Sherman's Travel

Easter Island — It's hard to believe that tiny Easter Island, 2,200 miles off the coast of Chile, is even part of the same country (at 63 square miles it's only one fourth the size of New York City). The lonely volcanic Polynesian island, called Rapa Nui by natives and Isla de Pascua by Chileans, has been captivating imaginations with its haunting moai stone sculptures – and theories about the mysterious civilization that created them – since it was first discovered by the Dutch in 1722. Well worth the five-hour plane ride from Santiago, the island’s fascinating history and archaeological sites are its main appeal.