The Unforgettable Moai
This photo captures one of the most unforgettable moments from my time on Easter Island: standing on the hillside at Rano Raraku, surrounded by the moai statues. There’s a stillness to that place that feels almost sacred. The path winds gently through the grass, and as you walk, the moai rise up beside you—silent, massive, and carved with an intensity that holds your attention. Their expressions, worn by time, seem to watch not just the island, but everyone who comes to see them. Being there didn’t feel like visiting a historical site; it felt like entering a story that’s still being told.
The moai are more than just statues—they’re part of the land, part of the people who carved them, and part of the mystery that still surrounds the island. Each one feels different. Some are half-buried, others stand tall on platforms, and a few seem caught mid-rise from the earth. I remember the feeling of the wind brushing through the grass, the way the clouds moved across the wide sky, and the quiet that made every step feel intentional. The whole place invites you to slow down and really see what’s in front of you.
Looking back, that hillside walk is what I think of first when I remember Easter Island. Not just because of the view, but because of the feeling—like time stretched out around me, like I was walking through something far older than I could understand. The moai didn’t speak, but they didn’t need to. Their presence said enough.
Story of Highlights
One of the biggest highlights of my trip to Chile was standing with the Moai at Ahu Tongariki on Easter Island. Seeing the 15 statues lined up, standing tall against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, was a surreal experience. Pictures don’t do it justice—the sheer size and presence of the Moai in person are breathtaking. It’s hard to describe the feeling of standing among these ancient statues, feeling connected to the past in such a powerful way. It was a moment of awe that I’ll never forget.
Another unforgettable part of the trip was hiking around Rano Rarku, where I got to see even more Moai—some standing, some half-buried in the ground. The hike itself was a good workout, but what really made it special was the chance to explore such a historic site, surrounded by these incredible statues. It was a perfect blend of adventure and history, and I felt like I was walking through a living museum. And of course, the extinct volcano at Rano Kau was another highlight. Not only was it stunningly beautiful, but learning about the history and culture behind it really deepened my appreciation for the place.
There were also smaller moments that made the trip truly memorable. Every night on Easter Island, I could count on seeing a sunset unlike anything I’d ever experienced back home in Virginia. The colors and light were absolutely incredible. In Santiago, I had a fun and unexpected moment when we visited a vineyard and got to feed alpacas while sipping some local wine. It was a peaceful, charming experience that added a bit of whimsy to the trip. And, to top it all off, I had the chance to try McDonald’s in another country—a bucket list item for me! The ice cream and McFlurry tasted fresher, and the meat products were surprisingly better. It was a small but surprisingly satisfying part of my journey.
Interview With a Local
When I met Álvaro, he greeted me with a wide smile and an easy energy that made it clear he was used to meeting people from all over the world. A tour guide by trade, Álvaro has lived between two cultures—Brazil and Chile—which he considers equally part of his identity. That dual perspective shapes the way he sees the world—and the way he introduces others to it. His job, though flexible and freelance, gives him the freedom to connect with people in meaningful ways every day.
Álvaro described the life of a tour guide as unpredictable,. “There’s no contract,,” he told me. Like many others in his field, he navigates the uncertainty with a kind of quiet confidence, grateful for the chance to be outdoors, to move, and to talk about places he loves. And it’s clear that he does love them. Whether walking through Santiago’s busy streets or pointing out hidden trails outside the city, Álvaro carries with him a deep appreciation for the landscapes and layers of history that define Chile.
When I asked him what his favorite part of Chile was, he didn’t hesitate: he said the nature. Mountains, coastlines, deserts, and forest. For Álvaro, guiding people through Chile isn’t just a job. It’s a way to share what he values most: the beauty of the outdoors, the freedom of the open road, and the stories that connect us across borders.