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Easter Island is a small island, with its distant past evident in thousands of remains in various forms. Ahu (shrines), moai (statues), hare paenga (boat house foundations), hare moa (burial tombs), and petroglyphs are in profusion. It is virtually impossible to walk for a short distance in any direction without encountering some remnant of the island's past. But Easter Island's very size contributes to the problem of conservation when large groups of tourists (or just lots of tourists) arrive, and spread out to see it all.
Often many are unaware that they are standing on something ancient, or perhaps something sacred to the Rapanui. And because nearly everything is made of stone, things appear to be solid and sturdy. But stone erodes like anything else, and some types are very fragile.
The volcanic tuff from which the statues at Rano Raraku were carved is relatively soft (thus the islanders were able to cut the statues with basalt tools). Walking on them, climbing on them — even leaning on them — has the potential to cause erosion and damage.
The islanders find it offensive when tourists climb onto the platforms of the ahu.
As these were constructed of dry, laid stones (without mortar), they are not particularly strong. Foot pressure can dislodge stones. Please try to curb the urge to get your photo taken while standing up on top of a shrine.
The island's petroglyph sites are of real concern. Many are on ground-level lava flow and easy to accessstep — but foot traffic wears down the wonderful designs. So, tread lightly and watch your step!
Some people (even unofficial island "guides") will try to make the motifs stand out more clearly by scraping them stones, or using chalk to outline them. This is illegal, damaging, and ugly. Making rubbings is also dangerous — and against the law.
If you are concerned with getting really good photographs, arrange your visit to the petroglyph sites when the lighting is good. They show up clearly by slanting light, such as in the early morning hours. By high noon, the lack of shadow makes them hard to see.
The petroglyphs at 'Orongo are particularly endangered. These are perched on the lip of a crater, a thousand feet above the ocean. The hillside is eroding and heavy traffic only increases the danger. Do not walk on them in order to get better photos! Again, the time of day will be the crucial factor: Early morning or late afternoon lighting will bring them out beautifully for photography.
'Orongo is also famous for its stone houses where participants lived during the Birdman ceremony. The houses are laid slabs of dry rock (again, no mortar), corbelled over the top, with dirt piled on top of that. They are unstable and often collapse after heavy rains. Despite signs pointing out this danger, there is always someone who has to climb on top, like a dimwitted king of the mountain. Again, please curb that urge. Not only might the house collapse, but you will go with it!
Keep in mind that nearly all the archaeological sites that you visit were sacred and ceremonial places in ancient times. Give them the same respect you would give if visiting any other sacred shrine or similar place elsewhere in the world.
Please note: There is a $10 entry fee for 'Orongo.
Content © 2006 Easter Island Foundation All rights reserved. Updated 04/26/06