This tiny volcanic island, adrift in the midst of the Pacific Ocean, is one of the most isolated places on Earth. Home to the unique Rapa Nui civilization, it boasts an amazing collection of Neolithic statues known as moai, which are unique to this planet. With the aid of this Easter Island Travel Guide, you can organize your vacation and discover all that Easter Island has to offer. This comprehensive guide will help you explore the island’s rich history, cultural sites, and breathtaking landscapes.
Easter Island Travel Guide: Amazing Easter Island
Easter Island (Isla de Pascua in Spanish), situated thousands of miles west of mainland Chile, is referred to as Rapa Nui by its indigenous inhabitants. With a population of approximately 7,000, most residents live in Hanga Roa. The island’s most renowned features are its 400 or so moai, unique monolithic statues.
Initially settled around 1000 BCE by Polynesian migrants, Easter Island’s society flourished but faced eventual decline. Discovered by a Dutch sailor on Easter Sunday in 1722, the island was annexed by Chile in 1888. Today, the Rapa Nui people enjoy a degree of self-governance and full Chilean citizenship.
Our Easter Island Travel Guide will help you explore this legendary island’s rich history, cultural sites, and breathtaking landscapes. Discover the unique blend of Polynesian heritage and Chilean influence, and plan your visit to experience its ancient wonders and vibrant local culture.
Easter Island Travel Guide: Making Travel Plans
It is advisable to allocate a minimum of three days for your visit to Easter Island. Given the distance, high airfare costs, and the unlikelihood of multiple trips, extending your stay to five days allows for a more relaxed exploration. This extra time offers the opportunity to participate in activities such as diving, snorkeling, or horseback riding. Additionally, Easter Island can be seamlessly integrated into a travel itinerary encompassing other popular Chilean destinations. For instance, it can be combined with the Atacama Desert for a two-week excursion or incorporated with three days of exploration in Torres del Paine.
Most nationalities can obtain Chilean tourist visas upon arrival at airports and land borders, typically valid for 90 days. However, certain nationalities, such as Canadians and Australians at the time of writing, may be required to pay a “reciprocity fee.” Notably, there is no malaria or yellow fever on Easter Island or mainland Chile, and no specific vaccinations are necessary for visiting.
While there are a few banks with ATMs in Hanga Roa, several establishments can exchange foreign currency, and major businesses accept credit/debit cards. Nonetheless, it is prudent to carry some cash, as numerous places also accept US dollars in addition to Chilean pesos. Financial preparedness is essential, as Easter Island is notably more costly than mainland Chile. Use this Easter Island Travel Guide to plan your trip and ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience.
Weather.
Easter Island features a warm, sub-tropical climate, making it suitable for visits throughout the year. Temperatures typically fluctuate between 61°F (16°C) and 77°F (25°C), with the warmest period occurring from December to April. While rain is possible at any time, the wettest months are from April to June, although it seldom disrupts visits. Additionally, it is advisable to bring a rain jacket and an umbrella to be prepared for any unexpected showers. Use this Easter Island Travel Guide to plan your trip accordingly and enjoy a comfortable visit.
Traveling There and Back.
Easter Island is served by its small airport, Mataveri, located just outside Hanga Roa. The sole airline operating flights to the island is LATAM, offering daily flights to and from the Chilean capital Santiago (with a duration of 4 hours and 50 minutes to 5 hours and 40 minutes) and weekly flights to and from Papeete in Tahiti (with a duration of 5 hours and 50 minutes). While most hotels provide complimentary airport transportation, travelers with light luggage can opt to walk to and from Hanga Roa. Alternatively, the only other means of visiting the island is by embarking on a cruise.
Options for Transportation.
- Many tourists typically opt for guided tours to explore the island, but some of these tours may feel hurried.
- Renting a car, motorbike, or quad bike provides more freedom and can be conveniently arranged in Hanga Roa.
- It’s important to note that there is no car insurance available on Easter Island, and drivers should be cautious of semi-feral horses.
- Nearby attractions can be reached on foot or by bike, both of which are widely available for rental.
- Horseback tours offer a particularly memorable way to experience the island.
- Taxis are limited in availability on the island.
Easter Island Travel Guide: Highlights & Activities
- The primary attractions on Easter Island are the numerous moai sites, complemented by beautiful beaches, volcanic craters, cliff-top archaeological sites, and diving spots.
- The majority of the island’s points of interest fall within Rapa Nui National Park, and entry tickets can be purchased at the airport upon arrival.
- Situated on the east coast, Ahu Tongariki is the island’s most renowned site, featuring a stunning array of 15 massive moai, some weighing up to 30 tons, aligned on a 650-foot ahu.
- After being toppled by a tsunami in 1960, the statues were reinstated to their original positions in 1995, making this location the prime spot on the island to witness the sunrise.
- Located just inland from Ahu Tongariki, Rano Raraku is a volcanic crater where the majority of the moai were crafted from compacted volcanic ash known as tuff.
- Many moai were left unfinished or proved too heavy to transport, resulting in their heads protruding from Rano Raraku‘s grassy slopes at various angles. Keep an eye out for El Gigante, the tallest ever carved moai at over 65 feet, which remains attached to the rock face in an incomplete state.
- On the island’s south coast, the dramatic flooded crater of the extinct Rano Kau volcano offers views of the ocean beyond, with nearby clifftop ruins of Orongo village featuring impressive petroglyphs celebrating the Birdman Ceremony.
- Anakena beach, located on the north coast, is believed to be where the first settlers landed, and today it offers a picturesque palm-fringed stretch of golden sand, suitable for swimming, sunbathing, and observing intriguing moai.
- A brief walk north of Hanga Roa leads to Tahai, a ceremonial site housing a selection of ahus and moai, where crowds gather in the late afternoon to witness the sunset. Nearby is the Father Sebastian Englert Archaeological Museum, providing a comprehensive overview of the island’s history and culture.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
- The warm, crystal-clear waters of one of the world’s largest marine reserves, established around Easter Island in 2017, offer excellent opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling, with the possibility of encountering green sea turtles.
Special Events & Festivals.
The best time to visit Easter Island is during one of its handful of festivals. During these periods—particularly Tapati Rapa Nui—demand for flights, accommodation and car hire rises, sometimes significantly, so book well in advance. Here are the island’s key fiestas.
Tapati Rapa Nui (Early February): This two-week event is the biggest fiesta of the year, celebrating Rapa Nui culture and history through the election of the “Queen of the Tapati”, music and dance performances, canoe and horse races, statue carving, feasting, and much more.
Semana Santa (March/April): Holy Week (aka Easter) celebrations on the island are centered around Hanga Roa’s pretty little church.
Dia de la Lengua Rapa Nui (Early November): The Day of the Rapa Nui Language celebrates the local tongue with a variety of cultural events.
Where to Stay.
Easter Island offers a variety of accommodations including campsites, hostels, guesthouses, and mid- to top-end hotels, although they are notably more expensive compared to those on the mainland. The majority of these options are situated in or around Hanga Roa, with the exception of the luxurious Explora Rapa Nui, located 8km east of town.
For backpackers and budget travelers, Camping Mihinoa is a recommended choice, while Hostal Tojika provides a reliable mid-range option. Among the top high-end accommodations, Hotel Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa stands out alongside Explora Rapa Nui.
It is advisable to make advance reservations for accommodations, especially if your visit coincides with Tapati Rapa Nui or Semana Santa.
Where to Eat.
Hanga Roa boasts a diverse array of cafes, restaurants, and bars, albeit with relatively high prices. The region is renowned for its exceptional fish and seafood, particularly the tuna and rape rape (a type of small lobster). A noteworthy traditional dish is the curanto, a hearty medley of meat, fish, and vegetables slow-cooked over hot volcanic rocks in an underground pit. Travelers can experience this dish at regular dinner-and-dance shows like Kari Kari.
Situated on the northern edge of Hanga Roa and operated by a Belgian-Rapa Nui couple, Au Bout du Monde features one of the most innovative menus on the island and is celebrated for its delectable chocolate mousse. Haka Honu, overlooking the sea, offers outstanding fish dishes, including the vibrant ceviche.
For budget-conscious visitors, Tia Berta on the main street is an ideal destination for affordable yet flavorsome seafood empanadas. Additionally, Mikafe, located on the dock, is a charming spot for indulging in ice cream and coffee. Positioned perfectly for sunset viewing, Te Moana provides expertly crafted cocktails and ice-cold Mahina beer, produced by the island’s own microbrewery.
