Moai at Rano Raraku on Easter Island, Chile

• The first settlers landed on what's now known as Easter Island an estimated 1,500 years ago, and are thought to have arrived by raft from Tahiti, more than 2,500 miles to the west.
  
• The remains of the Polynesian culture that influenced the Rapa Nui people for centuries are visible all around the island.
  
• Most prominent are Moai, huge sacred stone carvings of people's heads and torsos made of lava rocks carved about 1,200 years ago.
  
• More than 800 Moai were carved from the walls of this extinct volcano — exactly how they were transported from the quarry is unknown.
  
• The average high temperature on Easter Island is 75 degrees.
  
• Light clothing and sun protection are recommended.
  
• LanChile is the only commercial airline that serves Easter Island.
  
• November through March is the best time to travel to Easter Island.
  
• Chilean pesos are the preferred method of payment on the island.
  
• A horseback ride to Mauna Terevaka offers an unbelievable 360-degree view of the island and ocean surrounding it. You can see the horizon in every direction.
  
• San Cristobal Hill is home to one of Santiago's most popular city parks.
  
• The nearby Andes Mountains are a favorite destination for snow skiers.

Accommodations and Air

Radisson Plaza Santiago Hotel
Av. Vitacura 2610, Santiago
Las Condes, Chile
$125-310 per night, depending on the room and season
888-201-1718
www.radisson.com

LanChile
1960 East Grand Ave, Suite 520
El Segundo, CA 90245
Roundtrip ticket from Santiago, Chile to Easter Island about $650, 5-hour flight
800-735-5526
www.lanchile.com

Hanga Roa Hotel
Avenida Pont SN, Isla De Pascua
Easter Island, Chile
Rooms from $90-$160 per night
Phone: 011-56-32-100-299
www.chile-hotels.com/hangaroa.htm

Tours and Galleries

Chilean Tourism Promotion Office
1732 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
Make arrangements for a tour with a private guide and vehicle ($130/day) through this office; also horseback tour of Rano Aroi Volcano with lunch, $190/person; private dinner with musicians in Ana Te Pora Cave, $420.
202-530-4108
www.visitchile.org

Benedicto Tuki Gallery
Au Kara, Avenida Pont, Rapa Nui
Gallery visits free
Phone: 011-56-32-100-539
Benedicto Tuki is island's most famous stone carver