Days 365-368 of my trip, I was on Easter Island 🗿.
👀 How to Play
The original plan was to cycle around the island for one day + join a tour for one day (to supplement the far or poorly maintained spots), which would require two full days. Since flights usually arrive and depart at noon, I reserved four days in total (see map on p2, my original plan & brief introduction to each attraction on p3).
However, starting from August 2018, except for Ahu Tahai (sunset spot), Rano Kau (crater), and Anakena Beach (the only sandy beach), all other attractions must be visited with a guide, even if you have a ticket! So either customize a Private Tour or join a Group Tour, no bicycle tours!
Two half-day tours (30-40k) and one full-day tour (without meals 40-60k, with lunch +15-20k) basically cover all the attractions. The itineraries of different companies are similar (p4). The morning and afternoon tours gather at 9:30 am, and the afternoon tour starts at 2 pm. After the tour, there’s still time to go to Ahu Tahai to watch the sunset by yourself. A round trip from Santiago for three days is enough.
⚠️ Tickets can only be purchased in town, not at the entrance of the attractions! Search for Rapa Nui National Park Ticket Office on the map, 80USD valid for 10 days (no other options), operating hours 9 am-5 pm. Travel agencies do not buy tickets on your behalf, so you need to buy them yourself before joining the tour, and you need a passport.
🏠 What to Eat & Where to Stay
Both eating and staying are expensive. I stayed at Camping Mohevia, which provides hot showers, a functional kitchen, and a single tent with an air mattress for 20🔪/night, but the internet is very poor. There are many supermarkets in town selling vegetables at acceptable prices, and dining out costs 15-20k per meal.
⚠️ Book your flight 4 weeks in advance, and the price will be 7-8k cheaper. The cheapest round-trip ticket without checked or carry-on luggage allowance is ¥1.7k, adding luggage costs +¥700-800. It’s recommended to bring a small bag, buy ingredients on the island, and cook by yourself.
💔 Easter Island is not large, with open views and a feeling of wilderness everywhere, which is actually very suitable for solo cycling. I’d rather they charge 200🔪 upon arrival like the Galapagos Islands and then leave me alone. If they really want to promote employment, they could place more security guards in the scenic areas to prevent tourists from touching, scribbling, or drawing.
Or, like Machu Picchu, limit the visiting time of famous attractions by reservation. Being forced to listen to the guide’s chatter about information that can be found online in 3 minutes, and not having time to take photos or relax, greatly affects the experience. I strongly suggest the local tourism industry directly rob people instead of forcing services I don’t need.
💡 Budget Freedom Plan
Ahu Tongariki and Rano Raraku are must-see destinations that offer an unforgettable experience. Even before you reach the ticket checkpoint, you can catch a glimpse of the majestic statues. For those who prefer a more relaxed approach, cycling to these sites allows you to admire the statues from a distance.
Additionally, don’t miss out on the free Anakena Beach, where you can enjoy a close-up view of the statues. Another highlight is Rano Kau, a stunning crater that offers breathtaking views, especially during sunset when the statues are bathed in a golden glow.
