The Island stands on a major underwater plateau that is thought to have been created by the serial birth of three volcanoes: MAUNGA TEREVACA, RANO KAU and POIKE.
There are only three small beaches with white "coral" sands: ANAKENA, OVAHE, and LA PEROUSSE.
Its weather is a marine one with sub-tropical characteristics. July and August are the months with lowest temperatures and February is the warmest, while May has more rains. From its original flora only 34 botanical species remain, without considering the species introduced from abroad by the first immigrants to the island and, in regard to its fauna, native birds such as the MANUTARA or Easter Island miniature seagull have almost vanished.

Its marine life is varied and abundant, feeding yhe inhabitants and providing raw materials for craftsmanship. In 1786 the island became an obliged provisioning stop on trips to the South Pacific and Oceania. From 1859 to 1862 slave ships took over 1000 Easter Islanders to work in the guano deposits that England held in Peru. The diseases brought by the freed slaves who returned to the island decimated the population, leaving only 111 islanders alive.

Chile took possession of the Island on September 9, 1888, making it its westerly military outpost. This initiative was taken by Navy Corvette Captain Policarpo Toro Hurtado, who convinced the government of Don Manuel Balmaceda, of its latent economic value and its significance for National Security.
At present, the island form part of the Valparaiso district and is a virtually open-air museum whose chief exhibits are its 1000 or so gigantic volcanic rock statues. The current level of archaeological and research activity by local and foreign researchers has led to the "heritage" areas being declared a National Park, protected by the CONAF.
This archaeological site includes cave paintings, rock carvings, megalithic art, including the statues known as MOAI and AHU, vast ceremonial altars on which the MOAI are located, architecture in the shape of regular, oval-shaped dwellings, cave-homes, crematoria and artifacts of wood, bone and stone. An ancient civilization was responsible for creating these statues that silently continue to spark our wonder today.

Activities which can be undertaken:

• Horseback riding, to splendid areas and specially beautiful spots.
• Bird Watching, observation of local birds, including migrations, behavior and habitats, as usual.
• Recreational Scuba Diving, an underwater activity in lake or seashore areas. It includes two varieties: normal diving and scuba-type diving.
• Canoeing, in rivers, lakes or the sea in light, Canadian style canoes built and specially designed to the purpose (oar propulsion).
• Sea kayaking, a type of seagoing canoe.
• Swimming, in different styles of swimming.
• Speleology, the exploration of the inner formations of caverns, caves and subterranean galleries and lakes.
• Photography, interior and exterior shots of unauthorized areas.
• Hiking, This is a simpler alternative than trekking, and takes a shorter time (one day, with picnic included).
• Trekking, these long walks that can last several days, through mountains and natural areas, organized in stages to learn about the countryside, the flora and fauna and the communities that live in the area from a sociological point of view.
• Mountain bike, Bicycle trips in unusual settings. Trial: a discipline practiced in an obstacle course. During the competition, setting a foot on the ground is penalized. Cross-country cycling: this is a test of stamina that takes place in a 35-58 km circuit, and the competitors can go through certain difficult areas carrying their bicycles. "Bicicross" (cross-country cycling): a race on an artificial circuit, filled with obstacles, plus an individual competition, where competitors must draw "figures" on the ground and in the air. Descent: a speed race down mountainsides.
• Flora and Fauna Observation, a walk through pure natural habitats including views of animals and plants.
• Recreational fishing, capture of fish in their water environment, leting them go subsequently, also known as "returning fishing".
• Rowing, a collective activity by oarsmen in a canoe-type vessel. It can be done in rivers or lakes.

Source: www.sernatur.cl