Known as ‘Rapa Nui’ by the indigenous community and otherwise known as ‘Easter Island’, is situated some 3,700km west of the mainland of South America in the Pacific Ocean. This isolated position makes it quite a trek for most visitors. Those that do make the effort to visit the 117sq km island, are greeted with a host of wonders making it an exceptional travel destination.
Easter Island was first discovered by Europeans back in 1722 on Easter Sunday, hence the name of the island. However, inhabitants date back to an estimated 300 CE. This is when it was thought the large statues known as “moai”, were carved and erected by the Polynesian community. Scattered around Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater, are 397 moai in various stages of completion. The Rapa Nui National Park gained inscription as a World Heritage site with UNESCO during 1995.
Lonely Planet Travel Guide – Chile & Easter Island
Santiago is the capital city of the South American country Chile and has a population in excess of five million. Chile lies along part of the length of the Andes Mountain Range. Santiago is located midway, in a valley and has a breathtaking backdrop with the Andean mountains in the distance. It is said that you can ski in the mountains and swim in the ocean, all in the same day. Unfortunately, the geography of the nearby mountains also contributes to a significant pollution problem with the mountains trapping the pollution of the large city within the valley.
Highlights of the city of Santiago as a travel destination include the Metropolitan Park, also known as Cerro San Cristobal. It’s a vast area of more than 1,800acres and is home to the Botanical Gardens, Zoo, playgrounds, walking trails and swimming pools. The summit can be reached via a cable car and magnificent views over the city can be admired…on a clear day! Another must see, is the Plaza De Armas, the capital’s main Plaza which dates back to 1540. Here you’ll find the main Post Office and the National Cathedral.
I have always been a huge fan of the ‘Lonely Planet’ travel books. The first one I ever purchased was ‘Africa on a Shoestring’ 1986 edition. I highly recommend the ‘Lonely Planet’ travel guides. They are informative, beautifully presented and will inspire you to fully experience the destination. If you are planning a trip to Santiago, I suggest you consider the ‘Lonely Planet – Santiago’ edition.
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