My Easter Island Adventure: A Simple Guide to Rapa Nui
Hey, fellow explorer! If you’ve ever dreamed of standing in front of those giant stone heads—yep, the famous Moai—Easter Island is the spot for you. It’s this tiny, remote island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, part of Chile, and it’s packed with mystery and beauty. I finally made it there, and I’m here to spill all the details—how to get there, what to do, and how to prep for an epic trip. Let’s dive in!
Getting to Easter Island
Easter Island, or Rapa Nui as the locals call it, isn’t exactly a quick weekend getaway—it’s way out there, about 2,200 miles west of Chile. But don’t let that scare you off; it’s totally doable.
- By Plane: The only real way for most of us to get there is flying from Santiago, Chile. LATAM Airlines runs daily flights (sometimes two a day in busy seasons like December to March). It’s about 5–6 hours in the air, and tickets can cost anywhere from $300 to over $1,000 round-trip, depending on when you book. I snagged mine for $450 by booking three months early on the LATAM Chile website—pro tip: check that site instead of the U.S. one for better deals!
- Other Ways: You might hear about cruises or cargo ships stopping by, but those are rare and mostly for fancy travelers or locals. Flights are your best bet.
When you land at Mataveri Airport in Hanga Roa (the island’s only town), you’ll need to pay a national park fee—about $80 USD. It’s cash-only (Chilean pesos or dollars work), so have it ready.
Stuff to Do on Easter Island
This place is small—only 63 square miles—but it’s loaded with cool things to see. Here’s what I loved:
- Moai Spotting: The Moai are why you’re here, right? These huge stone statues are all over the island. My favorite spots were Ahu Tongariki (15 Moai lined up at sunrise—mind-blowing!), Rano Raraku (the quarry where they were carved, with tons half-finished), and Ahu Tahai (great for sunset vibes near town).
- Hiking: I hiked up Rano Kau, a volcano with a crater lake that looks like something from a movie. It’s near Orongo, a village where the wild Birdman competition used to happen—think guys swimming to grab an egg from a tiny islet. Crazy history!
- Beach Time: Anakena Beach is the spot—white sand, palm trees, and a few Moai watching over you. I swam and chilled there for an afternoon.
- Stargazing: No light pollution means the night sky is unreal. I just lay on the grass one night and lost count of the stars.
Heads-up: Since 2024, you need a local guide to visit most archaeological sites (like where the Moai are). I went with Green Island Tours—super friendly and worth it for the stories they share.
How to Get Ready
Easter Island is remote, so a little planning makes it way smoother. Here’s what I learned:
- Book Early: Flights, tours, and places to stay fill up fast, especially November to March (summer down there). I booked my flight and a guesthouse four months out to avoid stress.
- Weather Check: It’s warm year-round (60–80°F), but it can rain anytime, and the wind’s no joke. I went in February—sunny but breezy. April’s the wettest month, so maybe skip that.
- Timing: Three to five days is perfect. I stayed four days and felt like I saw it all without rushing.
- Cash Is King: ATMs are in Hanga Roa, but lots of places (like food stalls) take only cash. I brought 100,000 Chilean pesos (about $100 USD) and used my card for bigger stuff.
- Entry Rules: Before you fly, fill out the Rapa Nui Entry Form online (takes 5 minutes) and show proof of a return flight and a place to stay. They check this in Santiago.
What to Pack
Keep it simple—you’re not lugging tons around this little island. Here’s my list:
- Clothes: Layers are key—t-shirt, hoodie, and a waterproof jacket. I wore sneakers for hiking, plus flip-flops for the beach. A hat’s clutch for sun or wind.
- Gear: Small backpack, water bottle (tap water’s fine), sunglasses, and sunscreen—the sun’s intense. I rented a sleeping bag for a night under the stars, but most spots have gear if you need it.
- Food: Restaurants are pricey (everything’s flown in), so I packed snacks like granola bars and nuts from Santiago. There’s a market in Hanga Roa for basics too.
- Extras: Camera (duh, those Moai pics!), a flashlight for night walks, and a power adapter (Chile uses Type C or L plugs).
My Tips
- Start early—sunrise at Ahu Tongariki was my trip highlight.
- Rent a bike or car in Hanga Roa if you want freedom between tours—roads are bumpy but fun.
- Chat with locals—they’re warm and love sharing Rapa Nui stories if you show interest.
- Respect the rules—no touching Moai or wandering off paths. It’s their home, after all.
Why Easter Island Stole My Heart
This place is magic. The Moai staring out over the ocean, the green hills, the wild horses running around—it’s like stepping into a legend. It’s not cheap or easy to get to, but standing there, feeling like you’re at the edge of the world, makes it all worth it. Pack smart, plan ahead, and get ready for a trip you’ll never forget!