Easter Island is a place of contrasts, with its fair share of challenges: it’s remote, the attractions are limited, and the cost can be steep. Yet, its unique charm is unparalleled anywhere else in the world [smiling face].
For me, it’s still a destination worth visiting at least once [shy face]. I was fortunate to find a travel companion who shared my enthusiasm, and together we set out to explore the iconic stone statues 💃🏻. Let me share a brief account of our journey [selfie].
✈️ Flights:
One common hurdle when traveling within Chile is that all domestic flights, including those to Easter Island, originate from Santiago. LATAM Airlines is the sole operator, with departures scheduled at 8 AM and 10:30 AM, and return flights at 2 PM and 4 PM, each taking approximately five hours.
Despite the long journey, the flights are on the comfortable wide-body 787-8, which provides a bit of relief [face covering mouth].
If you book more than a month in advance, you can snag a round-trip ticket for around 2000 RMB.
🛩️ Boarding Tips:
Before going through the domestic security checks, look for the dedicated channel for Easter Island. Here, you’ll receive a special PDI (Passenger Data Information) form specific to the island. Keep an eye out for the stone statue 🗿 and Napa Nui signs!
Occasionally, the channel may be blocked by a cordon, so you might need to ask a nearby staff member to open it (a quirk of Latin American efficiency).
At this point, you can also get an entry stamp featuring the stone statue symbol (as shown in pic 12). Don’t hesitate to ask the officer to stamp it for you [raising hand].
🗿 Attractions:
The most disappointing aspect of Easter Island is that, aside from the 7 statues at Anakana (pic 7) and the only statue with eyes, Ahu Tahai (pics 8-10), many other sites require a local guide after purchasing a ticket (to prevent tourist damage). This makes a guided day tour almost essential.
Typically, a full-day tour covers the eastern route, which includes the main eastern attractions, while a half-day tour focuses on the western route. There are also half-day tours to the Birdman Village, though we didn’t try these.
I borrowed a Chinese map from @jiangzi travel 💜, which proved to be incredibly useful [thumbs up].
Top recommended attractions:
[one] East Coast: The 15 statues of Ahu Tongariki (pics 1-4) – A stunning spot for sunrise and photography.
[two] East Coast Quarry: Maoi Tukuturi (pics 5-6) – While hiking, you can see scattered statues and enjoy a distant view of the 15 statues.
[three] West Coast: The only statue with eyes, Ahu Tahai (pics 8-10) – A perfect spot for sunset, offering a serene and relaxing atmosphere.
It feels like a tranquil meadow where everyone sits on the hillside, enjoying the peaceful wait for the sun to set.
🏨 Accommodation:
For your stay, you have the option to choose between a cozy hotel or a charming homestay in town. We opted for a homestay nestled in the heart of the island, a tranquil and secluded estate complete with two friendly canine companions 🐕. However, it’s worth noting that this serene retreat comes with a catch: there’s no Wi-Fi, and the mobile signal is almost non-existent, making it a less-than-ideal choice for those who can’t bear to be disconnected from the digital world [pity face].
Moreover, outside of the town area, the rest of the island is largely a no-signal zone 📶. To ensure a smooth experience, it’s highly recommended to download your tickets and offline maps ahead of time.
In summary, despite its connectivity challenges, Easter Island remains a unique and worthwhile destination for a one-time visit [checklist], adding another unforgettable landmark to your life’s map 📍.
