Hostels in EASTER ISLAND, CHILE

City Easter Island: The Polynesian Island

A Polynesian island in the Pacific Ocean, which lies at the southern most point of the Polynesian Triangle, is called Easter Island. Easter Island is famous for its moai or 887 extra monumental statues. It is also a world heritage site.

History
The Island got its name from its first recorded European visitor, Mr Jacob Roggeveen, a Dutch explorer, who encountered it on an Easter Day. Rapa Nui, or Big Napa, as the current Polynesian name of the Island was coined by labor immigrants from Rapa in the Bass islands. Famines, epidemics, civil wars, slave raids, and colonialism have come and gone on this island. It has lost its ecosystem, and population has declined out of bounds on more than one occasion. But, it has survived all of that, and on July 30th, 2007, was named as the special territory of Chile.

Popular Places and Monuments
Moai are the biggest attractions in the Easter Islands. They are more fragile than they seem, so must be handled with care. When placed on Ahu, which are ceremonial platforms and burials, one must never walk on them, as it’s a disrespectful gesture. Along the coastline, there are lots of archaeological sites, with lots of ahu and moai around.

Rano Kau and Rano Raraku are two volcanic craters. On the inland quarry of Rano Raraku, carvings of moai are born. On the 300 foot remains of the, various stages of the moai making can be seen. Rano Kau is breathtaking in its beauty, filled with fresh rainwater, and giving a mottled unearthly appearance.

Two white sand beaches are there on Easter Islands. They are Anakena, on the north side of the island, and another nameless beach. The second beach is in fact hidden, and therefore, doesn’t even have a name, but is an epitome of beauty in itself.

Getting Around
This, being a small island, doesn’t have an easy getting around transport. Only renting is an option, which is available quite easily. Jeeps and cars can be hired. Bicycle and motor scooter can also be hired. You need a proper license for motor scooter, motorbikes, and dirtbikes. Asking one’s guide is always advisable.

Places of Entertainment
Most of the commerce on the island occurs in the port town Hanga Rao. It is a major shopping destination, with open market, and small shops for tourists.  One can buy souvenirs, and pieces of Chilean, and Island culture.

There is a well-developed cave system. Two of the caves have been named official. There are innumerable numbers of caves other than the official ones, and there lies the real adventure of exploring those caves.

Accommodation
Most of the accommodation consists of guesthouses, bed and breakfast, budget hotels there are not many youth hostels. All the accommodations are quite reasonable, and one won’t have problem finding accommodation.

Currency
CLP or Chilean Peso is the official currency. But unlike mainland, US Dollars are allowed for trade in the Island. Exchange news is important however, if you want to know current conversions.

Group accommodation in Easter Island | Budget hotels & cheap hostels