Easter Island – One of the World’s Most Remote Inhabited Islands

Everyone has their childhood CURIOSITY, this is mine!

The iconic Moai, the giant stone statues on Easter Island!

Ever since I was a kid, I have always wondered if this island with the big head giant statues exists. Have you ever played this classic Konami game, Gradius, it’s a shooting game, the giant statues are the annoying enemy. This game has definitely aroused my curiosity about the statues, and I have dreamt of visiting this mysterious island since.

Ceilings are always your worst enemy in Gradius. | Konami

Many years later, I finally made it there!

Approximately 3540 kms off the coast of Chile, Easter Island (Isla de Pascua), is among the world’s most remote inhabited islands.

Easter Island, a special Chilean territory, is a remote volcanic island in Polynesia. Its native name is Rapa Nui. It’s famed for archaeological sites, including nearly 1000 monumental statues called Moai, created by inhabitants during the 13th–16th centuries. The Moai are carved human figures with oversized heads, often resting on massive stone pedestals called ahus.

In 1995, UNESCO named Easter Island a World Heritage Site, with much of the island protected within Rapa Nui National Park.

15 proud and distinct Moais stand firmly on the ahu!

How to Get to Easter Island?

Only LATAM Airlines (formerly LAN) flies one flight daily to Easter Island (IPC) from Santiago (SCL), Chile. The flight ticket is very expensive during peak season between December to February, do expect to pay USD500-800 return. The flying time is between 5-6 hours. Many people skip Easter Island when they travel to Chile because of this reason.

It is definitely one of the most difficult island to reach!

However, you can always check for the ticket price during non-peak months. October, November, March and April provides more opportunity for exploring the island in a more secluded manner. There are less people visiting making for a simpler and more relaxed endeavour.

LATAM flight landing into Easter Island!

Try Skyscanner or LATAM website to check out the flights.

Of course, if you are an airlines employee like me, you have no reason to not go there, because there’ll be no budget concern. Make use of the travel benefit you have!

What to Do on Easter Island? How Many Days?

There are many things to do on the island, spend at least 4-5 days there to truly experience the Rapa Nui culture and appreciate the historical amazement. It’s not easy to get there, and you would want to be able to enjoy without any regret. Weather is unpredictable on Easter Island, I am sure you do want your pictures with the giant statues under the clear blue sky.

Rent A Car to Travel Around the Island

Joining a tour is extremely expensive on the island, I’d recommend you to rent a car for 2-3 days and you’ll have all your freedom to travel around the island easily. Especially watching sunrise and sunset are among the top things to do, you’ll need a car to drive to the sights.

Most of the accommodations are family business, they often provide car rental service, even if they don’t, they will refer you to a car rental with a good price. I visited Easter Island in 2014, I remember paying CLP100,000 (USD140) for 48 hours rental. You may check with your accommodation and compare the price with booking online, a little tips to save some money. Driving on Easter Island is rather easy & safe, there are not many cars, on top of that the road is very straight forward. It takes slightly over an hour to drive around the entire island.

Sunrise Watching at Ahu Tongariki

Ahu Tongariki houses the largest stone platform on Easter Island. This platform, known as an ahu, is lined up on 200 metre (650 foot) long podiums. Easter Island’s ahu were meticulously restored in the early 1990s after the island’s civil war toppled the Moai and a tsunami later displaced them inland. The area of Ahu Tongariki is situated between two extinct volcanoes, Rano Raraku and Poike on the south coast of Rapa Nui.

Watching sunrise over the 15 Moais at Ahu Tongariki is perhaps the most popular thing to do in Easter Island. This particular location is so unique because it holds the best restored Moais on the entire island.

Re-erected to their traditional positions after a huge tsunami knocked them down in 1960, the 15 Moais stand tall with spectacular mountains and ocean views behind them.

Ahu Tahai – The Best Sunset Spot on the Island

The view of Tahai is impressive at any time, but since you can access the site as many times as you like, I recommend visiting the place at least twice, if you spend enough time on the island.

Visit in the early morning, this is when the sun illuminates the front of the statues and it’s the best time to take pictures of the Moai and yourself.

Return for the sunset, the most wanted by tourists happens at this moment. The sunset light backlit the silhouettes of the statues on a background that changes colour as the sun is hidden on the horizon. It will definitely give you an unforgettable magical and mystical moment.

Take a Swim and Relax at Anakena Beach

Anakena is the main beach on Easter Island. Its white and fine coral sand, crystalline turquoise sea, calm waves and coconut palms make it an ideal place for rest and leisure.

Sunbathing on the fine sand and taking a swim while watching the centuries-old stone giants, which seem to monitor our rest, is a unique and overwhelming sensation. How much history is breathed in this magical place!

Ahu Nau Nau – The Best Preserved Moai on the Island

The vision of the Ahu Nau Nau framed between the palm trees, the white sand and the turquoise blue of the exotic beach of Anakena is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful that can be seen in Easter Island. The human contribution throughout history, added to the natural beauty of this small bay, have created a dreamy Polynesian scene.

Four of the Moai have large red hats made from scoria (volcanic rock) called pukao!

Rano Raraku – The Most Beautiful Site on the Island

Rano Raraku is the most interesting and beautiful site on the entire island in my opinion, it is a place where the iconic giant statues were carved.

Rano Raraku is like a factory of sorts, each statue was carved from hardened volcanic ash before being carefully cut away and moved to its designated final resting place on the island, often many kilometres away.

Some are nearly completed statues awaiting transportation; others are still in the process of being carved, not yet removed from the bedrock. All of the Moai at Rano Raraku remain today how they were left when work at the quarry was abandoned. It truly is a glimpse into history.

Standing so close to my childhood video game enemy!

Ahu Akivi – The Only Moais Facing the Ocean

The Moais of Easter Island don’t usually face the ocean, but rather look inland. While there’s many different conspiracy theories about this, the truth is that they were built to look back at the villages they represented, to protect and bring prosperity to their clan and village.

The only exception to this is Ahu Akivi, which is facing the ocean. This is because the village was built on the edge of the sea, and with no room to place the ahu (platform) in their standard place, the villagers placed it behind.

This site has seven Moais, all of equal shape and size, and is also known as a celestial observatory that was set up around the 16th century. The site is located inland, rather than along the coast.

Mirador Rano Kau – The Largest Volcano Crater

Rano Kau is the largest volcano and one of the most beautiful and impressive natural settings that can be admired on Easter Island. The sensation of immensity and silence, interrupted only by the wind, the distant sound of the waves and the occasional squawking of seabirds, makes Rano Kau one of the favourite and unforgettable places for visitors.

It has its own ecosystem; and its microclimate creates a natural greenhouse effect, with favourable humidity and lighting conditions for the development and cultivation of many species of vegetation and a rich diversity of flowers within it which is unique to the island.

Get Your “Isla de Pascua” Stamp on Your Passport

Go to the post office and pay only USD1, and you’ll get this beautiful “Isla de Pascua” stamp on your passport, marking your visit on Easter Island.

A Must-Try Chilean Burger

This is a MUST when you are on Easter Island, the burger is so thick and it is freshly prepared for you. Every bite brings you joy, the meat is so juicy and tender; the lettuce, thick-cut tomato and avocado give the perfect balance and texture to it, and the egg yolk runs down from the top when you have your first bite, plus the cheese. There are so many things going on, they are definitely generous!

Try this delicious burger at “Club Sandwich” at a reasonable price!

Check out the Top 10 restaurants of Easter Island on tripadvisor, so you don’t miss out the best food experience.

“ The adventure you make fulfills your curiosity, and it is the best way to learn! ”

– Raynard Jackle

There are a few more things to do on Easter Island other than what that are mentioned above, like visiting the Ana Kakenga Cave, Botanical Garden TauKiani, Rapa Nui Museum, etc.

If you would like to do some sports, you can also rent a mountain bike and cycle around the island, I think that’s a fun thing to do, definitely a better way of exploring & appreciating this beautiful remote island.

Why Making the Moai?

The Rapa Nui people began carving Moai somewhere between 1000-1600 AD as a form of ancestor worship, a common practice throughout Polynesia at the time. When an important member of a tribe on Easter Island died, a statue was crafted at Rano Raraku then transported back to their village. The Moai were placed on a platform overlooking the village as a way of protecting its descendants.

A large Moai could take a team of workers up to 2 years to be carved. The soft volcanic stone (lapilli tuff) was chipped away using carving tools called toki, made from hard and sturdy basalt.

The Moai were carved on their backs with all details completed at the quarry except for the eye sockets (these were done once the Moai reached their platforms). The back of the Moai were then chipped away from the side of the volcano and carefully slid down a dirt ramp using ropes.

The statues were then lowered into pre-dug holes and stood upright, so designs could be carved onto the backs of the Moai. Once the back carvings were completed, the statues were ready to be transported across the island.

The production and transportation of Moai eventually took a toll on Easter Island, depleting much of its timber supply. Eventually there were not enough resources to create ropes and wooden sleds for moving the statues, so hundreds of Moai remain at the quarry.

Watch this youtube video to find out more interesting facts about Easter Island and the Moai!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4U5Y7MSAJc&t=15s

My Videos on Easter Island

Check out my videos with the mysterious giant stone head statues on this beautiful island in the middle of Pacific Ocean.

Being on Easter Island is definitely a dream came true for me, how about you? Is there any place you are curious about?

March 6, 2021October 14, 2021

Perito Moreno Glacier – an Unbelievable Experience

seeing the glacier is
MIND-BLOWING !!!

If you ask me what is one of the most impressive things I have seen, I’d say it is definitely seeing the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Los Glaciares National Park in Argentine Patagonia is home to the Perito Moreno Glacier. The park is 75 km west of El Calafate, the town where most people stay when visiting the glacier. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Argentine Patagonia.

Some FACTS about Perito Moreno Glacier

It was named in honour of the Argentinian explorer Francisco Moreno, who played an important role in the border dispute between Argentina and Chile in the 19th century.
It is the third largest reserve of fresh water on the planet.
It is covering a total of 100 square miles, the glacier is 3 miles wide and rises 78 meters above the lake Lago Argentino, with its deepest point stretching to approximately 700 meters.
Despite the global warming, this glacier is growing, moving forward around 2 meters a day.

How to Get There & How Much?

El Calafate is my second stop after visiting El Chaltén, we booked on a shuttle bus directly from El Chaltén to our accommodation in El Calafate. Journey is 3.5 hours and the ticket costs around USD 25 per person.

If you arrive at the El Calafate airport (FTE) and you would like to go to the city first, it’s just 20 minutes away.

From the city centre, walk to the main bus terminal and purchase your bus ticket to Perito Moreno Glacier, at the same time you can also purchase the park ticket to the glacier. I’d recommend you to buy the ticket one day in advance to secure your seats, especially during peak season between November to March.

There are a few bus companies running the route, CalTur and Chaltén Travel are the 2 main ones. The bus journey is 1.5 hours and it costs around USD 30 return. First departure is at 0800.

… bring some Argentine Pesos …

The entrance fee for Los Glaciares National Park is ARS 800 (USD 13). Do remember to bring some Argentine Pesos with you, from my experience, they don’t take USD and credit card. You do not want to have any hassles when you are going to see one of the greatest natural wonders.

What to Do at the Los Glaciares National Park?

To visit the glacier, you can either join a tour or go on your own. I took the latter option to have more freedom, and cheaper of course. It is actually very easy to go independently, after buying the bus and park ticket, you are all set!

Boardwalk and viewing platform at the park!

Boardwalk and viewing platform are built in the park, making the visit very enjoyable and easy. You are able to watch the glacier up close and personal, but still at a safe distance away. There are information signs in the park for you to know about the glacier and the history.

While the glacier may seem frozen, it is actually on the move. As it grows, huge chunks break off the face of it, the splash creating a spectacular show. This phenomenon is called ice calving, or glacier calving.

… dress warm, bring some snacks, get ready to see the Ice Calving …

You must not miss the this incredible phenomenon, spend a little longer at the viewing platform and patiently wait for it to happen. The temperature is higher in the afternoon, therefore the chances of seeing ice calving is better. It is going to be very cold being so close to the glacier, dress warm and bring some snacks and a thermos flask filled with hot coffee, so you’ll stay warm and comfortable, while waiting for the magical moment.

Waiting patiently for witnessing ice calving!

Get your camera ready and when it happens, you are going to witness the ice breaking off and plummeting down into the turquoise water, the thunderous rumble of cracking ice can be heard from all over the park. I couldn’t hold my excitement when I saw it happening, jumping and screaming like a kid. The feeling of excitement is overwhelming. Sometimes the wonder of nature simply cannot be described by words!

Go there on a sunny day for best photographs of the glacier, when the blue of the ice will really shine.

… take a Boat Tour to get closer to the glacier …

Once you are at the park, you have the option to book on a boat tour. You will get up to 100 meters away from the face of Perito Moreno Glacier, having a spectacular perspective from the water’s level. You’ll see a small booth with a sign saying ‘Navegacion’ at the park entrance, there’s where you buy your ticket. There should be a departure every hourly, the tour last for 1.5 hours and the price is around USD 20, it usually include a snack and a whisky with glacier ice at the end.

…go Glacier Trekking, expensive but it’s an experience of a lifetime …

If you have the budget, I’d strongly recommend you to join the tour to Perito Moreno Glacier with Glacier Trekking, it’s expensive but I think it’s an experience of a lifetime. I wish I had done it when I was there.

You will be given crampons and ice axes and be taken on a guided trek, imagine walking on this enormous glacier and feel the crack of the ice right under your feet, I believe it’s going to be an experience you will never forget.

There are two options for the Glacier Trekking:

Big Ice Trek costs around ARS 4000 (USD 275), it’s a full experience where you will get the chance of visiting ice cave, walking further up on the glacier, of course it’s more challenging physically.
Mini Trek costs around ARS 2400 (USD 156).

“ The most beautiful gift of nature is that it gives one pleasure to look around and try to comprehend what we see. ”

– Albert Einstein

When is the BEST Time to Go?

The best time to visit the glacier is between November and March. The summer months come with clear skies and warmer weather. However, that also means it will be packed with tourists. Spend at least 3 days in El Calafate because you’d want to see the glacier at its best, give yourself some buffer in case the weather changes.

If you’d like to avoid tourist crowd, maybe you can consider visiting in October and April.

The visit of Perito Moreno Glacier is often combined with Mount Fitz Roy Hikes in El Chaltén which is 3 hours away, that makes a complete Argentine Patagonia itinerary.

March 4, 2021July 4, 2021

Mount Fitz Roy – The Beautiful Argentine Patagonia

absolutely BREATHTAKING!
one of the most BEAUTIFUL places to hike!

Mount Fitz Roy is a mountain in Patagonia, on the border between Argentina and Chile. It is located in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, near El Chaltén village and Viedma lake.

You might not have heard about Mount Fitz Roy but you have definitely heard about the American clothing brand, Patagonia. The Patagonia logo is a stylistic version of the Mount Fitz Roy.

The Fitz Roy hike is like no others. The hike takes the whole day from morning til evening, about 11-12 hours including break time, photos and picnic at De los Tres Lagoon, the highest point of the Fitz Roy trek. The day hike is a long and strenuous hike with an amazing view along the way and at the end, making it the most beautiful hike in Patagonia.

At the highest elevation of the Fitz Roy hike, De los Tres Lagoon, with the altitude of approximately 1200M.

El Chaltén – The Capital of Trekking

Most of the trailheads start in the town of El Chaltén, you can say it’s a hiker’s mecca right in the Fitz Roy range. One of the delights of hiking here is that without taking any transport, you can spend each day exploring all the different viewpoints, lagoons and mountains and return each evening to a comfortable hotel in this welcoming, lively mountain village. You can then take a hot shower, get changed and immediately head out for your well-deserving dinner at the restaurants nearby.

How to Get to El Chaltén?

The very first step to begin your adventure in the Argentine Patagonia is to fly to El Calafate (FTE). There are flights operating daily from most of Argentina’s major hubs, including Ushuaia and Buenos Aires.

Once you land into El Calafate airport, you should see shuttle buses & minivans waiting for the flights arrival to transport passengers to either El Calafate city centre or El Chaltén. You may buy the ticket directly from them and that’s the cheapest way to go to El Chaltén.

The journey from El Calafate airport to El Chaltén is about 215 km, it takes around 3 hours. One way bus ticket should cost you around ARS 1900 (USD 22). There are three bus companies: Caltur, with 3 departures a day, El Chaltén, with up to 5 departures a day, and TAQSA, which leaves at least twice a day. The earliest bus leaves at 0800 and the latest at 1800. These buses often sell out during the high season (December – February), so book your tickets in advance. The buses are generally clean, comfortable and have bathroom facilities onboard.

The scenic journey from El Calafate to El Chaltén!

You can also choose private transfer or hire a car, giving you more flexibility to stop for pictures or bathroom break along the way. The 3 hours journey is very scenic as you will be passing Lake Argentino as well as Lake & Glacier Viedma, at the same time you’ll be immersing yourself in the views of Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. This is going to get you so excited even before you arrive at El Chaltén, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes.

Where to Stay at El Chaltén?

Once you get to the centre of El Chaltén, on both sides of the main road, San Martin, you will see plenty of accommodation choices, there’s something for everyone.

During peak season (December – February), you better make your booking in advance to avoid disappointment . Also, if you already have your booking, you’ll be able to tell the bus company when you buy your shuttle bus ticket at El Calafate airport and they will drop you directly at your hotel.

I visited El Chaltén in 2016, we were staying at Patagonia Travellers’ Hostel, the price is reasonable and it’s very well located, in the heart of the village. Restaurants, grocery stores, cafes, and souvenir shops are within walking distance. The rooms are very clean, the staff speak good English and they are very helpful in providing information regarding the hikes. There’s also a shared kitchen for the guest to use. Overall, we had a wonderful experience there.

We cooked our dinner before waking up the next day for our Mount Fitz Roy hike!

You may check out their website for more information: www.patagoniahostel.com.ar

The Hikes around Mount Fitz Roy

“Laguna de los Tres Trail”

Total Distance: 26 km
Duration: 11 hours
Highest Elevation: 1200M
Difficulty: 5/5
View: 5/5

This trail is the most popular one to do in El Chaltén, it provides arguably the best viewpoint in the national park. Los Tres (the Three) refers to the peaks of Mount Fitz Roy, Poincenot and Torre, all of which can be seen in the magnificent 360 degree views from the shores of the lake. It is a strenuous hike, at the same time it is extremely rewarding. Throughout this entire 26 km trail, you’ll get to see the flora and fauna of this Argentine Patagonia. This is absolutely one of the most scenic hikes I have ever done, the snow capped mountains are seen throughout the whole trail and that makes the hike very enjoyable, it feels like you are embraced completely by the beautiful nature.

Get a trekking map from your hotel and you are good to go! You will find signs along the way so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. You are going to have a lot of fun and enjoy every moment throughout the hike.

On the San Martin main road, walk to the end and you’ll find the trailhead to Fitz Roy and that’s where you begin your hike.

As you can see from this sign at the entrance of the trail, it’s very straight forward and the viewpoints are shown. You are heading to Laguna de los Tres where you’re going to get a close and magnificent shot of the snow capped Mount Fitz Roy.

The signboard of the trail at the entrance!

The first viewpoint is “Río de las Vueltas”, the Vueltas River, is a river course located in the Lago Argentino department. It descends towards the Viedma lake, making numerous curves through lenga forests and vertical walls. It is one of the most important rivers in the area and transports water from the melting of glaciers in the region.

I am totally in love with the surrounding!

Keep following the trail and you will come to the second viewpoint, “Mirador del Fitz Roy”, the lookout point of Fitz Roy. This is where you’ll get an unobstructed & gorgeous view of Mount Fitz Roy.

A perfect view of Mount Fitz Roy at the second viewpoint!

Halfway checkpoint before arriving at Laguna de los Tres!

After this lookout point, you’ll be more relaxed as the following 3-4 km will be mostly flat before you get to the Poincenot campsite. Enjoy breathing in the fresh air and immerse yourself in the nature. You’ll see streams with clean cold glacier water, according to the local, it is absolutely safe to drink. I trusted them and took a mouthful of water, it’s so refreshing! I didn’t have any stomach discomfort after, ha!

You’ll then come across a junction, where you can go to Laguna Torre taking your left, that’s another beautiful lagoon you’ll have to check it out. But for this trail you are taking the right, continue on to Laguna de los Tres.

Turn left to Laguna Torre, turn right to Laguna de los Tres!

The final part of this trail is the hardest, be prepared as it gets steeper and rocky, and the temperature drops significantly. Take your time to slowly and carefully ascend and you will soon arrive at the lagoon.

Standing on the frozen Laguna de los Tres!

Enjoy the Mount Fitz Roy up close, your best reward after the tough hike. Now you can enjoy your lunch break, and take all your time for capturing the beauty of the surrounding. Even though the best season to visit the Argentine Patagonia is during the summer months, however, on colder months, the lagoon gets completely frozen and you can walk on it, it’s another different experience.

Lucky for us, we spotted a few wild foxes up there around the lagoon, they were so shy and adorable. That has made our whole hike even more memorable.

Take the same path for returning to El Chaltén.

“Laguna Torre Trail”

Total Distance: 20 km
Duration: 9 hours
Highest Elevation: 560M
Difficulty: 3/5
View: 5/5

Beside Laguna de los Tres, this is another great classic trail you don’t want to miss. It is a valley trek that will take you to an overwhelming site of mountains and glaciers. The trail enters the valley of the Fitz Roy river and follows up alongside the stream to its source.

This trail difficulty level is moderate and it’s suitable for everyone. It offers a total different scenery than the Laguna de los Tres trail. You are going to see valley that is so stunning, glaciers, waterfalls, different kind of trees and flowers, also special species of birds can be spotted.

Most of the ascending of this trail is at the beginning, the second half of the trail is mostly flat with some up and down sections.

Laguna Torre Trail is well-marked all the way, there’s no confusion point at all. You just need to get a trekking map and you can enjoy the trek at your own pace.

When you finally get to Laguna Torre, you will be blown away by what you see. Cerro Torre, an iconic mountain towering behind and a glacier that spills into Laguna Torre, ice bergs can be seen floating on it. It is just so captivating! I have never seen anything like this.

From Laguna Torre, you can hike to Mirador Maestri, a lookout point of the glacier. The ascent is about 300 meters, estimate about an hour time to reach. We regretted that we didn’t make it there, especially after seeing pictures of others. The view up there is amazing, you’ll get a great view of the glacier. Well, that gives me a reason to go back, and at the same time exploring more trails.

“Laguna de los Tres + Laguna Torre Circuit Trail”

If you are looking for something more adventurous, you can combine both of the classic trails into this circuit trail, with the total distance of 35 km. In order for you to have sufficient time to truly enjoy the nature and taking photographs, you may consider this camping itinerary:

Day 1: Begin your hike to Laguna de los Tres and spend a night at the Poincenot campsite. You can leave your bags and equipments at the campsite before going to the lagoon.

Day 2: From Poicenot campsite, head to El Chaltén direction and shortly you’ll arrive at the junction where there’s a sign showing you the direction to Laguna Torre. You’ll continue to hike about 7 km to reach there. From Laguna Torre, you will hike directly back to El Chaltén.

Of course, there are more trails you can do in and around El Chaltén if you have more time.

Some hiking trails in and around El Chaltén!

“ Throw yourselves into the wild nature and let the Nature does wonders to your brain, body and soul! ”