UKC

Has anyone been to Easter Island? I have a few days there in a couple of weeks and would love your suggestions of things to do, climbing or otherwise. On that 180 Degrees South movie it shows some climbing- worth packing a rope or just go bouldering?
Cheers!

In reply to JohnV:


I spent 4 days there about 10 years ago. [Didn't climb there so can't speak to that]. For me it was a fantastic place, one of the best ever. I took a tour on the first day which was OK, being shuttled around in an old bus with a load of other tourists. That was good in one way, as the local guide was very helpful and knowledgeable, but bad in that we were in a crowd and rushed around, and of course had no say in how long we could spend at a site, and could not wander round alone. THEN next day I hired a car for the rest of my trip [I just asked for one at the hotel desk], which was brilliant because I could then go everywhere at my own pace and time, alone, spending as long as I wanted. One strange disadvantage of car hire was that insurance was not available for some arcane reason, so I drove ultra-carefully especially near people e.g. in the [then] tiny Hanga Roa.

I hope you have a great trip.

In reply to JohnV:

I went there in 2007, I hired a moped for one day and bombed around the island visiting a selection of the statues. I also did a horse ride tour to some of the statues which was fun, and then a selection of hikes. But I didn't do anything outside the standard tourist recommendations.
I have no climbing suggestions, but I imagine it would be cool to do some there if it's possible.

Enjoy.

In reply to JohnV:

Rope not needed. Take bivvy gear and wander round island for a couple or three days. The far east end used to have a small group of trees in a crater, supposedly haunted, plus some semi-wild cattle (or not so semi). This was a long time ago when there were no tourist facilities. Wandering and sleeping on the shore is amazing as it's so remote. Nothing in any direction for 1000s of miles.