Easter Island - A Colossal Attraction

Easter Island Fast Facts

Their exact history remains uncertain, but it is estimated that the statues were created sometime around 1000 AD.
Often referred to as Easter Island "heads", the statues are actually complete torsos which over time have been buried up to their necks in earth and sand.
Getting there: LAN Chile Airlines holds a monopoly on infrequent 5 1/2 hour flights from Santiago, so prepare to pay dearly.

Considered almost as remote as Timbuktu on the African continent, Easter Island certainly remains at the top of many lists as a favorite exotic and faraway destination.

Located off the coast of Chile in South America, Easter Island was named for the day it was discovered by Dutch explorers in 1722.

The little island (roughly the size of Manhattan at 14 miles long by 7 miles wide) is, nonetheless, big on colossal attractions.

In particular, there are the ancient and monumental heads that dot the island, believe carved by natives around 1,000 AD.

Today, researchers know that the huge statues, or "moais", were carved from easily worked volcanic rock - found only in an inland area of the island.

But the method by which some of these monoliths were transported throughout the island, using only primitive methods, continues to fascinate.

Meanwhile, various theories on how it was done are akin to those surrounding ancient Egyptian pyramid building, and about as controversial.

Affording an opportunity to snap rare photos, meet friendly locals while staying at island guesthouses - and to boast of your far-flung trip on your return home - makes even a short stopover on Easter Island well worth it.

Related Web Sites:

• Easter Island Home Page

• Secrets of Easter Island

• Easter Island in words & pictures

• Easter Island

also see in Travel -> The New Seven Wonders of the World