Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Introducing Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Rapa Nui is simply spellbinding. It will take your heart and your soul in a few days. One of the most isolated places on earth, this tiny speck of land is blessed with an extraordinary collection of archaeological sites, including the iconic moai, scattered amid an eerie landscape. These enigmatic statues, shrouded with a palpable aura, form one of Rapa Nui's most enduring images and exert a magnetic power that is hard to resist. A godsend for culture vultures, Rapa Nui will also give would-be historians plenty to ponder.

Not surprisingly, the well-publicized moai have overshadowed the island's other assets. But Rapa Nui is much more than a mind-boggling open-air museum. Sure, history is achingly prominent here but it's not the only raison d'être. It usually comes as a surprise to many travelers to discover that Rapa Nui is also a superb playground for action-seekers. Scuba-diving enthusiasts swear that the waters here are the most crystal clear of the world, while surfies rave about the powerful waves of the Pacific. If hiking or horseback riding are more to your liking, there's no better way to discover the ancient sites than on foot or on horseback - the perfect combination of nature and culture. And if all you want to do is lie back and relax, a handful of sandy beaches awaits you.

So many things in such a tiny, raw patch of land. Rapa Nui is a magical place that never fails to make visitors' jaws drop in awe.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009