Miscellaneous Tips, Easter Island

Picking up the advice of fellow VTer, easyoar, and the word of our well-thumbed guidebook to Chile and Easter Island, we opted for the Mana Nui Inn, and were more than happy with our choice. From our first enquiries via the internet right through to our final farewell at the airport the night we left, the owners, Bicky Nahoe and her husband, Exquil, and their family, could not have been more helpful and hospitable. Exquil was away from the island whilst we were there so our contact with him was via a some emails and a couple of phone conversations once we were actually on the island, Bicky's English and our Spanish being on about a par! Bicky and her daughters were charming.

One of their daughters (who spoke excellent English, but who left for her job on the mainland next day) met us at the airport, took us for a tour around the town on our way to the house where she answered our questions, and provided maps and an excellent overview of what to expect and how best to see the island while Bicky brought us delicious chilled guava juice. It was a great start to our stay and certainly set the tone for the next few days. A fellow guest obviously felt the same way - he had returned for his 3rd visit to the island, staying at Mana Nui each time. We would do the same if we were to return.

Come morning we were able to take in what Mana Nui had to offer - starting with a delicious and copious breakfast served on the little terrace of our cabana with a view of the sea and the moai of Ahu Tahai. Our cabana - comprised of a large bedroom, bathroom and the aforementioned small terrace - stood on its own in the garden, there are four more in a row further back in the compound, all with similar views and amenities. Although simple, the cabanas were comfortable, with lots of hot water and good water pressure in the bathroom, and were kept spotlessly clean. Breakfast was usually served on our veranda, though on our last day, as it was raining, we went over to the main house for freshly made pancakes and home made jam - guava of course!

Mana Nui is a 15 minute or so walk from the centre of town, the museum is about the same distance further down the road. Ahu Tahai - the favourite spot for sunset-watching - is just a few yards away, and the unique and colourful cemetery is right near the entrance gate. The dogs mentioned by a couple of other VTers were, as easyoar says - pussycats, and we were treated to morning visits each day from a beautiful foal. What a lovely, tranquil way to start the day.

Easter Island Hotels