[Itinerary]
The round trip to this enchanting destination takes 10 hours, and whether the journey is worth it largely depends on personal preference, as does the number of days you choose to spend there. I initially planned a 3-day, 2-night stay, but after landing and falling in love with the island, I extended my booking to 4 days and 3 nights once I picked up the car and settled into the homestay.
☑️ 3 days: Many travelers on XHS recommend a 3-day itinerary, claiming it’s sufficient. However, from my experience, this is only ideal for those who are highly efficient, starting tours immediately upon arrival and focusing solely on the main attractions.
☑️ 4 days: This allows you to catch both the sunrise and sunset, join guided tours to see the highlights, and still have time for a self-driving adventure around the island and some beach fun.
☑️ 5 days or more: Perfect for those who wish to immerse themselves in the laid-back lifestyle of a South Pacific island. Beyond the main attractions, you can enjoy surfing and relaxing by the sea. Easter Island truly reminded me of the month I spent traveling in a South Pacific island country—it was incredibly serene and rejuvenating.
[Flights]
LATAM Airlines holds a monopoly on flights to Easter Island. I secured a round-trip ticket for $310 several months in advance from their official website, which included a backpack, carry-on luggage of 12 kg, and checked baggage of 23 kg. If you travel light, you might find even lower fares under $300.
⚠️ It’s not advisable to book through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). Instead, opt for the official website or app, preferably in Spanish. Flights to Easter Island often undergo changes, and if there are any, you can usually get free rebooking or refunds, which are better managed through the official channels.
‼️ The typical price for an economy class ticket hovers around $300, with frequent fluctuations. If you notice a sudden spike to $700, hold off—prices usually drop back down.
[Car Rental]
I rented a car from Oceanic Rent A Car’s official website. The most affordable manual transmission car costs $80 per day, while an automatic is $90. We initially booked an automatic for two days at $180, and when we added another day, it was just $60.
‼️ You can pick up the car at the town store, your hotel, or arrange for airport pickup.
⚠️ We used an international driver’s license; it’s unclear if a Chinese driver’s license with a translation would be accepted.
🚗 While some roads around the island are bumpy, a small car is perfectly suitable for navigating them.
[Island Entry Ticket]
The entry ticket costs $80 and can be purchased online or in town. Buying at the Rapa Nui National Park Ticket Office gives you a paper ticket that can be stamped as a souvenir. There are also many tour guides selling tours near the ticket office, where you can compare prices and options.
[Accommodation]
🏠 Cabanas Anavai Rapa Nui
🛏️ Room type: Bungalow – Beachfront, priced at 1362r per night
This charming place feels like a family-run hotel, with a total of 4 villas and plans for expansion. The mother is the owner, and her daughter manages the property, ensuring a clean and welcoming environment with housekeeping every two days.
The one we stayed in is called Vaimiti, nestled closest to the road and the seaside, offering a breathtaking direct view of the Moai statues from the second-floor balcony. It’s incredibly convenient, just a short, scenic walk home after watching the sunset! While I truly enjoyed this place, it’s important to note that the house has a bit of an aged charm, so if you’re sensitive to the following, you might want to consider other options:
‼️ No air conditioning, only a fan (we stayed in November, and it was quite comfortable)
‼️ No hot water on the 2nd floor, requiring you to shower on the 1st floor; a hairdryer is provided
‼️ Poor sound insulation on the roof, which can be quite noisy during a heavy rainstorm, as the metal roof amplifies the sound
‼️ Many dogs in the vicinity, and one night they barked loudly for a long time, making it difficult to sleep
⚠️ Airport shuttle service is available, adding to the convenience of your stay
