1️⃣ Round-trip airfare (approximately 2500 RMB)
To snag the best deals, switch the LATAM official website to Spanish. If you’re not in Chile, don’t forget to add /cl after .com to switch to the Chilean site. Keep refreshing the page as prices can fluctuate. For a Santiago-Rapa Nui flight with luggage, expect to pay around CLP157472 (RMB1174).
Alternatively, you can use domestic platforms; I purchased my return ticket on Qunar, which was cheaper than the official website, including luggage for RMB1346.
⚠️ At Santiago Airport, there’s a dedicated security channel for Rapa Nui travelers. When you see the sign in picture 2, turn right and go through a separate customs check where they will verify your return ticket and accommodation. You’ll then receive a PDI (picture 3), which will be collected before boarding.
⚠️ Before entering the island, you must register, and your accommodation must be from an approved list. If staying at a homestay, confirm with the owner that they are on the list.
2️⃣ 3 nights of accommodation (around 540 RMB)
I stayed at Camping Hostal Tipanie Moana, located in Aeropuerto Centro, just an 8-minute walk from the airport and a 20-minute stroll to the city center. The hostel offers free airport pick-up and drop-off, boasts a pleasant environment, and has a kitchen for guests to cook their own meals.
3️⃣ Food and drinks (about 80 RMB)
The cost of living on the island is quite high. To save money, I bought spicy rice noodles in Santiago and brought them along. On the island, I only purchased essentials like water, cola, and coffee. Interestingly, the water at the hostel is cheaper than in local supermarkets.
4️⃣ Entrance tickets (around 580 RMB)
Search for Rapa Nui National Park tickets, priced at CLP78250. Once purchased, you receive an e-ticket valid for 10 days. However, some sites, like the quarry, can only be visited once, while others have no such restrictions. Additionally, some sites require a local guide. You can also buy tickets on the island for 80 USD, but remember to bring your passport.
5️⃣ Tours (about 410 RMB)
The four main attractions on the island are the 15 Ahu Tongariki by the sea (a popular spot for sunrise tours), the quarry Rano Raraku, the 7 Ahu Akivi facing the sea, and the crater Orongo. Most tours split these into different packages, requiring two days to cover all. The tour from my hostel costs only 55K pesos, covering seven points, including the four highlights plus Anakena, Mirador Rano Kau, and Puna Pau, making it a great value!
Note that this tour is not available every day and is conducted in Spanish (I shared a video introduction previously). The host took many creative photos for me [laughing].
6️⃣ Performance (about 150 RMB)
Also organized by the hostel, the Kari Kari Dance performance costs 20K pesos and lasts about 2 hours. It’s a captivating show and well worth watching (as seen at the end of my previous video). The host even painted our faces, adding to the experience (pictures 4-6).
7️⃣ Ahu Tahai (picture 15) is accessible on foot and doesn’t require a ticket. The sunset views here are absolutely stunning.
