Rapa Nui National Park-Land Of the Shark Spirits — Attraction in Easter Island

Rapa Nui National Park which, on 22 March 1996, UNESCO designated a World Heritage Site under cultural criteria. e moai in the park are of varying height from 2 to 20 metres . The volcanic rock formations quarried for sculpting are a distinctive yellow-brown volcanic tuff found only at the Ranu Raraku on the southeast side of the island. Some of the moai were also carved from red scoria. The ceremonial shrines where they are erected for offering worship are known as "ahu". Of impressive size and form, they are normally built close to the coast and parallel to it. Many moai are also seen in the quarries in an unfinished state. The production and transportation of the 887 statues are considered remarkable creative and physical feats. The moai have been under restoration since 1950. The period between 1837 and 1864 was a critical time when, for reasons that remain unknown, all the standing statues were toppled (probably during the tribal wars), although with little damage. Subsequently they were retrieved and returned to their original positions during the period of restoration with international assistance. The moai represented a clan's "most revered forebears who were believed to bestow ‘mana’ on living leaders". The park also has a few petroglyphs and paintings. The Birdman cult which replaced the moai cult worship was concentrated in Orongo at a ceremonial site called Mata Ngarau. The location is at an elevation of 250 metres , on a narrow ridge between the ocean, and the deep crater of Rano Kau volcano, which last erupted about 150,000 to 210,000 years ago. The earliest inhabitants of the island called it "Te Pito o TeHenua". The island was discovered by the Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen on Easter day, 1722. As a result, he named it "Easter Island". He observed that the inhabitants were of three groups: "dark skinned, red skinned, and very pale skinned people with red hair". A Tahitian visitor, gave it the Polynesian name "Rapa Nui". In Chile, the island is called "Isla De Pascua" Spanish for...

Incredible views, nice people, when you arrive there is a good possibility that you will be recibed with a flower collar, there is a lot of logographic inscriptions, so be watchful, mind the solar screen because there are little trees because of the story of the island. Be on the lookout for the pu o hito, an often overlooked rock that is of vital importance on the history of the island, it has holes that if blown, producers a sound (please don’t touch or try it), it was beloved to cause rain, so may ears where fought over it. don’t like any kind of disrespect to the rules of the park, wich is understandable, breaking any may mean the expulsion of the park or even the island. No cellphone signal in the most of the island, and there are many good historical advice in the internet so be sure to read it beforehand. A lot of horses in the island, be careful because they might apear from nowhere. Moai are very fragile, so please don’t touch any, as they may get damaged or even fall over you. Also, taking stones from the island is Forbiden. Ana kena is the only beach...

Rapa Nui National Park encompasses nearly half of Easter Island and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protecting the island's rich cultural and natural heritage. The park is home to the iconic moai statues, the monumental stone figures that have captivated the world with their mysterious origins and purpose. These statues are found across various sites within the park, such as Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial platform, and Rano Raraku, the quarry where the moai were carved.

Beyond its archaeological significance, Rapa Nui National Park also preserves the island’s unique ecosystems, including volcanic craters like Rano Kau and Rano Raraku, coastal cliffs, and a range of native flora and fauna. Visitors to the park can explore the ancient pathways and experience the spiritual and historical essence of the Rapa Nui people while enjoying the island's stunning landscapes. The park is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Rapa Nui civilization and remains one of the most significant cultural landmarks in...