M ystic and overflowing with legends, with a history that goes back to the 4th century BC, Easter Island is a prime destination for tourists from all over the world, who will find the colossal stone sculptures nearly six meters high, known as moai, standing with their backs to the Pacific Ocean. Their origin is cloaked in mystery. This manifestation of the island's culture, together with the unique music and the marvelous and sensuous movement of its dances, are all attractions that captivate visitors to the island.

There is still no consensus as to the origin of its first inhabitants. Various theories compete to explain the wonder of Rapa Nui, also called Te Pito Te Henua by the natives, that means "navel of the world". Some argue that its first settlers came from Polynesia and others are certain that their origin is South American.

In any case, the men who built the moai were part of a hierarchical and very religious culture that wanted to raise its ancestors to the level of gods, erecting these gigantic figures carved from the volcanos.

The island's archaeological patrimony has no peers, the uniqueness of its inhabitants and traditions, the transparency of its waters, its gentle geography and white beaches attract hundreds of travelers and adventurers from all over the world, who find here a paradise where they can practice scuba diving, explore caves, take archaeological tours, walks and go horseback riding.

Attractions
History
Genealogies kept by island natives indicate that Rapa Nui was first inhabited around the 4th century AD, by able canoeists from the Marquesas islands. The islanders remained entirely isolated for some thirteen centuries, until the island was 'discovered' on Easter Sunday, 1722, by Dutch mariner Jacob Roggeveen. In the 19th century, islanders were abducted by the hundreds to work the guano mines of Peru, leaving a population of just over 100 natives in 1888, when the island was incorporated into Chile.

Archaeology
Over 600 massive stone idols, known as moais, are Easter Island's most characteristic and widely recognized archaeological remains. Set upon stone platforms called ahus, these moai were revered as representations of the islanders' mythical ancestors; most were toppled from their ahus during inter-tribal warfare beginning around the year 1600.

Ethnic / folklore
Language and culture on Easter Island reflect the Polynesian origin of the island's native inhabitants. Wooden carvings, body painting, and tattooing are among the most traditional and highly refined forms of art on the island, which comes alive for two weeks every February with the contagious rhythms of the Tapati festival.

Geology
Formed by lava flows from three separate volcanos, Easter Island first emerged from the vast Pacific about 3 million years ago. The relative depth of the water surrounding the island has inhibited reef formation, exposing the island's shore to intense wave erosion, creating dozens of caves and steep sea cliffs.

Activities
Scuba & snorkeling
Easter Island boasts what may well be the world's clearest water, with underwater visibility exceeding 50m. Warm water, an abundance of colorful tropical fish, undersea caves and escarpments, and giant corals are a few of the other factors that make Easter Island Chile's premier dive site.

Horseback riding
Horses are a great way to visit Easter Island's scattered archaeological sites, beaches and caves, The island's gentle, rolling topography makes horseback riding trips appropriate for all ages and abilities.

Trekking
In two or three days, visitor can easily walk to all of Easter Island's main attractions, from the Orongo ceremonial village to the to of Maunga Terevaka, the island's tallest volcano.