Must See Easter Island Attractions There are a great many things to do on Easter Island.  Easter Island is one of the most popular destinations for all of South America, and with dozens of major attractions it’s easy to see why.  Easter Island lies off the western coastline of South America, and the island sees tourists and academic visitors from all over the world.  Those planning an Easter Island trip should take the time to plan their visit carefully, as there is so much to see on the island.    Even though there are a huge number of attractions on the island that shouldn’t be missed, there are some that stand out above the rest.  There are organized tour groups that travel regularly to these locations, so they’re easy to get to.  For most, you can make the trip yourself, and Easter Island is small enough to make it difficult to get lost, but it’s always a good idea to travel with a knowledgeable guide.  The following are just a few of the must-see attractions on the island. What To See Rano Raraku Rano Raraku is considered the top attraction on Easter Island.  Known as the Easter Island Statues, the Moai statues were carved from the soft volcanic rock of the island.  Rano Raraku has dozens of the massive carved-head statues scattered across its width, and the statues have been the source of myth and stories for centuries.  There are many theories behind the purpose of the statuary, but no one knows for sure why the carved heads, many more than fifteen feet tall, were initially created.  The carved heads at Ranu Raraku can be seen in different states of completion.  Some of the heads are beautifully finished, while others still remain embedded within the volcanic rock wall.  The area is very walkable, but some of the paths are rough hewn, so proper footwear should be used and care should be taken during the trip.  Orongo The Orongo area of Easter Island is another of the popular island attractions.  Orongo is a massive crater that has filled over time with water.  The attraction is no cost if you come during the early evening hours, and those hours are the most special at Orongo.  The sunlight dances off the brightly colored water, and the views that you can gain from the Orongo highland area are stunning.  Since Orongo is at one of the island’s highest points, you can see for miles in every direction.  The bright green Easter Island landscape melds seamlessly with the sparkling blue of the Pacific beyond.  Wonderfully complex petroglyphs can be seen around the Orongo crater, and you should take the time to look at them carefully.  There are stories and legends that surround Orongo, and a local guide can explain them to you in great detail.  The haunting stories will keep you occupied for hours, and the lively discussions that come from the profound area will entertain for years.  Rapa Nui National Park Visiting Rapa Nui National Park will take you back in time.  The stark landscape of Rapa Nui will show you how the ancient indigenous people of the island lived for centuries.  The area displays an eerie showcase of the past peoples of Easter Island, and the temples and cultural displays of the former residents of Easter Island will keep you talking for a long time.  Knowing how the residents of Easter Island lived in the past will make you appreciate the island’s history and heritage.  Look out over the expansive plains, and you will see just how the people of Easter Island endured volcanic eruption and other disasters to thrive for hundreds of years.  Ranu Kau Ranu Kau is the highest peak on the island, and gives you a new perspective both on the island, and perhaps your own life.  From the 400-meter peak of Ranu Kau, you will be able to best appreciate just how isolated Easter Island is from the rest of the world.  The massive peak can provide a new perspective to those who visit the island, and nearly the entire island can be seen from the peak of Ranu Kau.  Once you’ve taken the hike to the top of the 400-meter tall peak, you’ll never be the same. Ahu Vinapu Ahu Vinapu is one of the most striking sights on the island.  Extensive ruins of the civilizations of Easter Island’s past will show you how the people of Easter Island lived centuries ago.  The geography of Easter Island is harsh, life was hard, and the temples and cultural ruins at Ahu Vinapu will fill in the blanks that are otherwise indescribable. Where To Find Information On The Web Finding information about the top destinations on Easter Island couldn’t be easier.  While you can find information on websites such as TripAdvisor® and Yahoo©, there is no substitute for seeing it in person.  Of course, when you get to Easter Island, you should always ensure that you have access to a professional guide service, so they can best explain exactly what you’re seeing.  The Easter Island landscape is best described as harsh, and learning about life on the island is a haunting experience.  Who Should Visit Easter Island Easter Island isn’t just a beautiful spot in the Pacific Ocean.  Easter Island has long been a focus of academic and cultural historians.  Anthropologists are still doing extensive research on the island, as are archaeologists.  Of course, Easter Island remains popular for tourists, and the resorts in the area are second to none.  The landscape is harsh, however, and getting around can be difficult if you have mobility issues.  Make sure that you can walk comfortably for several hours, and standing for hours is common.  If you are in good health, and don’t mind physical exertion, Easter Island provides an amazing experience for travelers from across the globe.  Take the time to visit all the sights on Easter Island, and spend a few hours just wandering on your own.  You’ll love the amazing stories that the local people tell, and the educational opportunities are second to none.