Motu Nui, Natural Reserve island near Easter Island, Chile
Motu Nui is a rocky island near Easter Island with about 3 hectares of land that rises steeply from the ocean and is the largest of five satellite islands in the area. It remains uninhabited and features a barren landscape dominated by seabird breeding grounds.
The island was the center of the Tangata Manu ritual, an ancient competition where contenders gathered the first sooty tern eggs to claim power and rank. This practice ended with the arrival of Christianity in the 19th century.
The annual egg-gathering competition was a major event where participants swam from Easter Island to claim the first sooty tern eggs, determining who held leadership roles. This tradition shaped social hierarchies and was central to the community's identity.
Visitors reach the island through boat tours departing from Hanga Roa, with opportunities for snorkeling and observing marine life. The rough conditions and open ocean require good physical fitness and swimming ability.
The island marks Chile's westernmost point and holds numerous breeding sites where dozens of seabird species nest each year. The rock remains completely natural and has never been permanently settled.
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