Located in the South Pacific Ocean and forming the southeastern corner of the Polynesian Triangle, Easter Island is one of the most remote inhabited places on Earth. Known in the local language as Rapa Nui, and Isla Pascua in Spanish, this small volcanic island is unlike anywhere else in South America. Despite being part of Chile, Polynesian culture still runs deep here.
Easter Island (named by the Dutch for the day they arrived on the island in 1722) is most famed for its moai that dot the landscape. The enormous monoliths shaped like human figures have intrigued and mystified the world for centuries. These magnificent monuments, plus the island’s fascinating history and Oceanic culture, make it a truly unique place.
As you’ve landed on this page, you are obviously intrigued about Easter island, but you may still be wondering if it’s worth the effort (and cost) it takes to visit. As someone who has recently returned from the island, let me assure you – it most certainly is! From my own personal experience and the advice of people I met whilst travelling there, here’s all you need to know to plan your perfect visit!
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) Map and Resources
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- 🇨🇱 Chile Travel Guide
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- 📍 Nearby places: Santiago | Valparaíso | Viña del Mar
- 🗿 Must do activity: Explore the Rapa Nui National Park
Contents
Backpacking Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile – Travel Guide 🗿
Best Time to Visit Easter Island 🌤️
With a subtropical climate, Easter Island can be visited at any time of year and temperatures hover around the high teens to mid-20s (degrees Celsius) year-round. The high season runs from December to March, the southern hemisphere’s summer, when the days are warmest and driest.
The Tapati Rapa Nui Festival (Rapa Nui Week) runs during the first two weeks of February each year and this is the busiest time on the island. Book well ahead if you plan to visit during the festival.
April to November sees fewer crowds but you’re more likely to experience rain, with April being the wettest month. As it’s exposed on all sides to the ocean, it can get very windy on the island so bring a jacket whatever time of year you visit.
How to Get to Easter Island ✈️
The only way to reach Easter Island is by plane from Santiago de Chile. The 5-hour flight puts into perspective just how far the island is from anywhere! LATAM is the only airline that serves the island and there is generally one flight per day (sometimes two) leaving Santiago in the morning and returning in the afternoon.
Pre-pandemic there were also flights from Tahiti, but these have not resumed and it’s unclear when, or if, they will.
Entry Requirements
Travelling to Easter Island requires a little more planning than most other places in South America and you’ll need to book your accommodation and return travel in advance.
Pre-entry form
You will need to fill out an entry form prior to departure, also called an FUI (Formulario Único de Ingreso or Unique Entry Form). Once you’ve booked your airline tickets LATAM will send an email reminding you to do this with a link to the form. The form can also be found on the official website here.
Registered accommodation
Accommodation needs to be booked ahead of your arrival and included on the pre-entry form. Your accommodation must be registered with Sernatur (The National Tourism Service). The only other option is to show a letter of invitation from a resident of Rapa Nui if you happen to know any locals!
Proof of onward travel
It’s a requirement to have proof of onward travel, which in this case is essentially a return flight ticket as Santiago is the only way in or out! These details also need to be added to the pre-entry form. Note that there is a maximum stay of 30 days on the island.
Airport security
At the airport in Santiago you will go through a dedicated security gate separate from other domestic departures, which is great as there is no waiting! Here you will need to present your pre-entry form (a digital copy is fine) where your accommodation and return ticket will be checked.
Cost of Travelling Easter Island 💰
Airfare aside, travelling on Easter Island is more expensive than mainland Chile (itself not known for being one of South America’s cheaper countries), so make sure to budget for this. Everything from car hire to accommodation and food has a higher price tag and can be as much as double what you might pay on the mainland. This should come as no surprise when you learn that 60% of food is imported! As an illustration, expect to pay around 4,000–6,000CLP ($4–6USD) for an empanada on Easter Island compared to around 2,000–3,000CLP ($2–3USD) on the mainland. A hostel room may cost around $20USD in Santiago and $40USD on Easter Island.
Where to Stay on Easter Island 🛏️
Almost all the accommodation on Easter Island is concentrated in Hanga Roa, the island’s only town in the southwestern corner.
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Best Accommodation on Easter Island
Hostal Vaihere is a good budget option in the centre of town with dorm rooms, single privates with shared bathrooms and double private rooms. The guests highly rate the friendly host and location. There’s also a shared kitchen available for guests to use.
Cabañas & Hostal Tojika offer dorms as well as private rooms for a great price. It’s within easy walking distance of the centre of town, the rooms are clean and comfortable and the dorms even offer use of a shared kitchen. Plus, this oceanfront property must have some of the best views on the island!
“I could see the Pacific Ocean from my bed at Cabañas & Hostal Tojika! It was probably the best view from a hostel I’ve ever had and I could have stayed for weeks.”
Lisa Barham, Writer at South America Backpacker
Hostal Makohe Rapa Nui provides private rooms set in pretty gardens. It’s a great option for families with triple rooms available and an indoor play area. The property has exceptional ratings across the board and the guests particularly love the welcoming hosts.
Maunga Roa Eco Lodge is a rural retreat and one of the handful of places to stay outside of Hanga Roa. The accommodation is a self-contained bungalow with living space and kitchenette and it features spectacular views across the island and ocean beyond. There’s also complimentary bicycle hire to boot.
Kona Koa Lodge is perfect for those looking for a touch of luxury. Located in a quiet spot on the edge of town, the beautiful fully-equipped bungalows are surrounded by well-kept gardens and provide stunning ocean views. They can accommodate up to four people making them good value for money for groups.
Things to Do on Easter Island 🤩
1. Explore the Rapa Nui National Park 🗿
The Rapa Nui National Park covers around 40% of the island making it one of the largest open-air museums in the world. The world-famous moai are dotted across the island and best visited as part of a full-day or half-day tour. There are a handful of must-see sites, including the 15 moai at Ahu Tongariki, the quarry Rano Raraku and Orongo, the Birdman village.
Easter Island: A Short Glossary 🔤
Rapa Nui – the local name for Easter Island, the local language and the island’s people
Moai – stone monuments in the form of human figures found across Easter Island
Ahu – the stone platform upon which moai stand, it was also used as a burial place
Pukao – a red stone cylindrical carving placed on top of moai representing a top knot hairstyle
Hare paenga – ancient houses in the shape of an upturned canoe
Umu pae – a style of Polynesian cooking in which food is cooked in ovens built into the ground
2. Watch a Traditional Dance Performance 💃🏻
To really get a feel for the Polynesian culture of Rapa Nui don’t miss a traditional dance performance (around 30,000CLP; approx. $30USD). Local dance groups keep the traditional dances and music of the Rapa Nui people alive, performing for visitors and passing on knowledge to the next generation. The Kari Kari Cultural Ballet is one of the oldest and best dance groups on the island.
“It might be touristy, but the traditional dance show was enthralling! I’d recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about Rapa Nui’s Polynesian culture.”
Lisa Barham, Writer at South America Backpacker
3. Catch the Sunset at Ahu Tahai 🌅
For one of the most unique sunsets you’re ever likely to see, head to Ahu Tahai. It’s one of very few moai sites that can be visited for free without a guide or ticket and is easily walkable from Hanga Roa. Around sunset people congregate here to watch the sun sink into the ocean behind the moai, silhouetting the statues against a colourful sky.
4. Stargaze ✨
The remoteness of Easter Island and lack of light pollution means it enjoys exceptionally dark skies, which makes it a perfect stargazing spot. Simply enjoy the night sky from anywhere across the island (it’s best to get out of Hanga Roa town if possible) or take a stargazing tour to experience visiting some of the archaeological sites under the stars.
5. Shop at Mercado Artesanal 🛍️
Pick up some souvenirs at the artisan market. Not only will you be able to nab some beautiful hand-crafted gifts and mementos, you’ll also be supporting local artists and creators.
6. Swim With Turtles 🐢
Sea turtles are often spotted in the waters around Easter Island. For the best chance to get up close with them, take a swim in the Pea Swimming Pool next to Hanga Roa Harbour. Scuba divers can also enjoy exploring the exceptionally clear waters off the island’s west coast.
7. Spend the Day at the Beach 🏖️
Much of Easter Island’s coastline is rugged and rocky. However, in the northeast of the island you will find Anakena Beach. A perfect crescent of golden sand and crystal clear waters, this beach is the perfect spot to relax between exploring. It’s also home to a group of moai!
8. Enjoy the Views at Mirador Hanga Roa 😍
For sweeping vistas across Hanga Roa town and the island beyond, make a stop at the Mirador Hanga Roa (Hanga Roa Viewpoint). From there, it’s just a short hop to the Mirador Rano Kau, which provides a spectacular view over the crater of an ancient volcano.
9. Discover Local Art 🎨
For a taste of contemporary culture, take a visit to Mana Art Gallery where you can enjoy paintings, sculptures and drawings by local artists.
10. Get Your Passport Stamped ℹ️
Stop by the Tourist Information Office to get a fun Rapa Nui stamp in your passport.
11. Visit Rapa Nui Museum 🏛️
The small but informative Rapa Nui Museum is well worth a visit to learn more about the island’s history. It’s also home to the only original coral eye from a moai statue.
Rapa Nui National Park – Everything You Need to Know 🎟️
The archaeological sites on Easter Island are found within the Rapa Nui National Park. Covering 40% of the island, the national park is an extensive area featuring dozens of points of interest, including moai, petroglyphs, caves and historic villages. Despite the park’s size, it’s possible to see all the major sites in two action-packed days.
What Are Moai? 🗿
Easter Island’s moai, created around 1100 to 1600 CE, have mystified the world for centuries. Forming the head and torso of a human figure, each stone monument is unique. The lost history of the Rapa Nui means that no one can be certain what the purpose of these monoliths was. One theory is that each statue represents a specific person (often a chief) and they were created as a way to keep the spirit of the ancestors alive. Anywhere moai are found there was once a village. The statues were placed with their backs to the ocean, looking inwards towards the village so they could continue to watch over and protect their community. During clashes between clans many moai were deliberately toppled by warring groups.
Tickets and Opening Times
You will need to purchase a ticket to visit the most significant sites in the national park. There are only a handful of moai and other sites that can be visited without one (noted below). Tickets can be purchased online or in person on the island at the Rapa Nui National Park Ticket Office, which is just off the main street in Hanga Roa.
Tickets cost around 76,000CLP (approx. $76 USD) for adults and 38,000CLP for children 7–12 years old (approx. $38USD). Note that only card payments are accepted at the ticket office and the tickets are valid for 10 days from the start date. You will need to present your passport when buying a ticket and at each site you visit.
The Rapa Nui National Park is open every day from 9 am to 8 pm from December to March and 9 am to 6 pm between April and November.
Guides
It is compulsory to have a guide to enter the ticketed sites in Rapa Nui National Park, as such most people visit the sites as part of a guided tour. You can either hire a private guide or join a group tour.
However, your ‘guide’ needn’t be an official tour guide. It is enough to be accompanied by any Rapa Nui person. If you happen to know a local they are allowed to act as your guide within the park.
Archaeological Sites in the Rapa Nui National Park
There are hundreds of moai on Easter Island and dozens of archaeological sites. Several moai have been restored giving a good sense of how they originally looked while a significant number remain in ruins. The below outlines all the major (most-visited) sites but there are plenty more to be explored.
A few sites can be visited without a ticket or a guide. Additionally, three of the sites (Ahu Tongariki, Rano Raraku and Orongo Village) can only be visited once per ticket, while the remaining can be visited as many times as you wish within the validity of your ticket (10 days).
MOAI
Ahu Tongariki (ticket valid for one visit only)
The most iconic site, Ahu Tongariki features 15 standing moai – the largest group on an ahu on the island. The ahu stretches to 250m, and among the group are the largest moai (weighing in at 81 tonnes!) and the tallest (reaching 8.7m). The statues were toppled in the 17th century and underwent further damage from a tsunami in 1960 before being restored during a five-year project in the 1990s.
Rano Raraku (ticket valid for one visit only)
Rano Raraku is a volcanic crater that was used as a quarry. It is here that the moai were hewn from the earth and carved before being moved elsewhere on the island and erected on an ahu. Along with Tongariki, Rano Raraku is one of the most recognisable images of Rapa Nui, and the half-buried figures found here have become emblematic of the island. There are almost 300 moai that remain in the quarry, ranging from barely-begun carvings to fully formed statues ready to be transported.
Ahu Akivi
The moai of Ahu Akivi are the only ones that face out to sea. The seven figures represent the first seven explorers of the island and they are positioned to look westwards, the direction from which the first settlers came.
Ahu Nau Nau (free to visit without ticket or guide)
This group of seven moai is situated on Anakena Beach, which was once the island’s royal district and where the first king landed when the island was settled. The platform was restored in 1974 and five of the moai are well preserved. Four of the five are replete with pukao, while the remaining two in the group are in varying states of ruin. It was at this site that the only original eye from a moai statue was found buried in the sand.
Ahu Tahai, Ahu Vai Uri & Ahu Ko Te Riku (free to visit without ticket or guide)
This cluster of three ahus (often referred to collectively as simply Tahai) is located on the island’s west coast just a short walk from Hanga Roa town. Ahu Tahai is a single large moai standing in the centre. To the left is Ahu Vai Uri, a group of five moai in various states of repair and representing some of the oldest statues on the island. On the right is Ahu Ko Te Riku, a single moai with pukao. It is the only moai with (replica) eyes. The site is best visited at sunset when the sinking sun dips into the ocean behind the moai.
Ahu Vinapu
Several broken moai lie scattered on the ground at Vinapu. This site is also important for its style of the ahu, the wall of which is strikingly similar to those found in Inca archaeological sites in Peru! You can also see a rare female moai at Vinapu – one of only four on the island. It’s also unusual for being carved from red scoria rock. The same rock from which pukao were carved, there are only six moai made from this material.
Ahu Te Pito Kura (free to visit without ticket or guide)
The tallest moai ever erected on an ahu, the statue at Te Pito Kura once stood at 9.8m. Purposefully toppled, it remains where it fell broken at the shoulders and with its pukao resting nearby.
Puna Pau
The pukao that adorn many of the moai were fashioned from a different rock to the figures at the quarry of Puna Pau. Pukao represent top knots and were a feature incorporated into the creation of later moai. The distinctive red color is from iron oxidation within the rock.
Fun Fact! 🤓
There are almost 900 moai on Easter Island! Of these, close to half (397) remain in the quarry at Rano Raraku, the reasons for which are unclear. The average moai is around 4m tall and weighs 12.5 tonnes!
HISTORIC VILLAGES
Orongo (ticket valid for one visit only)
Intrinsically linked with the Birdman cult, Orongo was where people lived during the time of the annual Birdman competition meaning it was only occupied around 28 days each year. The ceremonial village atop Rano Kau Volcano looks out to the ocean and the important islet of Motu Nui. The 54 restored houses built near the edge of the cliff housed around 200–300 people.
Vaihu
Vaihu is an ancient village whose moai remain lying where they were toppled. This site is also home to a replica village, which is a popular stop on tours used to give context to the other sites and help visitors better understand the history of Easter Island. The hare paenga (boat houses), chicken coops and umu pae oven give a sense of how the Rapa Nui used to live.
Akahanga
Once a large village, Akahanga was home to around 300 people. Now all that remains are original ruins and several toppled moai. You can see the foundations of hare paenga and umu pae ovens here.
Did You Know? The Birdman Cult 🪺
In addition to its moai, Easter Island is also famous for the Birdman cult, which is thought to have emerged on the island in the mid-1600s and continued until the 1860s. In an annual competition, young men (one from each clan on the island) raced each other to swim to the island of Motu Nui, 1.5 km off the coast of Easter Island. The first to return with an unbroken egg of a sooty tern bird (the first of the season and signalling the new year) would be crowned winner, or ‘Birdman’, and leader of the island for the next year.
PETROGLYPHS
Papa Tataku Poki
The flat rock surfaces known as papa are the remnants of ancient lava flows, which provided the ideal canvas for artists to create rock art. These petroglyphs, drawings etched into the rock, can still be seen across the island. Papa Tataku Poki is one of the most well-known sites, which is located a couple of hundred metres away from Ahu Tongariki.
Birdman at Rano Kau (free to visit without ticket or guide)
The distinctive Birdman image carved into a rock next to Rano Kau crater is symbolic of the Birdman cult. This petroglyph is thought to date to around 1600.
Papa Vaka (free to visit without ticket or guide)
Just set back from the coastal road on the way to Anakena Beach, Papa Vaka features carvings of sea life, including a tuna, shark and octopus.
NATURAL SITES
Rano Kau Crater (free to visit without ticket or guide)
Rano Kau is an extinct volcano that erupted 2.5 million years ago. It was the second of three volcanic eruptions that created Easter Island. Its crater is now filled by a lake brimming with reeds. The views across the crater to the Pacific Ocean beyond are some of the most awesome on Easter Island.
Ana Kakenga and Ana Te Pahu
You’ll need a guide to explore these two caves. Ana Kakenga (The Cave of Two Windows) is set within a cliff and offers dazzling coastal views. Ana Te Pahu, which means Banana Cave, is so called because this underground lava cave was once used as a place to cultivate the fruit, as well as sweet potato, taro and other crops.
Maunga Terevaka
At 507 metres above sea level, Maunga Terevaka Volcano is the highest point on Easter Island. It’s the youngest of the three volcanoes that form the island, having risen from the ocean around 300,000 years ago. It’s possible to hike to the summit (around 2 hours) from where you can enjoy panoramic views.
Exploring the North of the Island 🥾
There are several historic landmarks and points of interest along the island’s northwest coast. No roads service this area meaning these places are only accessible on foot. A guided hike (approx. 6 hours) is the only way to visit these sites.
Types of Tour
There’s no shortage of tour guides and tour companies on Easter Island. You can choose between hiring a guide for a private tour or joining one of the organised group tours (the company Travel LTDA [aka Rapa Nui Travel Limited] is recommended).
There is a standard full-day tour (around 55,000–60,000CLP; approx $55–60USD) and two half-day tours (around 30,000–35,000CLP; approx $30–$35USD). Taking all three tours will ensure you see all the major points of interest. If you only have time for one, the full-day tour takes in the most famous sites. Whichever company you choose, the itinerary will follow roughly the same format as follows:
Full-day tour
- Vaihu
- Akahanga
- Ahu Tongariki
- Rano Raraku
- Te Pito Kura
- Ahu Nau Nau
Half-day tour 1
- Ahu Vinapu
- Rano Kau Crater
- Orongo Village
Half-day tour 2
- Ahu Akivi
- Puna Pau
- Ahu Tahai or Ana Te Pahu
Exploring Independently
The following sites can be visited for free, without a ticket or guide:
- Ahu Nau Nau
- Rano Kau Crater and Birdman petroglyph
- Ahu Tahai
- Te Pito Kura
- Papa Vaka
While Ahu Tahai is walkable from Hanga Roa, the best way to visit the other sites is by hiring a car or scooter and driving yourself around the island.
“After joining the organised tours, I hired a car and revisited some of the sites on my own. It was great to go at my own pace spending as long as I wanted at each location. Simply driving around the isolated and rugged island felt like an adventure in itself!”
Lisa Barham, Writer at South America Backpacker
Rapa Nui National Park Rules
As well as being archaeological treasures, the moai are sacred to the Rapa Nui people. To preserve the sites for present and future generations, make sure to follow the below rules set out by the national park authorities:
- Never touch a moai, petroglyph or any archaeological object to avoid damaging them
- Do not walk or climb on the ahus (platforms)
- Only visit with a guide (with the exception of designated sites)
- Walk on the marked paths and don’t stray from the trail
- Don’t take stones or any other object out of the national park
- Take all litter home with you
The following are not permitted inside the Rapa Nui National Park:
- Drones
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Camping and fires
Food and Drink on Easter Island 🥟
The food on Easter Island is a mix of Chilean/South American cuisine (ceviche and empanadas abound) and traditional dishes of the Rapa Nui. As you might expect on an island, there is plenty of fish; tuna is a particular favourite. Vegetarians and vegans have very limited options – be prepared to eat a lot of veggie empanadas.
Umu pae is a traditional cooking method in Rapa Nui culture, whereby food is cooked in stone ovens built into the earth. Typical foods include chicken, fish, lobster, taro and yams, which are wrapped in banana leaves and placed into the oven where it is cooked using fire and hot stones. This method of cooking using underground ovens is found across Polynesia.
To sample some good local fish dishes, try Makona Restaurant (in the local language, makona means satisfied or ‘I’m full’). For street food and good vibes, check out the Aloha Food Trucks where you can find fresh empanadas, ceviche, sandwiches and burgers along with a bar.
You can find cheap empanadas at the panaderia O Te Ahi, while Le Frits serves up some of the best ceviche in town. Oheho Surf Cafe is a great spot overlooking the ocean (perfect for sunset!) that serves tasty food in huge portions. La Boulangerie is a nice breakfast spot, also with ocean views.
Getting Around Easter Island 🛻
Walking
The town, Hanga Roa, is tiny and easily navigated on foot. To get around the rest of the island you will need some wheels. (All prices below are per 24 hours.)
Bicycle
The island itself is fairly small and much of it can be explored by bicycle. The cost of bike hire seems to vary greatly, ranging from around 15,000CLP (approx. $15USD) to around 24,000CLP (approx. $24USD), so make sure you ask around to get the best price.
Scooter
If you like two wheels but want a little more power, scooters are available for hire for around 40,000–45,000CLP (approx. $40–$45USD).
4WD
The most popular way to get around independently is to hire a small 4WD. The smallest option (a Suzuki Jimny) costs from around 60,000–80,000CLP (approx. $60–80USD). For a bigger option (Grande Vitara of Nomade) expect to pay 100,000–120,000 (approx. $100–$120USD).
There are only a handful of rental places on the island. A couple of the recommended ones are Oceanic, O’Nei and Insular. (O’Nei tends to have the best prices.)
“If you’re hiring a car it’s worth asking for a discount on the advertised price, especially in low season. I managed to get a small 4×4 for $50USD.”
Lisa Barham, Writer at South America Backpacker
Tips for Driving on Easter Island 🚗
1. Go slow! While the main roads are paved there are plenty of potholes and bumpy sections. (The speed limit is 30 km/h in town and 50 km/h on the main roads.)
2. Beware the wild horses. Horses roam freely on the island and this includes on the roads. Be cautious and pass them slowly.
3. Take extra care at night. There is no street lighting outside of Hanga Roa and it gets exceptionally dark in such a remote place.
4. There is no such thing as car insurance on the island – if you needed an extra reason to drive carefully, there it is!
Tour
The easiest way to get around and explore the island is on an organised tour, either with a group or private guide.
Where to Go Next: ➡️
Santiago: Chile’s buzzing capital, Santiago is a heady mix of cityscape and green spaces against a mountainous backdrop.
Valparaíso: Spend a few days wandering the colourful streets of Valpo. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s famed for brightly painted buildings, hilly streets and must-see murals.
Viña del Mar: Known as Chile’s Garden City, Viña del Mar is a stark contrast to Valpo with its long stretches of beach and manicured parks.
Contributors:
South America Backpacker is a ‘travel diary for everyone’. This article has been written with the help of backpackers and local experts. We would like to thank…
🙏 Patricio | Cabañas & Hostal Tojika
🙏 Sebastian & Terangi | Travel LTDA
Lisa Barham
Lisa is a writer and traveller who left her nine-to-five in London for life on the road. Today, she spends her time solo backpacking, navigating through life and unfamiliar streets. After eating, hiking and surfing her way through Southeast Asia, she headed for a new adventure in South America, to travel through the continent learning Spanish, and a few other valuable lessons along the way!
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