Easter Island: The Most Isolated Wonder on Earth

Ahu Tongariki is the island's most magnificent archaeological site and the most iconic sunrise in the Pacific — a ceremonial platform of 15 restored moai standing in a precise row on the southeastern coast, the largest ahu (ceremonial platform) in all of Polynesia. The 15 moai — the tallest standing 9 meters — were toppled during inter-clan wars and then swept 100 meters inland by a 1960 tsunami before being restored with Japanese funding in 1994. At sunrise (arrive by 6:30am), the moai create dramatic silhouettes against the Pacific dawn, and there is a 30 to 45-minute window before tour groups arrive when the site can be experienced in near-solitude. The contrast of scale, antiquity, and Pacific light is one of the most powerful experiences in any archaeological site on earth.

Rano Raraku is the volcanic quarry where all moai were carved — a 300-meter volcanic cone of hardened ash (tuff) whose inner and outer slopes are still dotted with nearly 400 moai statues in various stages of completion, abandoned in place when production ceased around 1680 CE. Some are partially buried with only their heads visible above the hillside. Others lean at dramatic angles. One — El Gigante at 21 meters — would have been the largest ever completed. Walking among the unfinished moai of Rano Raraku, understanding the scale of the manufacturing enterprise and the abruptness of its cessation, is the most deeply mysterious experience available on the island. A licensed guide is required for access.

Orongo Ceremonial Village sits on the rim of the Rano Kau crater — a 300-meter-wide extinct volcano — on the southwestern tip of the island, perched between the 300-meter cliffs dropping to the Pacific on one side and the crater lake on the other. Orongo was the center of the Birdman cult that succeeded moai culture as the island's dominant religious system — every year, competitors would climb down the cliffs, swim to the offshore islet of Motu Nui, and return with the first sooty tern egg. The winner's sponsor became the Birdman ruler for that year. The ceremonial village of 53 stone houses, the rock carvings of Birdman symbols, and the dramatic clifftop setting make Orongo one of the most atmospheric archaeological sites on the island. A guide is required for access.

Anakena Beach is Easter Island's finest beach — a white sand crescent on the northern coast sheltered from the Pacific swell, with a grove of palm trees and two moai platforms (Ahu Nau Nau with 7 restored moai, and Ahu Ature Huki with a single moai) visible from the beach. According to Rapa Nui tradition, Anakena was the landing place of the island's first chief, Hotu Matu'a. The combination of the finest swimming beach on the island, moai in the background, and the historical significance of the landing site makes it the most complete single Easter Island experience.

Easter Island's cuisine is a small-island fusion of Chilean, Polynesian, and Pacific influences — built on the exceptional fresh tuna, mahi-mahi, and lobster from the surrounding Pacific waters (some of the cleanest and least-fished in the world), Chilean staples, and traditional Rapa Nui preparations including umu ta'o (food cooked underground in a traditional earth oven) that is still prepared for festivals and communal events.

Hanga Roa has a genuine restaurant scene for a town of 8,000 people — Te Moana, La Kaleta, and Tataku Vave are the most consistently praised. Fresh tuna (atún) is the essential dish — the bluefin and yellowfin caught in surrounding waters and served as tuna sashimi, tuna ceviche, or grilled with Pacific herbs is the finest expression of Easter Island's geographic position. The combination of Chilean wine and Pacific seafood at a restaurant terrace overlooking the Pacific sunset is the definitive Easter Island dining experience.

Pisco sour and Cristal beer (Chilean) are the essential drinks. Local Rapa Nui-infused spirits using native herbs are available at some bars in Hanga Roa. Food costs are significantly higher than mainland Chile due to the cost of shipping everything to the island — budget $40 to $60 per person per day for meals.