There’s a wealth of information available about Easter Island, so here are some personal, practical tips to enhance your visit:
1. The two must-see attractions are Ahu Tongariki, featuring an impressive row of 15 Moai statues (P1-P3), and Rano Raraku, often hailed by guides as the “highlight of highlights.” This is the quarry where the iconic Moai were carved (P4-P6). These sites offer a profound glimpse into the island’s rich history and cultural heritage.
2. It’s crucial to book your flights well in advance. Currently, there are only two daily flights to and from Santiago, and the Tahiti routes have not yet resumed. Just last month, a week before my departure, I struggled to find any available tickets; an economy one-way and business class return ticket cost around 21,000, while a round trip in business class was 28,000.
It’s worth noting that the 5-hour flight, even on a 787 for the 14-hour Santiago-Sydney route, lacks Wi-Fi, which can be quite inconvenient. However, LATAM Play offers free Wi-Fi even on smaller aircraft, which is a welcome perk.
3. When it comes to accommodations, Hare Nua Hotel Boutique stands out as a great option, especially if you’re looking for a balance between comfort and affordability. While booking through Ctrip typically costs over RMB 4,000, you can secure a room for just over 200 pounds on Expedia, with the added benefit of cashback. Additionally, communicating with the hotel in advance via Expedia makes it incredibly convenient to arrange tours and other activities.
4. Guided tours booked through the hotel can be a bit on the pricier side. For instance, Hare Nua charges 150 USD per person per tour. For two people and two tours, each lasting about 2 hours, we spent 600 USD. However, when we expressed our interest in visiting additional sites, our guide was flexible and only charged an extra 40 USD to take us to two more locations.
Specific prices, island attractions, and traditional cultural performances can all be arranged through the hotel, although they may come at a premium. (P10-P14)
