Much of Easter Island has been set aside as the Rapa Nui National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pathways and guide rails have been set up to help preserve its rich history.
Te land
Te island is located between Tahiti and Chile, and is a modest 103-square-kilometres of Chilean territory. Te land was formed by a series of massive volcanic eruptions millions of years ago by the three active volcanos situated at the trian- gular points of the island. Over 70 eruptive centres still cover the island; however, there has been no known volcanic activity over the last 1,300 years. Mauga Terevaka, the highest and first point of the island,
rises 551 metres (1,674 feet) above sea level. It is surrounded by two other mountain tops and offers a rare scenic view of the entire island. Te effects of time and erosion can be seen at the Poike, the oldest and most unique volcanic structure on the island. Tere is much to explore on this island’s second point. Maunga Vai a Heva, located on the southern side of the Poike, is a sculpture in the shape of a giant gargoyle that faces the peak. Petro- glyphs and five moai made of the area’s white trachyte can be viewed to the north. Adventure seekers can explore some of the historic caverns with a guide, one of which served as a cemetery, as well as the infamous Ana O Keke which was used to initiate noble young virgins. Te third angle of the island is graced with Rano Kau, the
volcano which gave birth to most of the island’s nearly 1,000 moai. Ancient artisans are estimated to have worked the vol- canic stone between 1000 AD and 1680 AD producing the giant statues. While most of its seaside cliffs have eroded over time, visitors can wander the slopes of Rano Kau. Te volcano is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rapa Nui National Park. Here, you can view some of the 397 moai, many buried, and contemplate the meaning of their existence. Rano Kau’s crater lake is one of only three natural bodies of fresh water on the island.
thehubwinnipeg.com
The monumental maoi can be up to 10 metres high and weigh up to 82 tons.
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