EASTER ISLAND, EASTER ISLAND

This is like Hawaii might have been before it became so commercial. No high risers few tourists perfect weather and beaches. You can cover the whole island in about 3 or 4 days. We did it in 3 but were on the go the whole time. I was studying in Santiago Chile for four months and decided to go since that was as close as I would ever get. Not as expensive as you would think. I was on a college student budget (minus the arifare of $500 each from Santiago Chile) and stayed in a room with my son and a friend for about $45 a night. We had a shared kitchen and private bath. Not the Marriott but clean and the beds were comfortable. We had access to a rental car which the owner of the hotel had on hand at our disposal. Cost about $50 for a 24 hours period. We rented it at 1:00 one day and returned it at 1:00 the next. That way we could take in a sunset and sunrise while cruising the entire island. We ate Empanadas sold in a little shack on the beach for $1.00 a piece and homemade bread sold in the supermarkets. Also found an abundance of Guavas growing all around the island. Food is a bit pricey but you can find places within your budget. You need to check out the lava tube caves scattered throughout the island and especially the one called \Dos Ojos\ or something like that. Translates to \Two Eyes\ which are these tubes that end at the edge of a cliff with stunning views of the ocean. Bring flashlights and watch your step and your head. We did a lot of hiking but some people rode mountain bikes or cars to the various archeological sites. Most incredible place I have been to in my life.