Explore Easter Island: The Most Remote Inhabited Place on Earth

Chile is a country that, from north to south, reaches over 4,300 kilometers in a narrow strip of land between the rugged Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Such a great expanse gives way to an array of privileged landscapes - beginning with the planet's most arid desert, transitioning through a fertile central valley, down through a land of lakes and volcanoes and ending in the glaciers, fjords, and granite mountains of wild Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego – the farthest reaches of the continent.

For truly intrepid travelers, you can go even further – Easter Island. This tiny spit of volcanic rock in the vast South Seas is the most remote inhabited place on Earth

Imagine making the trek to Santiago, boarding another plane and heading west, chasing the sun deep into the south pacific. After five hours you might start to wonder if this remote island even exists, until the plane finally starts to descend. As you draw close to this mythical island you will see it's mighty cliffs rising out of the sea . . . Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Located more than 2,300 miles off Chile's coast in the southern pacific ocean, this Polynesian island is steeped in mystery. Famous for the its giant stone monolith statues, called Moai, Easter Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and boasts so much more than just the stone statues.

Just 14 miles long and 7 miles wide, Easter Island itself is stunning. Its rugged beauty is composed of rolling green hills, massive volcanic craters, rocky coves, and pristine beaches. You can hike or horseback ride to the islands tallest point which offers panoramic views of the island and the south pacific. Other activities abound such as snorkeling, surfing and exploring the islands flora and fauna.

The main reason people make the epic voyage to this island is to discover the mysterious past of Rapa Nui culture. Over 1,000 monumental moai statues bear silent witness to a long-lost, complex society. It truly is one of the most unique places on the planet – a beautiful outdoor museum that allows you to come face to face with the moai, admiring the workmanship, pondering the mysteries of why they were erected, and who put them there.

While the enormous carved stone Moai are a testament to the island's mysterious past, the language, music, and numerous traditions are kept alive by the island's current inhabitants. Food is an important part of Rapa Nui culture and you can experience a traditional dinner – curanto - which is cooked in the ground using earth ovens. Camote is another popular staple on the island and is similar to the sweet potato, with the texture of a yucca. It is great paired with fresh fish or as part of a traditional meal. High season for visitors is January and February, which is a great time to visit because of Tapati Rapa Nui, a festival that celebrates the culture and heritage of the Rapa Nui people. Many intriguing competitions take place during the festival, including Haka Pei, a sport using banana leaves to sled down the steepest hill on the island!

 It's no easy feat to get to Easter Island but then again neither was erecting the Moai. How far are you willing to go for adventure and mystery? 

Not willing to go that far just for Easter Island? Check out our Best of Chile itinerary to see how we can link up the Atacama, Santiago, and Torres del Paine with this enigmatic isle.