Just five hours by air, the insignificant volcanic rock that is Easter Island holds incredible cultural significance for South America. The squat bodies and brooding faces of the moai stone figures, the curious Birdman ceremonies: traditions have been astonishingly well preserved here and nothing compares to seeing it all in person on your own Easter Island tour. Come face to face with the statues and make up your own conclusions as to how they got there and who put them there. The main town of Hanga Roa is well placed for exploring the rest of the island, which also has three volcanoes and a beach, though isn’t brilliant for swimming.