Three days are more than enough, and by the last day, you’ll find yourself at a loss for new places to explore.
✈️ Flights. Only LATAM offers flights from Santiago, and I booked mine at the last minute, adhering to my philosophy of “spend less at home and more on the road.” For a bit extra, choose your seat in advance to make the 5-hour journey more comfortable—it can get quite chilly on board. Pro tip: Booking in Chilean Spanish on the LATAM website often yields better prices.
✈️ Departure is from Terminal 1 (domestic) at Santiago Airport. After check-in, head straight to the same level departure security area. There’s a dedicated lane for Easter Island, so no need to navigate other floors.
✈️ The airport on Easter Island is quaint and compact. If you’re traveling light, consider walking to your hotel, which can save you a bundle on transportation costs.
🚗 Renting an automatic car will set you back around 70,000 CLP per day. Most rental companies are conveniently located on Atamu Tekena, the main street. Book in advance, pick up the car upon arrival, and return it to the airport. While the car’s power isn’t impressive, the bumpy, unpaved roads on the island don’t require a high-performance vehicle.
🚥 Traffic on the island is a unique experience. With no traffic lights, the key is to yield and be courteous. Speed limits range from 30-50 km/h, and the roads are narrow and in poor condition, with many unpaved stretches.
🌞 When the sun is out, it’s scorching, so slather on that sunscreen. You won’t find air conditioning in most places, so be prepared for the heat.
🌴🎫 Purchase tickets online for convenience. Except for Anakena and a few Moai statues in town, most sites require a guide. It’s a good idea to drive around on your first day, chat with several guides, and then plan your detailed exploration for the second day. We joined tour groups at five different sites, costing us a total of 110,000 CLP per person. You can also get a great view of Ahu Tongariki from outside the walls, so entering isn’t always necessary.
🌄 For breathtaking sunrises, head to Ahu Tongariki or Mirador Rano Kau. For sunsets, any Moai statue on the west coast will offer a stunning view.
📷 Drones are a no-go near the southern part of the airport, but you can fly them along the uninhabited coast. Just be mindful not to disturb others.
💰💳 All the merchants we encountered accepted card payments, making transactions smooth and easy.
🍜 I skipped Chilean cuisine and opted for Peruvian ceviche throughout my stay—tuna marinated in lemon juice, paired with local beer or Aperol spritz. It was a delightful and refreshing choice.
💻📱 I used Movistar’s eSIM, which provided a 4G signal in town, though it occasionally dropped to 3G. Outside of town, the signal was non-existent, and internet speeds were generally slow.
📃 Before you depart, fill out the entry permit form (formulario de ingreso a Rapa Nui) and keep the confirmation email, hotel booking, and return ticket handy on your phone. These documents may be required.
💡 Do some research before you go, or you might get lost in the terminology. I recommend the latest edition of LP Chile for a comprehensive guide. If you need the PDF English version, let me know.
💬 Knowing basic Spanish is a huge plus, especially numbers, as most guides on the island do not speak English. Basic Spanish will help you grasp the general idea and communicate effectively.
‼️ Note that the Easter Island Museum is currently closed.
Explore this charming little island in the early morning when the air is refreshingly cool, and you’ll be greeted by adorable dogs along the roadside that are friendly but not overly clingy 🐶🐶
Wishing you a delightful journey! ¡Buen viaje!
