Destination: Easter Island Chile

There is an island just off the south tip of Chile that has become very famous over the years. It has been a site of speculation and mystery. Archeologist to this day cannot fully explain what the meanings of these monolithic structures are. There are many myths and legends that surround this baffling island. There is no one left from the original decedents of the island and its stories have faded from memory.

Mention Easter Island to most people brings to mind the images of giant stone faces that scatter the landscape. These statues constantly start out into the ocean and can be seen from afar. As if waiting for the next boat to come in to devour its crew on its shores.

The original discover of this island that brought its attention to the modern world at the time was named Jacob Roggeveen. He was a Dutch explorer in the early 1700s. It is situated about 2300 miles from Chile and is considered to be the most remote island in the world. This island measures only 15 by 10 miles. Its nearest neighbor is a little over twelve hundred miles away called Pitcairn. SO it is a little out of the way but if you can make it is well worth the trip to see this island

Many archeologists to this day have tried to explain away these giant stone faces as nothing more than being made by the original inhabitants. They believe that they are decedents from the Polynesians at the tip of Chile arrived on the island hundreds of years ago. When the first settlers arrived in the late 1700s they say these statues from afar and were curious what they could be, upon arriving they found a thriving civilization of natives on the island that.

After their arrival it was witnessed that the island had suffered huge traumas and tribulations of epidemic portions. But the population survived many of these including epidemics, famines, civil wars, slavery Hostile takeover, and an ecosystem at almost a complete collapse. There are still decedents from the original people but they are far and few between but the small population that still lives they carry on some of the original traditions of their ancestors.

Today the island boasts a renewed life after the many years of devastation. There is a natural beauty that is unsurpassed in this side of the pacific. Including stunning white beaches and water clear enough for miles for great scuba diving and snorkeling. There are natural caves formed out of the volcanic rock that spewed there hundreds of years ago. The volcanic rock is what originally made this island into what it is today. The local population is small now but still contains many talents of silk spinning and weaving as well as other handcrafted carvings you can purchase.

The main attraction is not any of these though; it is the wondrous monuments left by this ancestor which attracts people to flock to this island every year. These rocks are known as moai they dot the landscape all over Easter Island. They are derived of the same volcanic rock that the island was made from. Most of the moai were carved in a quarry not to far from there resting locations. They have a slender body with enlarged heads and some have also a large top like hat that was placed upon their heads.

There are many theories of how these ten to twenty ton stone carving were put in place. One explanation comes from the decedents themselves through oral tradition. That there was divine people that used “mana” or magic to let the moai walk themselves to their positions. Another is that UFO or aliens somehow were deserted on the island and they erected these statues in case they were ever to be rescued. But, the more serious theory is that they were building by the natives using a volley of trees roller, tools, pulleys, and human power were carved dragged and lifted into place that they rest now.

Discovered and named on Easter Sunday 1722 - by Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen - Easter Island is a territory of Chile, even though it is situated some 2,300 miles west of South America. The most remote inhabited island in the world measuring a mere 15 by 10 miles, its nearest neighbour - a mere 1,260 miles away - is the even smaller inhabited island of Pitcairn. And because it is so remote, there is no other viable option but to take flights to Easter Island if you wish to visit this remarkable island.

So a visit to this Island should be one of adventure and curiosity. Despite its small size this island has a tremendous amount of stuff to see so plan for a least a couple of days if not more if you want to see it all. Bring some pictures and don’t forget to let me know about your trip I always love to hear the travel stories from different people. But most of all have fun.

If you are interested in more information on Chile the history, culture, traditions, or Expat living. Come visit my site for more wonderful information on this fantastic country.