Terevaka, Shield volcano in Easter Island, Chile
Terevaka is the largest volcano on Easter Island, rising 507 meters (1,663 feet) above the Pacific Ocean. The landscape consists of a broad volcanic cone with gentle slopes that offer views across the entire island from the top.
The volcano formed roughly 360,000 years ago, with its most recent lava flows occurring between 110,000 and 150,000 years ago during the Pleistocene epoch. This long geological history shaped the island's structure and landscape that exists today.
The slopes here show signs of ancient habitation, with archaeological remains of house groups visible from the 9th to 13th centuries. These ruins suggest that people once made their home on this mountain and built their own community.
A marked hiking trail leads from near Ahu Akivi to the summit, with the round trip taking roughly four hours. Weather can change quickly at the top, so bring waterproof clothing and wear sturdy hiking boots to handle the uneven ground.
The summit stands as one of the most isolated locations on Earth, with no higher peaks within roughly 2,800 kilometers. This extreme geographic position made the mountain a natural landmark that early Polynesian settlers would have recognized immediately upon arrival.
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