Easter Island, Chile

It’s hard to feel connected to Chile, over 23oo miles (3700km) to the east, let alone the wider world. Endowed with the most logic-defying statues on the planet – the strikingly familiar moai – Easter Island (Rapa Nui to its native Polynesian inhabitants) emanates a magnetic, mysterious vibe.
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – Mystery fuels the intrigue. You’ve probably seen photos of huge human-shaped monoliths on Chile’s Easter Island, but if you haven’t seen them in person, they should be on your wish list.

The figures are carved from basalt, a volcanic rock, and archaeologists believe they were created between year 1250 and 1500. There are a total of 887 statues, the tallest of which, a statue named Paro, is 10 meters high and weighs 65 tons.

But Easter Island is much more than an open-air museum. Diving, snorkeling and surfing are fabulous. On land, there’s no better eco-friendly way to experience the island’s savage beauty than on foot, from a bike saddle or on horseback. But if all you want to do is recharge the batteries, a couple of superb expanses of white sand beckon.

Although Easter Island is world famous and visitors are on the increase, everything remains small and personable – it’s all about eco-travel.