Easter Island
Subregion

Easter Island

Remote Pacific paradise of mysterious moai statues

Easter Island sits 2,300 miles from the nearest populated land, making it one of the most isolated places on Earth. But that isolation is exactly what makes Rapa Nui so extraordinary. Here, nearly 1,000 moai statues stand guard across volcanic landscapes, their stone faces holding secrets that archaeologists are still unraveling. The island's 5,000 residents maintain a culture that's distinctly Polynesian yet shaped by centuries of mystery and hardship. You won't find resort chains or cruise ship crowds here. Instead, you'll discover a place where ancient spirituality meets raw Pacific beauty, where every sunrise feels like you're witnessing something sacred.

Itineraries coming soon

We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Easter Island. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!

Easter Island is a 63-square-mile triangle of volcanic rock floating in the Pacific, closer to the moon than to mainland Chile. Three extinct volcanoes - Terevaka, Poike, and Rano Kau - form the island's backbone, with Terevaka being the highest point at 1,665 feet. The landscape shifts from grassy hills dotted with moai to dramatic coastal cliffs where waves crash against black lava rock. Rano Raraku crater lake provides the island's main freshwater source, while smaller crater lakes like Rano Kau create otherworldly landscapes. The coastline offers no natural harbors, which historically kept the island isolated and today limits tourism infrastructure. Rolling grasslands cover most of the interior, grazed by wild horses that descendants of animals brought by early settlers. Look, this isn't a tropical paradise with palm trees - it's more like Scotland meets Polynesia, with an edge of mystery that you can't shake.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Bring cash - many small restaurants and shops don't accept cards, and ATMs frequently run out of money
  • 2.Book accommodation 6+ months ahead for peak season (Dec-Mar) to avoid paying premium rates for last-minute availability
  • 3.Pack snacks and water from mainland Chile - island prices are 3-4x higher than Santiago due to shipping costs
  • 4.Rent a car for multiple days to get better daily rates, typically $50-60/day vs $80+ for single days
  • 5.Buy the National Park pass ($80) at the airport upon arrival - it's required for all moai sites and valid for 10 days
  • 6.Eat lunch at local spots like Club Sandwich or Empanadas Tia Berta instead of hotel restaurants to save $15-20 per meal
  • 7.Fill up your rental car whenever you see an open gas station - they close early and on Sundays

Travel Tips

  • •Download offline maps before arriving - cell service is spotty outside Hanga Roa and GPS can be unreliable
  • •Pack serious sun protection including hat, long sleeves, and SPF 50+ - UV radiation is intense with no natural shade at moai sites
  • •Bring layers for unpredictable weather - Pacific winds can make 75°F feel like 60°F, especially at coastal sites
  • •Respect the moai - climbing on statues results in hefty fines and helps preserve these irreplaceable artifacts
  • •Learn basic Rapanui greetings like 'Iorana' (hello) - locals appreciate the effort to acknowledge their culture
  • •Book the Orongo sunrise tour in advance - it's the only way to access this sacred site and witness spectacular crater views
  • •Carry water everywhere - dehydration happens quickly in constant sun and wind with limited shade
  • •Plan for flight delays - weather and mechanical issues frequently affect the weekly LATAM flights from Santiago

Frequently Asked Questions

LATAM Airlines operates the only commercial flights to Easter Island, flying from Santiago, Chile (5.5 hours) and Tahiti (4 hours). Most visitors fly via Santiago with flights running 2-3 times per week. Book early as seats are limited and prices range $800-1500 depending on season.

Explore Easter Island

Things to Do in Easter IslandWhen to Visit Easter Island3 Days in Easter Island7 Days in Easter Island

Ready to explore Easter Island?

Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.

Free on iOS. No credit card required.