VISA AND OTHER PROCEDURES
The entry procedures for Easter Island are the same as for Chile.
HEALTH CARE
There is no particular vaccine or booster to consider for trips to Easter Island. Especially during the Southern Hemisphere summer (November to February), protect yourself well from the sun.
TRIP TO EASTER ISLAND
A LAN flies from Santiago de Chile to Hanga Roa (Easter Island) once a week. Alternatively, if you are traveling around French Polynesia, you can fly once a week from Papeete, capital of Tahiti, for as little as €650. In rare LAN promotional seasons, there are return flights departing Santiago for a mere €300. Remember that the flight to Easter Island is long and can cost more than €800 in high season.
There is no public transport on Easter Island, so renting a vehicle, horse or bicycle are the only options for exploring the island independently. Bicycles are not recommended for the summer months in the Southern Hemisphere as the distances to be covered on the island are considerable and the heat and humidity are very exhausting.
CAR RENTAL
No company of rent a car International has settled in Easter Island and, even Chileans, do not associate insurance to their rentals, as insurance companies in mainland Chile do not allow it. As a result, it is normal for damage compensation guarantee to focus entirely on a deposit that is taken from the driver's credit card, or paid in cash.
Some companies residing in Hanga Roa, for example, Insular, Kia Koe Tour and Oceanic rent bicycles, motorbikes, cars and jeeps for values that vary according to the season and length of rental. Expect to pay from €20 per day for a small car.
Except for climatological anomalies, the weather is pleasant for most of the year with the high season coinciding with the hottest summer months in the Southern Hemisphere, December to March when the temperature goes from 18º to 26º. The tourist season runs from January to March. At this time, booking accommodation is more complicated and prices skyrocket. It's even worse during the Tapati Rapa Nui festival.
The coldest months are July and August (between 22nd and 14th), the wettest are May and June.
There are already some bank branches and several ATMs in Hanga Roa. At the time this text was created, at least one of these boxes allowed credit card withdrawals. Even so, take Euros or US Dollars with you, which you can use to pay directly to accommodation owners, in shops or restaurants. If you prefer to avoid the probably abusive exchange rates at these establishments, exchange them for Chilean Pesos after landing in Hanga Roa.
ACCOMMODATION
The offer has increased over time and, today, Easter Island has accommodation for all tastes. The most affordable rates are for rooms or houses rented by residents. This is followed by humble, intermediate or sophisticated inns, cabins and hotels, with obvious highlights for the luxurious Explora and the Hotel Hanga Roa. Depending on your target, you can pay from €10 per night to €2400 for a 5 night package with practically everything – including tours – at the Explora hotel.
FOOD
Some caravans serve casual snacks and drinks such as pies and sandwiches at prices starting at €3 for a combination of Patty with soda.
In the various restaurants in Hanga Roa, you will find traditional dishes from continental Chile, food with a Polynesian influence – specifically Rapa Nui – and more universal European and North American dishes. In this case, full meals can cost from €10 to €40.
INTERNET
Most private homes, inns and hotels have their own access at understandably moderate speeds, given the isolation of Easter Island. Alternatively, there are several Internet Cafés on the main avenue of Hanga Roa.