this island feels uniquely special. From mid-afternoon onwards you can picnic alone at the Rano Raraku Moai quarry, surrounded only by hundreds of giant lichen-blotched faces and beyond, the blue Pacific Ocean. I don’t believe anywhere is more magical.
By the time Captain Cook accurately charted the island’s location many of the Moai had been wilfully toppled in favour of the Birdman cult. What happened, no-one knows, but turning over your breakfast roll reveals - baked into the crust - the sinister figure of a crouching Birdman.

Google map: bit.ly/RanoRarakuMoai

B&B Chez Oscar Av. Pont
+56 32 255 1261

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By far the most spiritual, calming, friendly and awe inspiring place I have ever had the fortune to visit. As three intrepid travelling girlies we stayed with Elvira in her guesthouse. One of us was lucky enough to return six years later and we were still remembered (in a good way) even after only staying four days. Rapa Nui gives you everything, sandy beaches (Anakena) three vivid green breath taking volcanic lakes, rocky heather highlands, caves to have a little sleep in, stories of death defying acts of boys becoming men taking part in the birdman ceremony illuminated with petroglyphs, locals turning up to Hanga Roa for a concert (imagine a village hall) not in the loudest car with the biggest exhaust but by horseback, being serenaded by our guesthouse owner Elvira's son in Polynesian, Rapanuian and Spanish. Hitching a ride back into town after a long walk on a horse with no saddle cor blimey that hurt! That is even before I mention the Moai. If you are ever lucky enough to have the opportunity spend a some time on this remote island, do it, it will stay strong in your mind forever.

localo.com/easter-island/keuhenu/
Google map: bit.ly/y4Zxjm

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Starting from Anakena beach, it is possible to walk around the base of Mount Terevaka to Hanga Roa. It is a five-six hour walk and takes in a large number of ahus and moai, all with well preserved village remains and caves nearby.

The walk is ignored by 90% of tourists and is thus devoid of people most of the time - leaving the sites empty and silent. Perfect for getting to know the soul of the island. Take at least two big bottles of water.

Walk west along the coast from Anakena parking lot. And keep walking.

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