Team Cascada Insights: Belén and Camila discovered Easter Island

About 2,300 miles / 3,700 kilometers from the Chilean mainland lies Easter Island or locally known as Rapa Nui. It’s only 63 square miles / 165 km² in size, but it holds a long history, a rich Polynesian culture, and, perhaps most famously, more than 900 Moai statues carved between the 11th and 16th centuries by the island’s inhabitants. These statues are scattered across beaches, green hills, and volcanic craters.

Camila and Belén, two Travel Experience Designers at Cascada Expediciones, were eager to explore Easter Island and returned with many stories and tips. Time for a conversation!

Exploring Easter Island: What did you do during your trip?

Belén and Camila: "We really enjoyed Rapa Nui, it was magical! We took several excursions from our Rapa Nui Explorer program. On these excursions, we visited archaeological sites of Rapa Nui National Park to learn more about the island’s history and culture. 

It is good to know that you have to visit most of the sites with a local guide.

• Ahu Akivi: We saw 7 Moai. These are the only ones on the island that face the Pacific Ocean.
  
  
• Puna Pau: A small volcanic crater where the red scoria stone for the Moai topknots was quarried.
  
  
• Vaihu: A small village showing how the inhabitants once lived.
  
  
• Rano Raraku: We took a short trek and saw Moai in every direction and position. The guide explained how the statues were made, which was fascinating. Carvers would begin by shaping the front and sides of the statue while it was still attached to the quarry rock. Then, they would separate the back from the rock and start moving it downhill.
  
  
• Ahu Nau Nau: A row of Moai on Anakena Beach.
  
  
• Rano Kau – Orongo: We saw the crater of the Rano Kau volcano and the guide told us about the local ceremony to choose the village leader. In summary, representatives of each clan climb down the cliffs, swim to a nearby isle, and go search for the first egg of the mau tara bird. The first to return with an unbroken egg became the Birdman, giving his clan special privileges for a year.
  
  
• Ahu Tongariki & Ahu Tahai: Perfect spots to enjoy the sunset, it was beautiful!
  
  

Interesting, and did you do anything without a guide or tour?

Camila: "Yes, we also explored the island on our own with a car and a quad bike. We relaxed on Anakena Beach, walked around Hanga Roa (the island’s main town and gateway), and browsed souvenir shops. Belén went snorkeling, and we attended a traditional dance show."

Belén: "Something we didn’t do but would love to, also with a guide, is a stargazing tour."

Quad biking on Easter Island, how was it? 

Camila: "It was fine, but we only recommend it for distances that aren’t too long, since the maximum speed is only 50 km/h (about 31 mph)."

And Belén, did you like snorkeling? 

Belén: “It was great! I went snorkeling at Anakena Beach and was surrounded by fish in many colors. I also saw coral and sea turtles. You can easily arrange snorkeling material in Hanga Roa. You can even spot turtles right in the bay."

Do you feel you got a real sense of the Rapa Nui culture and history?

Camila: "Yes, Easter Island is mainly a destination for people who love culture and history. It’s less of a place for just lying on the beach. 

The dance show, for example, is highly recommended. It’s a fun experience with live music and interactive dancing. You can join in yourself! We saw it at Hotel Taha Tai, but there are other places where you can view a show as well. Just check the schedule while you're there, because it only takes place on certain days of the week."

Belén: "Another memorable moment was visiting Anakena Beach, where we were fortunate to witness a local ceremony honoring the arrival of King Hotu Matu’a. There was traditional music, curanto (a traditional dish of seafood, meat, and vegetables cooked in a pit with hot stones) shared with everyone, and a festive atmosphere.

The guides also add so much value to your visit. They are locals who share their love for the island. At Rano Raraku, for example, our guide explained things in such a way that everything we had heard before came together and made sense."

When did you visit Rapa Nui?

Camila: "We traveled in early July and stayed 5 days, 4 nights. The first and last days were our arrival and departure days, so we had 3 full days. Even on travel days, you can do an excursion because the airport is close and small. You don’t need to be there hours in advance."

Belén: "For me, it could have been longer! I’d like to return in summer when the sun makes the landscapes more colorful and the photos more vibrant."

Camila: "And you can also enjoy the pool at your hotel more in summer!"

Speaking about summer, how was the weather during your stay?

Belén: "Good! Rapa Nui has a tropical, humid climate. It never gets truly cold. We visited in winter, and the temperature never fell below 68°F / 20°C during the day, typically ranging from 68–73°F / 20–23°C. But the weather changes quickly. One morning we had sunshine, and by afternoon heavy rain showers."

Did you also try the local cuisine? Any recommendations?

Camila: "You can get a lot of fish and seafood. Tuna is especially typical, sometimes even in empanadas. If you want meat, I’d recommend going to a proper meat restaurant, because all meat is imported from mainland Chile and is less fresh."

Belén: "Speaking of meat, the island is full of chickens! They are everywhere and very noisy, especially early in the morning from 4 AM. This goes back to history: settlers brought chickens as their only source of protein, so they were bred. And now they roam freely all over the island."

The island is very remote. Are there things travelers should be aware of?

Camila: "It’s a good idea to download your ticket for Rapa Nui National Park in advance. You need to show it at many historical sites, and there’s limited internet access."

Belén: "It’s also useful to bring hiking shoes for the different sites. The trails are uneven and not flat."

Anything else that should go in the suitcase of travelers?

Camila: “A rain jacket or windbreaker, sunscreen for the changing weather, and a reusable water bottle for day trips."

Some last, short questions…

Highlight of this trip? Rano Raraku, Orongo and the sunsets

Best meal or snack?  Empanadas (Belén) - Tuna ceviche (Camila)

Most beautiful viewpoint? Anakena (Belén) - Ahu Tongariki (Camila)

Fun fact about the island? There are chickens everywhere! (Belén)
“Iorana” means hello, welcome, and goodbye. (Camila)

Thanks for sharing your insights, Belén and Camila!

Ready for a trip to Easter Island? Book your holiday with Cascada Expediciones!