Whether you’re looking for an expert-led tour or you’re more of an independent traveler, there are plenty of things to do in Easter Island! Some travelers enjoy visiting the main Easter Island attractions and participating in guided Easter Island tours to Anakena, Orongo and Ahu Akivi. Guided tours ensure that you receive a full explanation of Easter Island history, as well as information on the island’s current state. While guided tours are interesting and informative, some visitors would rather explore Easter Island on their own. For the independent travelers out there, I have a couple of suggestions for what you can easily do in Easter Island without the help of a guide! Let’s begin!

1. Watch the Sunset at Ahu Tahai

Arguably one of the best things to do in Easter Island is to watch the sunset. Ahu Tahai is the best place to see the sunset on Easter Island. Luckily for visitors, Ahu Tahai is walking distance from most of the Easter Island resorts and hotels. You can find the restored complex located north of Hanga Roa, between the cemetery and the museum. Make sure to arrive early and bring a blanket to sit on the grass.

2. Visit the Anthropological Museum

The Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum is north of Hanga Roa, between Ahu Tahai and the Altiplanico Hotel. I recommend visiting this museum on the day you arrive at Easter Island. That way, you can learn crucial information about the island that will be interesting to you throughout your stay. The descriptions in this museum are provided in both Spanish and English and explain the whole story of the island, from the first settlers to its current state. Among the collection, find a female Moai and the remains of the coral eyes of the Moais.

3. Visit the Santa Cruz Church

The Santa Cruz Catholic Church is worth a visit for its beautiful exterior and interior. The church is especially mesmerizing on Sunday mornings when the first mass (9 am) is given in the Rapa Nui language. Other masses are given Monday through Friday at 7 pm, and on Sundays at 11 am. You can also visit the church outside of mass hours. Don’t forget that the church is a sacred place where many local people go, so you must be respectful when visiting. With that being said, the mass is not a show. Guests should dress appropriately and avoid talking or taking photos during mass.

4. Buy Handicrafts at the Easter Island Jail

You might not consider visiting a jail something to do in Easter Island, but it is! Easter Island is one of the most peaceful destinations in the world, which is why you might be surprised to find out that the island has its own jail. Locals have nicknamed the jail “the Hotel”. You can visit the Hotel for souvenirs and handicrafts because this small and quiet prison hosts its own workshop, where inmates work and sell their own creations.

You can choose to support them, as they work to get their life back on track by purchasing their handicraft. It is especially worth it if you would like to bring back home medium or bigger size wooden statues. The jail is located close to the airport. Simply ask the hotel staff for directions on how to get there, and the exact opening hours of the workshop.

5. Relax at the Easter Island Beaches

Head to Anakena, Easter Island’s most famous beach. Imagine yourself bathing in the clear waters of Polynesia with views of the swaying palm trees and historic Moais, in one of the most historical sites in the world. Sounds nice, no? If you have extra time and the weather permits, you might also want to visit Pea, a natural pool located in the town of Hanga Roa (perfect for swimming but also for surfing and bodyboarding), or Ovahe, closer to Anakena but smaller and more intimate. Ovahe, characterized by its pink sand, is a great spot to snorkel.

BONUS OPTION: Visit the Jardin Tau Kiani Rapa Nui Welcome to Polynesia. A place full of lush, dense vegetation, and colorful flowers! If you are interested in Polynesia’s native flora, don’t miss the Jardin Tau Kiani Rapa Nui, a small privately funded botanical garden. The garden is located close to Ahu Akivi and is easily reachable by taxi.

During your time in Easter Island, you can also easily rent bikes, a car, or buggy. After renting one of those options, you can effortlessly travel to various parts of the island. Watch the sunrise at Ahu Tongariki (or the stars and milky way at night!), snorkel, dive, surf, horseback ride, or hike one of the island’s volcanoes! If you’d like to learn more about Easter Island and what you can do there, make sure to contact one of our Expert Travel Consultants. We’d be happy to assist you!

What is Chile Famous For?

Have you ever wondered what Chile is famous for? Get ready to start taking notes because there’s a lot to be said about this beautiful country. From its incredibly diverse landscapes, world-renowned wine & beer, to its amazing culture of art, history, famous Chileans, and food, Chile is known for having a little bit of everything. In this article, we will explore all of this and more! From 10 facts about Chile to facts about Chile’s culture, this list truly has it all. Follow along with us now as we explore just What Chile is Famous For.

Let’s go!

#1: Diverse Landscapes of Chilean Patagonia

#2: Exquisite Wine & Beer

Travel Tip: For an entirely new experience, taste test bio-dynamic wines at Emiliana Vineyards. Emiliana Vineyards specializes in organically grown and eco-friendly wines. In fact, the company is so passionate and dedicated to organic winemaking that they became the first ever winery in South America to create a biodynamic wine. This winery is in the Casablanca Valley, which is just an hour outside of Santiago, making it a day-trip you cannot ignore. The most popular varieties to try here are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Happy Tasting!

#3: The Mysterious Easter Island

Travel Tip: Consider visiting Easter Island in February. Tapati, a traditional festival, occurs in February, where local teams compete in challenges to test their ability in time-honored Easter Island skills. It makes for quite the spectacle!

#4: Vibrant Street Art

Travel Tip: Chilean Nobel-Prize winning poet, Pablo Neruda, lived and adored Valparaiso. Many tourists come to Valparaíso to visit his eccentric house, La Sebastiana, which preserves his presence in the city.

#5: The World’s Largest Swimming Pool

But wait!

You don’t want to miss the best part!

There are still 5 more AMAZING things on our list of What is Chile Famous For?

#6: The Tallest Building in South America

#7: Street Food & Seafood!

Travel Tip: Caleta Portales translates to “fishermen village or cove”, and is where the fishermen bring the fish into the city. Stop by and pick up the local specialty Reinata (pomfret), Merluza (hake), Salmon, Jaiba (crab), Macha (clams) or Ostiones (scallops). While on a guided city tour, stop by some local eateries for some street food novelties. Nibble on savory sopaipillas (fried pastry), Chilean empanadas, completo hot dogs, candied peanuts, crates of candy and chips, and more!

#8: Futbol (Soccer for the American)

#9: An emerging Microbrewery scene

Here are a couple of popular microbreweries:

• Szot Microbrewery: a small brewery with a wealth of recognition, receiving medals at the Australian International Beer Awards in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
• Cerveceria Kuntsman: what was once a garage brewery has now become a steady business that produces one of Chile’s favorite craft beers. Choose from traditional amber ales to dark bitter beers.

• Kross Cerveceria: two engineers joined forces and created Kross, not far from Santiago. In 2011, this brewery racked up seven medals at the International Beer Challenge in England.

• Cerveza Austral: located down south in Punta Arenas, Austral gains attention and satisfies many with its recipe of German flavors and glacial water.

For a pub full of local Chilean beers, check out the Black Rock Pub in Providencia. The owners are keen to give you recommendations on which variety of beer to try.

#10: Skiing in the summer

Did you love learning all about What Chile is Famous For? Stay up-to-date with all the latest South American News by visiting our blog!

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