Easter Island

Easter Island is a volcanic speck lost in a vast, empty region of the South Pacific midway between Chile and Tahiti. Renowned for its 887 colossal stone statues, or moai, it is a source of wonder to archaeologists and inquisitive travelers alike. Just what caused the collapse of the original civilization is a matter of continuing debate: Environmental degradation, endemic cannibalism and overpopulation with the consequent depletion of resources all have their academic proponents. Today the island’s inhabitants prefer to use the traditional Polynesian name of Rapa Nui. The principal activity is hiking to the island’s numerous archaeological sites. Easter Island is one of the most remote places in the world. The nearest inhabited land are the Pitcairn Islands, nearly 1,200 miles away; the nearest continental point is in central Chile, some 2,300 miles to the east.