Easter Island, Rapa Nui, Isla de Pascua

Whatever you call it, it is the remotest permanently inhabited place in the world. Almost a five hour flight from Santiago, with the nearest inhabited place to here being Pitcairn Island, just under 2,000km away.

We landed at 11am and were greeted at the small airport by the owner of our accommodation. Who presented us with a lei, a flower garland placed over you head, the flowers had a really intense smell, it was a lovely welcome. She then took us on a tour of the main street explaining where everything was and a little about the culture. Then a circuit around the beach and finally to the accommodation. Which if we'd have driven in a straight line would have taken less than 10 minutes. Though at this time of the year there are only two flights a day so being close to the airport isn't too much of a problem at all.

We are staying in the only town on the island, where about 90% of the population, which is just under 8,000 people live.. The first thing that strikes you is how green and lush it is with many large, colourful flowering bushes almost everywhere. The second thing that strikes you almost immediately after the first, is the humidity, this is a tropical island after all.

We spent the afternoon having some lunch and then exploring the area with frequent pitstops to counter the afternoon heat, 29 degrees, and the humidity. By 5pm we had to go back for a lay down. An hour's a nap in the hammock, dinner, a stroll and we were ready for bed.Read more