Easter Island
Location
Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is one of the world’s most isolated inhabited islands. It is located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, approximately 3,500 kilometers (2,175 miles) west of the coast of Chile and 2,075 kilometers (1,290 miles) east of Pitcairn Island. This remote location makes it the southeasternmost point of the Polynesian Triangle, an area bounded by Hawaii, New Zealand, and Easter Island. The island covers an area of 163.6 square kilometers (63.2 square miles) and is of volcanic origin, featuring three extinct volcanoes: Terevaka, Poike, and Rano Kau
Climate
Easter Island experiences a subtropical climate with mild temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 18°C (64°F) in winter (June to August) to 27°C (81°F) in summer (December to February). Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, but it tends to be slightly higher during the winter months. The island’s climate is moderated by the Pacific Ocean, ensuring that extreme temperatures are rare. This pleasant climate makes Easter Island a year-round destination for travelers
Culture
The culture of Easter Island is rich and deeply rooted in its Polynesian heritage. The most iconic symbols of this culture are the moai statues, which were constructed between 1400 and 1650 AD by the early Rapa Nui people to honor important ancestors. These massive stone figures are believed to embody the spirits of chiefs and other significant figures. The island’s cultural practices also include traditional music, dance, and art, which are integral to the annual Tapati Rapa Nui festival. This festival is a vibrant celebration that includes traditional competitions, dances, and the crowning of a festival queen, highlighting the island’s cultural heritage and fostering community spirit
Easter Island Today
Today, Easter Island is home to around 7,000 residents, most of whom live in the island’s only town, Hanga Roa. The population is a mix of indigenous Rapa Nui people and Chileans who have moved to the island. The modern society of Easter Island maintains a balance between preserving traditional customs and embracing contemporary influences. Spanish is the dominant language, but there are ongoing efforts to revive and promote the Rapa Nui language among the younger generations. The island’s infrastructure includes schools, healthcare facilities, and various amenities provided by the Chilean government, which supports the island as a special territory
Economy Facts
The economy of Easter Island is heavily dependent on tourism, which is the primary source of income for the island. Thousands of tourists visit annually to experience its unique archaeological sites, such as the moai statues, volcanic craters, and ancient villages. In addition to tourism, agriculture and fishing play smaller but significant roles in the island’s economy. Locally grown produce includes sweet potatoes, taro, and bananas, while fishing provides fresh seafood for local consumption. Handicrafts and artwork, often inspired by traditional Rapa Nui motifs, are also important economic activities, with many artisans selling their creations to visitors
Rapa Nui National Park Information
Rapa Nui National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that covers much of Easter Island and protects its numerous archaeological treasures. The park is home to nearly 900 moai statues, ceremonial platforms (ahu), and other cultural sites such as the Rano Raraku quarry, where the moai were carved, and the Orongo village, known for its birdman petroglyphs. . This ticket allows access to most of the island’s archaeological sites, although some key locations, like Rano Raraku and Orongo, can only be visited once per ticket. The park is managed by the indigenous Ma’u Henua community, who work diligently to preserve the island’s cultural and natural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism
This ticket allows access to most of the island’s archaeological sites, although some key locations, like Rano Raraku and Orongo, can only be visited once per ticket. The park is managed by the indigenous Ma’u Henua community, who work diligently to preserve the island’s cultural and natural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism
| Ticket type | Price (CLP) |
| Internacional Ticket Child (7 – 12) | $36.000 |
| International Ticket Adult | $72.000 |
| National Ticket Adult | $20.000 |
| Nacional Ticket Child (7 – 12) | $10.000 |
