Chile's Pacific Islands
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Chile's Islands: numbering some 6,000 in all, 14% of Chile's territory is made up of islands! The majority lie south of Chiloe Island, along the Pacific shores of Chile's west coast, stretching down to the largest, Tierra del Fuego! But the most renowned is Rapa Nui Island (or Easter Island), located 3,500kms west of Chile, abeam Santiago. Of similar beauty, but no less mystery, is the Juan Fernandez Archipelago, with its legendary Robinson Crusoe Island, only 650kms west of Chile.
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Annexed by Chile in 1888, Rapa Nui Island has a "complicated" history that has prompted explorers to ponder the origin of its people. With most believing they came in the early 10th or 11th century from Polynesia, some have suggested they had South American ancestry. With a population decimated in the mid 19th century by slavers and disease, their once great forests were ravished by over-use. This caused soil erosion and eradication of much fauna. Today, with a population of 5,800, most are of Polynesian descent and involved in fishing or tourism. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, the enigmatic statues known as moai, plus the remains of a later culture named the Birdmen people, make Rapa Nui Island one of the most fascinating and remote places on Earth to be visited!
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Flights to Rapa Nui can only be made from Santiago, Chile, or from Tahiti, in French Polynesia. A stay of 4 days/3nights is recommended. Tourists must show evidence of accommodation booked in approved (ie. by Chile's SERNATUR authority) sites. The AM flight from Santiago (5.5hrs) ideally permits visitors to utilise a PM on arrival, 2 full days on tours, and an AM before returning to Santiago on Day 4. Highlights to be seen are the huge quarry at Rano Raraku, where most of the moai were extracted. Also, the magnificent Ahu (altar) at locations such as Ahu Tongariki, where one can view the largest collection of moais; and destinations of special significance at Anakena beach, at Rano Kau crater, and the uniquely special remains of the Birdmen People at Orongo, whose chief was selected annually in a rite of great peril!
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The Juan Fernandez Archipelago is an alternative special to Chile "Pacific Islands Experience", but not easily conducted from a logistic viewpoint. Connecting flights (2 hrs) are in small aircraft, with limited capacity and much preference given to locals commuting. But once flights are assured, the experience is truly unique! This is a fabulous destination, with the focus being on Isla Robinson Crusoe where castaway Alexander Selkirk reputedly spent over 4 years in isolation, as related by Daniel Defoe in his famous tales of Robinson Crusoe. This too, is where SMS Dresden met her fate during WW1. Visitors can also observe unique fauna (eg. Juan Fernandez Firecrown), go on hikes to see unique flora, or partake of outstanding diving experiences in this little visited Pacific gem!
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Booking ahead for Rapa Nui, especially to reserve flights with LATAM, is strongly recommended, particularly during the peak season (Dec to Feb) and Easter! High end hotel rates vary from US$300-500/night for 2 persons sharing, with breakfast. Facilities here will include pool, spa, massage offers, etc. Explora Rapa Nui offers an all-inclusive luxury package from US$ 4,700 for two persons sharing a double room for 3 nights, with all meals, drinks, excursions, and airport transfers. Unique Destinations similarly has a shortlist of cheaper, but comfortable, hotels and "cabañas" at lower prices (from US$ 130/night), for those on a tighter budget. All accommodation is in or near the capital, Hanga Roa, which also features many good restaurants. Consider visiting in February, when the Island hosts the Tapati Festival, featuring ethnic sports events and local music & dance! (Next Tapati Jan/Feb 2023)
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On Robinson Crusoe Island the accommodation options are much more limited. With a population of under 1,000, most visitors stay in the capital, San Juan Bautista, on the NE coast of the Island in Cumberland Bay. Aircraft fly into the basic strip perched high on a ledge located in the SW part of the island, and will have an exciting 2 hours transfer in a fast water-taxi to reach their hotels! Only a few high-end hotels are on offer, typically charging between US$ 225-270/night for 2 persons sharing, with breakfast. They offer excellent location, better food and facilities, such as a "hot-tub". Cheaper "cabañas" can be found for about US$ 110/night, for 2 persons sharing, with breakfast. A very popular vacation package here is a scuba diving holiday, both to view the marine life or conduct sport fishing. The Island brewery is also worth a visit!
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