Easter Island is one of the most isolated places on Earth. Located in the Pacific, about 3,600 km off the coast of Chile, it is known for its huge statues - moai carved from volcanic tuff.
The entire area of the dump is under the protection of Rapa Nui National Park. Due to its landscape values and the presence of monumental sculptures, it was entered on the UNESCO list. The island has a volcanic origin, and its territory includes, among others Morning Kau Crater and Terevaka Volcano.
The first people came to Easter Island probably in the eighth century. They came from Hawaii, and in later centuries there was also an influx of people from Polynesia. At the time of arrival to its shores by the Dutch in the 18th century, it was inhabited by approx. 2-3 thousand. people. Currently, there is 1 city of Hanga Roa on the entire island, which is the administrative center and the main tourist center.
The main attraction of Easter Island are the massive moai statues. Often called colossi, they stand primarily on the coast, and their largest concentrations are Ahu Nau Nau, Anakena Beach, Orongo, the area of the Rano Kau crater and Ahu Ature Huki. Statues depicting human figures with oblong heads and huge hats had a cult character in the past. They were probably created around 1000 years ago, and scientists are still arguing about the circumstances and why they were carved.
