EASTER ISLAND
A tiny dot in the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island, known as Rapa Nui natively, is a Chilean island. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its hundreds of moai, mysterious monuments created long ago by the Polynesian inhabitants. On your visit, you will see these statues don’t face the sea as you would expect, facing inland instead; this is the most noteworthy tourist attraction of the island. You can also visit Anakena Beach, the culture-ridden epitome of paradisiacal beaches. The three small volcanic domes of the remote Península Poike, although difficult to access, entice visitors with promises of ancient legends, and mysterious nooks and crannies. Museo Antropológico Sebastián Englert, a well-organised museum, captures the essence of the local culture well for your viewing pleasure. Typically Polynesian, local dishes are largely made up of different kinds of fish – mahi mahi, kana kana and tuna, mainly. The Umu Rapa Nui is a community dish cooked in a traditional method from hundreds of years ago that a visitor must try.
Sadly, mass tourism has detrimental effects and has recently led to active measures intended to retain the local culture, customs and idiosyncrasies. Additionally, new limitations are enforced with the hope of a reduction in adverse environmental issues. The number of days a tourist can visit has been reduced to 30 days from 90. On arrival, tourists will have to show their hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a Rapa Nui resident. These necessary measures may put a damper on your holiday plans, but don’t let them deter you. A visit to this lovely island at the southeasternmost point of the Polynesian Triangle will not disappoint.
GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
A series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago formed an archipelago of 19 islands and many other islets known as the Galápagos Islands, part of the Republic of Ecuador. Now a major tourist destination, these islands have risen to fame mainly thanks to being a treasure chest of ecological specimens such as the Marine Iguana and the Blue-Footed Boobies. A cruise is recommended if your priorities are photography and witnessing these rare creatures. If you decide to visit the islands too, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to watch sea lions frolicking on the beaches along with other wildlife unperturbed by the many tourists. You can even snorkel with sea lions in La Loberia, an unforgettable experience to take home. You will be stunned into silence by the islands’ distinct flora and fauna. Make sure you visit small kiosks to savour a popular breakfast dish, bolon, a large ball formed from mashed plantains, cheese and meat, deep fried to perfection.
As with any country overtaken by tourism, the Galápagos Islands struggle to maintain their ecosystem and reduce the deterioration they face as a result. The National Park strictly regulates the frequency of each boat’s visit to popular sites. Visitors are advised to only stay for a couple of days and smaller boats have replaced big ones, permitting, yet limitin,g visitors in large numbers who wish to view the rare species the islands are home to. Be mindful of the environment and the consequences of your actions on wildlife during your visit.
CINQUE TERRE
Literally meaning “Five Lands”, Cinque Terre is a group of five fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera. Noted for their gorgeous pastel-coloured houses, they overlook the Mediterranean and create a picturesque scene best viewed in person. Each village possesses its own personality. Stroll through the narrow streets amid buildings painted in bright and sunny colours that double as a mood uplift and fantastic background for pictures. Look for fresh pasta shops in Genoa, that serve little disks called corzetti, often embossed for decoration. Follow the hiking trails to see as much of the five villages as possible. If you’ve only got limited time, we suggest a boat tour. If you’re lucky and weather permits, you will be able to stop in lesser-known coves for a dip in the sea.
Due to its irresistible allure, Cinque Terre sees a great number of tourists every year, sometimes, unfortunately, more than it can handle. Damaged walkways are just one of the repercussions. In an effort to limit tourists but not discourage them, an app serving as a waiting list for paid walking trails was developed in 2017. This is to ensure the safety of travellers as well as maintain the delicate ecosystem. As it is often difficult to limit the number of tourists, the Cinque Terre Card offers various services to tourists. The revenue from these cards helps with the upkeep of these beautiful villages. 
Additionally, earlier this year, the decision was made to disallow tourist entry into Cinque Terre once the number of visitors reached 1.5 million. If you’re keen to travel to this stunning little collection of coastal villages, ensure you check entry limitations thoroughly before go!
