...then the ancestors came back and sat down for a chat

South America » Chile » Easter Island
April 4th 2006

Published: April 6th 2006

It took five hours to fly from Santiago to Easter Island. The name of the island is Isla de Pascua in Spanish, but was known as Te Pito O Te Henua (navel of the world) to islanders in the past, and is usually called Rapa Nui today. As we approached Rapa Nui we circled around the tiny island, giving me a panoramic view. Then we landed. As the plane turned around on the runway, I noticed that th... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 35, Displayed: 21

Te Tokanga, at Rano Raraku

This is 21 metres high with an estimated weight of 300 tons. It is forever joined to the volcanic substrate.

The caldera of Rano Raraku volcano

View from the top of Rano Raraku

You can see Ahu Tongariku on the coast

Te Pito O Te Henua (the navel of the world).

This rock is identified with the navel of the world, the local name for the island. According to legend it was brought to the island by the first king Hotu Matu´s on his expedition. Next to this is the largest Moai placed on a platform.

Moai Paro from Ahu Te Pito Kura.

This was the largest Moai (statue) set up on an Ahu. It is 10 metres high and weighs 85 tons. It was the last Moai to be toppled in 1840.

Playa Ovahe

Ahu Nau Nau

This overlooks the best beach on the island at Anakena.

Ahu Nau Nau

These Moai were preserved by being buried in the sand

Fallen Moai at Ahu Akahanga

Ahu Akivi

The first to be scientifically restored.

Ahu Akivi

The first to be scientifically restored.

Ahu Huri A Urenga

This is an inland Moai which has 4 hands. It has 11 spots related to solstices and equinoxes.

Ranu Raraku

View from Ranu Aroi

From this spot there is a 360 degree view of the island and of the endless ocean.

1st May 2006

Cessna152
Jason Smart

Found your blog for the first time yesterday. I've now just finsished reading th whole thing. Amazing adventure! And the image that will stay with me most is one of you in a dodgy hotel in Chad, sharing a bed with a bunch of cockroaches. Nice!

Tot: 0.083s; Tpl: 0.013s; cc: 14; qc: 30; dbt: 0.0373s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1; ; mem: 1.1mb

Do not copy images or text from this page without requesting and receiving permission. All rights are reserved by the author and photographer.

Contact Stuart Morgan Hurlbut (Stuart) - a lack of a response does not mean that you have permission to use material from this page.

...then the ancestors came back and sat down for a chat

Copyright Notice: All Rights Reserved