Easter Island / Rapa Nui


Easter Island, Chile
The Take-off and Fall of the Bird-Man Cult
Until the XNUMXth century, the natives of Easter Island they carved and worshiped great stone gods. All of a sudden, they started to drop their moai. The veneration of tanatu manu, a half-human, half-sacred leader, decreed after a dramatic competition for an egg.
Rapa Nui - Easter Island, Chile
Under the Moais Watchful Eye
Rapa Nui was discovered by Europeans on Easter Day 1722. But if the Christian name Easter Island makes sense, the civilization that colonized it by observant moais remains shrouded in mystery.
Moa on a beach in Rapa Nui/Easter Island
Easter Island, Chile

The Take-off and Fall of the Bird-Man Cult

Until the XNUMXth century, the natives of Easter Island they carved and worshiped great stone gods. All of a sudden, they started to drop their moai. The veneration of tanatu manu, a half-human, half-sacred leader, decreed after a dramatic competition for an egg.
Moai, Rano Raraku, Easter Island, Rapa Nui, Chile
Rapa Nui - Easter Island, Chile

Under the Moais Watchful Eye

Rapa Nui was discovered by Europeans on Easter Day 1722. But if the Christian name Easter Island makes sense, the civilization that colonized it by observant moais remains shrouded in mystery.

Map


How to go


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.

Must Do's


  • Rano Raruku (the old factory)
  • Anakena beach
  • Ahu Tongariki
  • Rano Kau​ Volcano
  • Ceremonial Village of Orongo
  • Make Long 

Explore


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. 

When to go


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. 

Money and costs


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.