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Easter Island has been on my bucket list since the turn of the century. Its remote location in the middle of the Pacific, mysterious statues up to 30 feet tall, and eventual abandonment 150 years ago sounds like something out of an Indian Jones movie.

The setting: Easter Island sits in the middle of the South Pacific, about 2,300 miles from Chile’s coast. When landing from Santiago or Tahiti, the remoteness is immediately striking—endless ocean in all directions, rolling volcanic hills, and a small, windswept island with few trees.

The statues: The island’s famous “moai” statues are the heart of the visit. There are nearly 900 of them scattered across the island. Each were carved between the 13th and 16th centuries are are widely believed to be the downfall of the island as they used up all the local resources.

The landscape: Beyond archaeology, the island’s natural beauty includes a volcanic lake surrounded by lush greenery, a ceremonial village perched on seaside cliffs, and a rare stretch of white sandy beach under swaying palms.

The people: Rapa Nui has a vibrant Polynesian culture, distinct yet connected to its South Pacific cousins. You’ll hear the local language (Rapa Nui), see traditional dances, and taste island-style dishes like tuna empanadas and curanto.

What’s it’s like to visit: Hanga Roa is the only town, small and laid-back, with guesthouses, small hotels, and a few restaurants. There are no big resorts, no nightlife, but high prices since everything is imported. It’s been described as ancient, spiritual, quietly powerful, and an ideal place to contemplate the fragile society.