Easter Island, one of the world’s most remote and enchanting destinations, is often referred to as the “Navel of the Earth.” This mystical island is renowned for its colossal stone statues, known as Moai, which stand guard along the coastline, adding to the island’s mystique and allure.
✈️ Transportation to the Island
✅ The only way to reach Easter Island is by flying with LATAM Airlines from Santiago, Chile. With 1-2 flights per day, it’s essential to book a round-trip ticket. For the best deals, check the Spanish version of the LATAM official website (selecting Chile as your location), where you might find tickets at half the price.
Google Flights is also a handy tool for comparing prices. Keep refreshing; I managed to snag a round-trip ticket for just $400.
🛂 After purchasing your ticket, LATAM will send you a link to the entry declaration website, ingresorapanui. You must complete this form before boarding, including the address of your accommodation on the island.
Make sure to book your hotel in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
🛃 Before boarding your flight to Easter Island, you’ll need to go through a special PDI (Policía de Investigaciones) inspection queue.
🚗 Most hotels on the island offer complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off services. Just make sure to communicate with your hotel a day in advance to arrange this.
🍗 Dining and Shopping
The dining and shopping scene on Easter Island is centered in Hanga Roa town, conveniently located near the main road from the airport. There, you’ll find a larger supermarket called Pou Va’e Tea, along with several smaller grocery stores. Be aware that many shops close on Sundays.
The food on the island is generally decent, and prices are surprisingly reasonable. If you’re planning to stay for a while, consider bringing some dry food from Santiago to add variety to your meals.
📶 Internet
Internet connectivity is limited to the area around Hanga Roa town, and there is no signal in the scenic areas. Entel offers the best mobile coverage, while Movistar’s signal is somewhat weaker.
🎟️ Tickets
To visit the main attractions, you’ll need to purchase a ticket, which costs $80 for foreigners. These can be bought online or on the island as a paper ticket. Each attraction will stamp your paper ticket, and while a passport is required for the initial purchase, it’s not checked when entering the sites.
📌 Visiting Methods
To preserve the island’s unique heritage, visitors are now required to enter the general attractions with a local guide. Here are three popular methods:
1️⃣ Join a tour group through your hotel or on the street. For a small group of 10-15 people, a 2-day tour costs 120,000 pesos per person (can be split into half-day tours) plus an additional 30,000 pesos for a sunrise tour.
2️⃣ Rent a private car with a guide. A 2-day tour may include some less essential stops, but with a private car, you can easily cover all the highlights in one day.
3️⃣ Rent a car and drive yourself, then hire a guide at the entrance of each site. This option requires a bit more boldness and planning, but it offers the most flexibility.
📌 Other Activities
🚗 We highly recommend renting a car, motorcycle, ATV, or bicycle to explore the island’s free attractions at your own pace. The island is encircled by a single, well-maintained road, making it easy to stop and admire the sights. For scooter rentals, Oceanic is a top choice, as they only require a standard driver’s license. However, some places may insist on a motorcycle license, so be prepared to switch to a bicycle if needed—though it can be quite tiring.
🏖️ Relax on the pristine sands of Anakena Beach, or visit the smaller, more secluded beach near the town, where you might even spot a family of turtles 🐢 basking in the sun.
🧜♀️ Immerse yourself in the local culture with traditional dance performances. Tickets are 30,000 pesos, and for a complete experience, opt for the dinner package, which ranges from 50,000 to 80,000 pesos.
🤿 Dive into the crystal-clear waters with one of the several dive shops on the island, offering guided diving excursions that will take you to the most breathtaking underwater sites.
🏇 For those seeking more adventure, there are plenty of other activities to choose from, including boat trips, surfing 🏄, and horseback riding through the island’s scenic landscapes.
Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll share more detailed travel routes and tips!
