"An Island of Legend, Beauty, and Mystery" Easter Island by sswagner

Easter Island Travel Guide: 688 reviews and 1,484 photos

For those who enjoy ancient sites with mystery, the great outdoors, and truly getting away from it all, this is the trip you have been looking for your whole life! I was fortunate to spend a week here. Even in that time, I did not see everything. Do not be fooled into believing that a small island only warrants a brief visit. There were two ways I explored: on foot and with a mountain bike. Sure, it would have been easier with a jeep, but the bike allowed a most unique experience.

One thing is for certain: Only those who want to come here will make it to the island. It is simply too far out of the way to get here by chance. It is several hours by airplane in a part of the world that is not central to air or sea traffic. The island is in extreme isolation in the physical sense. It is connected with the outside world with phone lines and the internet, yet it is a world apart from anything else. The isolation is part of the charm. It allows one to focus on this place, and to try and contemplate the fascinating aspects of the island. Each new day resulted in a new adventure, and I learned something each time.

The island echoes its exciting past to this day. It was my only trip for the year 2007, yet the nine months of saving money and waiting for the right time was worth it. Easter Island certainly was a trip of a lifetime. In my honest opinion, most who come this way hope it will be that kind of trip. I believe that few will leave disappointed.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Outdoors combined with history, relatively uncrowded for such a fascinating place
Cons:Expensive airfare
In a nutshell:This is the genuine travel experience. The memories will last a lifetime.

Last visit to Easter Island: Dec 2007
Intro Updated Dec 27, 2007
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Reviews (40)

Weather Favorites (4)

Visitors to the island in the summer should expect both sun and rain. The good news is that I never experienced a... more travel advice

Sunrises and Sunsets Favorites (4)

No visit to Easter Island would be complete without either watching a sunrise or a sunset somewhere on the coast. For... more travel advice

Jagged lave at the coast - Easter Island

Bring a good pair of shoes Warnings Or Dangers (3)

The island is very rocky, so a good pair of shoes is necessary here. Whatever you do, avoid walking barefoot anywhere on... more travel advice

Waves hitting near Vaihu - Easter Island

Watching the sea Favorites (4)

Everyone knows about the archeaology aspect of the island, however I was amazed at the appearance of the ocean here.... more travel advice

Things to Do (23)
See All Ahu Vinapu
Off The Beaten Path (3)
See All Maunga Terevaka
Shopping (1)
Mercado
Local Customs (1)
A floral greeting

Travelogues (1)

Written Dec 29, 2007

7 photos

Sunsets at Tahai

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Comments (5)

Ilona. Jan 16, 2009 at 10:09 PM Report Abuse

I wonder Y some "read more" 's just don't take you where you could read more, like this Te Pito Kura--The Navel of the Word page ... also a few others : (
madamx Nov 22, 2008 at 7:48 PM Report Abuse

Fantastic, detailed tips. Excellent page.
Jim_Eliason Jun 16, 2008 at 9:06 PM Report Abuse

great page!
Sininen Mar 8, 2008 at 11:35 AM Report Abuse

Wow! My kind of place. I truly enjoyed your tips and wonderful photos.
Tripack Jan 1, 2008 at 9:35 AM Report Abuse

All the best for 2008! What a great destination review! Useful and interesting tip about mountain biking tip the Easter Island.