Thinking about Easter Island, everybody is immediately picturing the giant and mysterious statues. But have you ever thought about simply spending a week there ?
– Full slide show at the bottom of the page –
For hours the plane has been flying over the Pacific’s blue expanses and in just a handful of seconds it passed the small 12 miles long island. After the U-turn and when the descent has begun, things start to be obvious: we are about to land on this small piece of lava lost in the middle of the Ocean. The only small town, Hanga Roa, is on the other side of the tarmac.
Getting off the plane, the many tourists are welcomed by the calm and the mild temperatures. It is May; we are in the low season. It might be rainier at this time of the year, but it is probably ideal to avoid large crowds and quietly enjoy the archeological sites as well as the numerous trails.
Tahai, a lonely Moai turning its back to the sunset.
Rapa Nui, the Easter Island, is far from everything, but is never deserted. The mild temperatures all year long are made for some great camping and, once in the tent, the sound of the surf gives a strong feeling of remoteness. The threatening clouds, moving through the sky, seem to answer to the raging waves, breaking on the rocks of the West and South coasts.
Several facilities are closed, and the streets are not very busy at this season. It is quite enjoyable to wander around, to let the curiosity carry us, and to discover a mix of South America and Oceania. The flyer given at the airport allows you to find your way quickly and guides you to the restaurants on the coast where fresh tuna tartar and other ceviche are delicious.
The restored ahu of Tongariki. Majestic.Historic Moai statues on Easter Island captured by Olivier Steiner Photography.Tongariki and the summit of Puakatike
If this island is so famous it is mainly for its emblematic Moais, those gigantic sculpted heads, whose real meaning is still unknown (even though a lot of more or less realistic theories exist). Most of those curiosities are lying down, face down but several Moais have been restored, standing again, back against the see, looking toward the center of the island.
Anakena
By feet, from Hanga Roa, it is possible to follow the coast and get a first sight at those stone giants in Tahai. The place is vast; the lawn freshly mown. From far, we can have a first glimpse and details are slowly revealing while approaching: most don’t have their headpiece (the “Pukao”), some still have their eyes; sometimes a piece is missing… The Moais are standing on a platform called “Ahu” surrounded by round stones arranged into lines. The whole is still majestic despite the wear of the years and it feels good to be here, facing the sea and those stone giants.
Summit of Terevaka
The archeological sites are numerous here and most of the tourists are visiting only those… All the better for the rest of the island and for the adventurous hiker seeking some solitude. Rental cars are available in Hanga Roa, but the only road is barely 26 miles long and a bike might be a better way of appreciating the calm and the sound of the ocean for anybody active.
Details of TongarikiUnique ancient stone monoliths in Sardinia, showcasing historical and archaeological significance in a picturesque landscape.
In order to enjoy another aspect of Rapa Nui, it is almost mandatory to visit the north coast, where a beautiful (but often crowded) beach gives access to a flat and calm ocean. A nearby country camping gives you an opportunity of a more secluded experience, a bit away from the excitement of this small bay. A bit before the sun disappearance, when the last vehicles are moving toward Hanga Roa, only the sound of the waves remains to defeat the silence.
Playful sun and a tall Moai in Rano Raraku
Here, like on the rest of the island, there is no water source, and the rain provides the only supply of this precious liquid. Anakena is the perfect place for whoever is looking for a calm night and a sunrise between the palm trees.
By car or by bike, it is quick and easy to tour the isle and to visit the well-developed and informed archeological sites. The contrast between the calm beaches of the North and the raging ocean breaking on the southern reef will be obvious.
A visit to the Moais starts with a flight to Rapa Nui. But is it realistic to go that far only to admire a couple of statues, however incredible and mysterious they may be?
Somewhere near the PuakatikeSummit of Terevaka. Scenic tropical coastal scene with rocky terrain, palm trees, and ocean view under a vibrant blue sky.
Three main volcanoes are gathered on the island and they offer several trails, a couple of them are well marked while other itineraries are less traveled and the curious hiker seeking remote belvederes will definitely enjoy those. From almost any hilltop the scenery is dramatic. On the Terevaka (highest spot of the island) and the Puakatike, small craters are scattered, reminding the French Massif Central and its old sleeping volcanoes. The Rano Kau hides a unique landscape: its deep crater shelters a pretty large swamp, separated from the ocean only by a thin cliff that is constantly eroded. It is easy to imagine that one day the ocean will come to take possession of this large depression, thus forever changing the environment of this exceptional place.
Near the summit of Terevaka
After a small week on this piece of lava, far from everything, living with the sun and the clouds, sheltered behind the thin fabric of the tent even during heavy storms, both spirit and body are well rested. Coming back from this incredible journey feels weird because, even if the mind is full of images, some issues are constantly raised without finding a correct answer. Tourism is the only economy of Rapa Nui but contributes far too much to its slow destruction. Since then, the Chilean government has changed the rules in order to limit this economic expansion. Finally, do we really need to go everywhere when many of us (I include myself in that group) don’t know what’s right next door? It is easy to ask this question when I have just enjoyed such an escapade….
Rano Kau
Tahai, near the main city of Hanga Roa
Tahai and the city of Hanga RoaScenic ocean view featuring a rocky shoreline, blue waters, and a sky filled with large, fluffy clouds during sunset.A scenic view of Stonehenge on the coast, showcasing the historic standing stones against a moody sky, perfect for travel and history enthusiasts.South coast of the island. Rano Kau on the left end.Scenic tropical coastal scene with rocky terrain, palm trees, and ocean view under a vibrant blue sky.
Visiting Tongariki
Ovahe Beach, not far from Anakena
The harsh south coast
Rano Raraku, the quarry where all the Moais were carvedIconic Moai statue on Easter Island with lush green hills and a bright blue sky in the background.Frühling auf der Osterinsel: Moai-Statue und Ostereier auf grüner Wiese bei schönem Himmel. Perfekt für Oster- und Reiseseiten.The whole island from the summit of Puakatike
Near the south east side of Rano Kau
Link to an article explaining some new rules about the access to the island :
Tahai, a lonely Moai turning its back to the sunset.
A Moai statue standing on a stone platform by the ocean at sunset, showcasing Easter Island’s unique cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Stunning coastal landscape photograph by Olivier Steiner, highlighting natural beauty and scenic ocean cliffs.
A panoramic view of rugged cliffs and the ocean under a vibrant blue sky, captured by Olivier Steiner Photography, emphasizing natural scenery.
Summit of Terevaka.
A scenic mountain landscape featuring rolling hills, a vibrant blue sky with scattered clouds, and a distant view of the horizon.
Somewhere near the Puakatike
A beautiful coastal landscape featuring a tree in the foreground, with the ocean and a clear blue sky with clouds in the background.
The restored ahu of Tongariki. Majestic.
Black and white landscape photo of stone statues on the coast, emphasizing natural textures and atmospheric mood.
The vast crater or Rano Kau
A stunning view of a volcanic crater with rocky edges, green moss, and mist, highlighting the dramatic landscape and natural geological formations.
Rano Kau, deep and steep.
A stunning panoramic view of Viking Mountain, showcasing vibrant greenery, rugged rocks, and atmospheric clouds for nature photography.
Rano Raraku, the quarry where all the Moais were carved
Photograph of Moai statues on Easter Island, highlighting their historical significance and unique stone craftsmanship in a scenic landscape.
Rano Kau and its unique marsh
A scenic view of a volcanic crater filled with green vegetation, surrounded by rolling hills under a bright blue sky with clouds, captured by Olivier Steiner Photography.
Tahai and the city of Hanga Roa
A striking stone balancing sculpture on the coast, showcasing artistic stone stacking with ocean waves and a scenic sky.
Tongariki, 15 giants turning their back to the ocean.
A stunning coastal landscape featuring cliffs, green fields, and the blue ocean under a clear sky, captured by Olivier Steiner Photography.
Near the south east side of Rano Kau
Stunning landscape image capturing rolling green hills, dramatic clouds, and a vibrant rainbow, showcasing Olivier Steiner Photography’s nature photography expertise.
Rano Kau’s marsh in the fog.
Stunning aerial photograph capturing a foggy mountain landscape with lakes, rivers, and rugged terrain in monochrome tones.
Near the summit of Terevaka
A black and white landscape photograph featuring two solitary trees on rolling hills with a striking sky, captured by Olivier Steiner Photography.
A storm is coming…
A stunning coastal landscape captured by Olivier Steiner Photography, showcasing rugged cliffs, the deep blue ocean, and dramatic cloud formations.
The whole island from the summit of Puakatike
A stunning panoramic landscape featuring rolling hills, a vast sky with clouds, and the ocean in the distance, showcasing natural beauty and scenic vistas.
Tongariki and the summit of Puakatike
A row of Moai statues on Easter Island against a bright blue sky with clouds, emphasizing landscape and cultural photography.
Historic Moai statues on Easter Island captured by Olivier Steiner Photography.
A row of Moai statues standing on Easter Island with a bright blue sky, showcasing the island’s iconic archaeological site and cultural heritage.
A row of Moai statues standing on Easter Island, showcasing ancient Polynesian craftsmanship and cultural significance.
This image features the famous Moai statues on Easter Island, representing the island’s rich history, archaeological importance, and cultural heritage.
Rano Raraku and its numerous Moais, right off the quarry
Photograph of Moai statues on Easter Island, highlighting their cultural significance and unique stone craftsmanship.
Frühling auf der Osterinsel: Moai-Statue und Ostereier auf grüner Wiese bei schönem Himmel. Perfekt für Oster- und Reiseseiten.
Das Bild zeigt Ostereier auf einer grünen Wiese mit einer Moai-Statue im Hintergrund, unter einem klaren blauen Himmel, symbolisiert Oster- und Frühlingszeit.
A stunning seaside scene featuring dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and a calm shoreline, perfect for landscape photography.
This image showcases a breathtaking coastal landscape with rugged cliffs, a serene ocean, and a clear sky, ideal for travel and nature photography.
A group of horses grazing and walking on a rocky volcanic shoreline, with palm trees and the ocean in the background, captured during daylight.
This image features a herd of horses on a volcanic coast, with palm trees and the ocean, showcasing a scenic and natural landscape perfect for outdoor and travel photography.
South coast of the island. Rano Kau on the left end.
A scenic coastal landscape featuring rolling hills, rocky terrain, and a vibrant blue sky with scattered white clouds, showcasing natural beauty.
Scenic ocean view featuring a rocky shoreline, blue waters, and a sky filled with large, fluffy clouds during sunset.
A beautiful coastal landscape showcasing a rocky shoreline, ocean waves, and a vibrant sky with large clouds, perfect for travel and nature photography.
Stunning Icelandic volcanic crater with vibrant green moss and dramatic cliffs, captured by Olivier Steiner Photography.
A breathtaking view of a volcanic crater in Iceland, showcasing rugged terrain, lush moss, and a moody sky, highlighting natural beauty and landscape photography skills.
Ovahe Beach, not far from Anakena
A stunning landscape of rugged cliffs and vibrant turquoise waters, showcasing natural beauty and coastal scenery.
Petroglyphs of Papa Vaka
Detailed view of an ancient petroglyph carved into a large stone, showcasing historical rock art and archaeological significance.
Historic Moai statues on Easter Island, a famous archaeological site and cultural landmark.
The image features the iconic Moai statues on Easter Island, highlighting their historical and cultural significance as ancient stone monoliths.
Tahai, near the main city of Hanga Roa
A striking black and white image of a stone sculpture on the beach during sunset, showcasing artistic photography by Olivier Steiner.
The harsh south coast
Dramatic seascape capturing powerful ocean waves hitting rocks under a cloudy sky, emphasizing nature’s force and beauty.
Scenic coastal landscape featuring grassy fields, ocean, and a dynamic sky with clouds.
A wide view of grassy plains leading to the ocean, with a striking sky filled with clouds and blue hues.
Details of Tongariki
Iconic Easter Island moai statues at Ahu Tongariki, showcasing ancient Polynesian stone craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
The lines of round stones at Tongariki
A black and white photograph of Stonehenge, featuring the iconic stone circle and surrounding landscape.
Unique ancient stone monoliths in Sardinia, showcasing historical and archaeological significance in a picturesque landscape.
Image description only: The image features large, rounded stone monoliths arranged in a line on a field in Sardinia, with a prominent rock formation in the background and a partly cloudy sky.
Iconic Moai statues on Easter Island, showcasing their mysterious and monumental presence against a vibrant landscape.
The image features two Moai statues on Easter Island, highlighting their size, detail, and the scenic hillside background under a bright blue sky.
A playful sun and a tall Moai in Rano Raraku
Iconic Moai statue on Easter Island captured in black and white, showcasing its majestic profile against a dramatic sky.
Iconic Moai statue on Easter Island with lush green hills and a bright blue sky in the background.
Image description only: A large Moai statue carved from volcanic rock, standing on a grassy hillside on Easter Island, with a clear blue sky and scattered clouds.
Scenic tropical coastal scene with rocky terrain, palm trees, and ocean view under a vibrant blue sky.
A beautiful tropical coastal landscape showing rocky ground, palm trees, and the ocean with a clear blue sky and fluffy clouds.
Anakena beach
A striking image of stone balancing art created by Olivier Steiner on a beach, with a dramatic sky and tropical scenery.
Photograph of iconic Moai statues on Easter Island, showcasing their historical significance and scenic landscape.
This image features Moai statues on Easter Island, set against a dramatic sky, highlighting the island’s unique archaeological and natural beauty.
Iconic Moai statue with a scenic landscape background, showcasing Easter Island’s unique cultural heritage.
This image features a Moai statue on Easter Island, highlighting its cultural significance and striking landscape under a dynamic sky.
A scenic view of Stonehenge on the coast, showcasing the historic standing stones against a moody sky, perfect for travel and history enthusiasts.
This image features the iconic Stonehenge monument situated on the coast, with a striking sky overhead, highlighting its historical significance and scenic beauty.
Summit of Terevaka
A scenic landscape featuring golden rolling hills with sparse vegetation, under a partly cloudy blue sky, captured by Olivier Steiner Photography.
Thirteen years ago, I set off on a small adventure with my young dog Dyno. Southern Colorado, autumn, the Rocky Mountains. A Haute Route in mind, a bad weather forecast, and a four-legged companion discovering the high country for the very first time. From that week I keep golden colours, an immense silence, and the memory of a bond just beginning.
Near Yellowstone National Park, across Montana and Wyoming, the Absaroka Mountains are offering an awesome playground… Here is a little description of a very small part of this huge wilderness area.
You might have thought about visiting Olympic National Park, but what about doing it in October, during the low season, when you can be sure to get a much wilder experience ?
– Full slide show at the bottom of the page – Some experiences are life changing and, when those are lived, one can get the feeling he has reached some kind of no return point. Clearly, there is a before…
