Is Easter Island worth visiting? That depends on how you want to spend your time there, and how much time you have to spend there. If you’re only visiting Easter Island for a week or two, we recommend that you focus your efforts on the Moai statues that are scattered around the island, as well as the famous Rano Kau crater and the red-hot vents of the Terevaka volcano.
How easy is it to travel around?
Easter Island is a remote destination, so you may need to take an international flight before catching a local connection. The time difference between Easter Island and the US is 12 hours, which means that when it’s noon in the US, it’s 6pm in Easter Island. When traveling to Easter Island from the US, you’ll land at Santiago Airport on the mainland of Chile, then catch a connecting flight to Hanga Roa. Once you arrive on the island, you’ll be able to explore around town by foot or bicycle. You can also rent a car, motorcycle, or scooter if you’re feeling adventurous. If your trip includes some travel days, plan ahead to make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date!
What are the flights like?
There are two ways to get to Easter Island. You can fly on Air Tahiti Nui or LAN Chile, but there is only one flight a week and it’s expensive, so the best way is to fly with Sky Airline (which flies into Santiago).
The cheapest way to get around is by bus and you’ll have to stop in Hanga Roa for food and supplies before you take the ferry back to Valparaiso.
There are loads of hotels on the island too, from luxury resorts down to backpacker hostels. It’s worth booking ahead though as they do fill up quickly during busy periods.
For those who like their creature comforts there is also camping available at some sites on the north coast near Tongariki.
What can you do on the island?
Easter Island is a fascinating place to visit, and many people have the misconception that it’s just about the moai statues. There are many interesting sites to visit on the island, including Ahu Akivi, which is a very well-preserved site. The site includes a large number of moai statues as well as an ahu (a stone platform). The best part is that you can actually walk up to the moai statues and touch them. I was amazed by how many of these statues there were and how they were so expertly carved from volcanic rock.
Where should I stay while on the island?
There are many options for accommodations on Easter Island. The best option will depend on your preferences and budget. If you want to be close to the archaeological sites, hotels near Hanga Roa will suit you best. However, if you want a more remote experience, then staying at one of the resorts outside Hanga Roa is the way to go. There is no need to make a reservation before arrival. You can always inquire with the hotel of your choice when you get there and they will be able to accommodate you according to availability.
How much will it cost me?
The cost of the visit depends largely on where you are coming from. Easter Island is a four-hour flight from Santiago, Chile and there are currently no direct flights to Easter Island from North America or Europe. You can also fly into Tahiti and take a four-hour boat ride to Easter Island, which may be more expensive depending on whether you book your international flights through an agency like Expedia that offers multi-stop airfare at reduced rates.
The cost of the flight will be about $600-$700 for those traveling from North America, $900 for those traveling from Europe, and $400 for those traveling from Asia or Australia.
Top reasons to visit
-There is a lot of history and culture to experience on Easter Island. -The views are absolutely spectacular. -You can go scuba diving right off the coast, which is the best way to explore the waters around the island. -Many of the hikes provide incredible views of different parts of the island. -It’s not overcrowded by tourists, so you can enjoy it at your own pace. -You’ll get to see some pretty amazing wildlife and vegetation as well!
-There are also lots of fascinating ruins that you can explore that give you some insight into how people lived on this remote land hundreds of years ago.
When should I go?
Easter Island is a Polynesian island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, at the southeasternmost point of the Polynesian Triangle. The nearest landmass is Pitcairn Island, 2,075 kilometres (1,289 mi) to its west. The nearest continental point lies in Chile, 3,512 kilometres (2,182 mi) away to the west. The island has no ports or harbors, so all transport and travel must be done by air or boat. Its climate is subtropical with a dry season from June to August and a rainy season from December to March. Tourism on Easter Island is managed through Chilean national parks system SERNANP, and only about 20% of the land is available for farming.
Things to consider before going
- If you are not a fan of rainforests, then the rainforest on Easter Island might not be your favorite place to visit.
- The beaches on the island are fairly desolate and have very few waves, so there is not much surfing to do here.
- There are no golf courses or other outdoor activities available on this tiny volcanic rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, but if you enjoy climbing, hiking or exploring abandoned structures then it might just be your type of destination.
When should I go?
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to November. The rainy season generally lasts from December to March, with its heaviest rains in January and February. You’ll need a warm jacket and some rain gear for this period. There are two airports on Easter Island: Mataveri International Airport and Hanga Roa Airport. Mataveri offers more regular flights, though the airport is smaller than Hanga Roa’s. The most convenient way to get to Hanga Roa is by taking a flight with LAN Airlines or Air Tahiti Nui. Arriving by boat is an option as well if you’re coming from mainland Chile or Tahiti, but it will take a day longer than flying in.
Conclusion
Easter Island is a great place to visit if you want to see some of the most iconic and mysterious statues in the world. It’s also a great place to explore this remote island and learn more about its culture. There are many things to do and not much else, so it’s important that you plan your trip accordingly.
