Easter Island, in Chile, is a magical destination that perfectly combines mystery, history, and nature. It is a beautiful place where you can marvel at the impressive moai, explore paradise-like beaches, and learn about the rich culture of the Rapa Nui people.
In this travel guide, based on our own experience, we will tell you where Easter Island is located, how to get there from Santiago, and from other countries like the United States and Colombia. Additionally, we will show you what to see, what to do, where to stay, and provide you with some useful tips.
Let’s start planning your trip!
Where Easter Island Is Located
Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, approximately 3,700 kilometers from the coast of mainland Chile. It is one of the most isolated islands in the world and geographically belongs to Polynesia in the continent of Oceania.
Rapa Nui is famous for its moai, enormous heads stone created by its ancient people. This destination, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts travelers from around the world who wish to explore its history, culture, and charming landscapes.
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How to Get to Easter Island, Chile
Now that you know where Easter Island is located, it’s important to mention that the only way to get there is by air from Santiago. The flight from the Chilean capital takes approximately 6 hours, and as of the time of writing this travel guide, the only airline that covers this route is LATAM Airlines.
To enter the island, it is mandatory to fulfill several requirements: purchase the entrance ticket to Rapa Nui National Park, complete the Unique Entry Form (FUI), in addition to having a maximum stay of 30 days on the island and having a prior reservation for accommodation.
To get to Easter Island from United States, Colombia, Argentina, or other countries, it is necessary to make a stopover in Santiago, Chile, and fulfill the entry requirements. We recommend booking flights in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the high season, which runs from December to February.
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How to Find Last-Minute Cheap Flights? While it is important to plan your trip in advance, we understand that it’s not always possible. So, if you are looking for affordable tickets to travel soon and save some money, we recommend using Skyscanner.
Skyscanner.com is a tool that allows you to compare flights from different airlines to find the best rates. To use it, click here, enter the departure and destination cities, and the travel date. With this information, it will search for the most affordable options, and you can choose based on price or layovers.
Is it safe to buy flights on Skyscanner? It depends. After selecting a flight, you’ll see a list of links from various airlines and agencies. The safest way is to purchase your tickets through the airline´s link. If you decide to buy from an agency, you should be a bit more cautious.
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Hotels on Easter Island
Now that you know how to get to Rapa Nui, remember that it is mandatory to have a reservation for accommodation to enter the island, as you will be asked for proof before boarding the flight. If you plan to visit Easter Island, keep in mind that Hanga Roa is the island’s village and the main tourist area.
The village of Hanga Roa is very close to the airport and is where most restaurants, supermarkets, craft shops, and a wide variety of accommodations are located, ranging from luxury hotels to hostels and more affordable cabins.
We stayed at Camping and Hostal Tipanie Moana, but you can also consider: Inaki Uhi Hotel, Tupa Hotel, Hare Nua Boutique Hotel, Nayara Hangaroa, Taha Tai, Hotel Ohana, Petero Atamu, and Hotel Hare Uta.
Tips for booking good, affordable accommodation: The first recommendation is to book your accommodation in advance. If you wait until the last minute, it’s very likely that the best or most affordable places will be fully booked, and you’ll have to settle for the remaining options.
Our favorite website for finding accommodation is Booking.com. If you click here, you can save up to 15% on your stay. By entering your destination and travel dates, you can filter by price and location, and read reviews from other travelers. In many cases, you can also book without a credit card and enjoy free cancellation.
If you frequently book on Booking.com, you can access exclusive discounts, enjoy free breakfasts, and receive better rooms at no extra cost. This will allow you to get more affordable rates and enjoy additional benefits to save on your trip.
Click here to get up to 15% off your accommodation with Late Escape Deals! This promotion is valid until December 4th for travel until the end of 2025.
Top Attractions on Easter Island, Chile
1. Witness the Sunrise at Ahu Tongariki
Ahu Tongariki is one of the most impressive and iconic archaeological sites on Easter Island in Chile. On this platform, you will find 15 moai, massive stone statues created by the island’s inhabitants, the Rapa Nui, over a thousand years ago, raised on ceremonial platforms.
This is one of the main tourist attractions of Rapa Nui, near the Rano Raraku volcano, the site from which most of the moai were extracted. It is the largest monument on the island, with moai varying in size, the largest being around 10 meters tall and weighing nearly 86 tons.
Without a doubt, one of the best experiences during your trip to Easter Island will be witnessing the sunrise at Ahu Tongariki, with the sun rising behind the moai. You can reach this site from Hanga Roa in approximately 30 minutes by rental car or you can book this guided tour.
2. Visit Rano Raraku, the Moai Quarry of Easter Island
Rano Raraku is one of the top places to visit on Easter Island. This extinct volcano is known as the volcanic stone quarry where the ancient Rapa Nui people carved most of the famous moai, the iconic monolithic statues found throughout the island.
This site is essentially an open-air museum, with over 300 moai in various stages of construction, scattered along its slopes and inside the crater. Some of these statues are still attached to the bedrock, making it the ideal spot to learn about the history of Rapa Nui.
Rano Raraku is about 15 kilometers from the island’s center. To get there from Hanga Roa, the most common options are booking a guided tour that includes transportation or renting a vehicle. For the more adventurous, it’s possible to reach the site by bicycle or even on foot, though this requires more time and effort.
Click here to book your tour to Rano Raraku volcano and other top attractions!
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How to book a tour of Easter Island’s main attractions? It’s easy! Just click this link to view the tour price, what’s included, and experience details. Then, select the date, number of passengers, and confirm availability before completing payment.
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours. It includes round-trip transfers from your hotel, and with a guide, you’ll explore Easter Island’s highlights: the Ahu Tongariki moai statues, the Rano Raraku quarry, and Anakena Beach. A must-do experience!
A great benefit of booking these tours is the competitive pricing and immediate confirmation. Plus, if you need to cancel or reschedule, a 100% refund is available, sometimes up to 24 hours before the activity.
Check the tour price and book your adventure today!
3. Watch the Sunset from Ahu Tahai
Ahu Tahai is a ceremonial complex located near Hanga Roa, in the center of Easter Island. It is one of the oldest and best-preserved archaeological sites in Rapa Nui. The complex consists of three different ahu (ceremonial platforms): Ahu Ko Te Riku, Ahu Tahai, and Ahu Vai Ure.
Ahu Ko Te Riku is a very special place because it has the only moai with restored eyes and a pukao (a red stone topknot). The Rapanui people placed white coral eyes on these statues to project the energy of deceased ancestors and protect each village.
The best time to visit Ahu Tahai is in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset and watch the sun set behind the five perfectly aligned moai. This creates an unforgettable view and offers an incredible photo opportunity, especially during the “golden hour.”
Recommended Hotels in Hanga Roa: Camping y Hostal Tipanie Moana, Inaki Uhi Hotel, Tupa Hotel, Hare Nua Hotel Boutique, Nayara Hangaroa, Taha Tai, Hotel Ohana, Petero Atamu, and Hotel Hare Uta.
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4. Discover the Story of the Birdman at Rano Kau
Rano Kau is one of the most significant volcanoes on Easter Island. Its impressive crater spans about 1 kilometer in diameter and contains a beautiful freshwater lake that is home to diverse species of flora and fauna, such as partridges, frigates, and medicinal plants.
A visit to Rano Kau is a must on any trip to Rapa Nui. Beyond its stunning natural beauty, it holds great cultural importance. For centuries, this site was used as a center for ancient rituals and ceremonies.
Rano Kau was the starting point of the Birdman competition, where participants swam to a nearby island to retrieve a sooty tern egg, determining clan leadership within the Rapanui community.
Dive into Adventure—Secure Your Rano Kau Tour Today!
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Tour package: Orongo and Rano Kau Volcano. In this experience, you will explore the ancestral history and culture of Rapa Nui! You will visit the archaeological complex of Vinapu, the Rano Kau volcano with its crater and freshwater lake, and the ancient ceremonial village of Orongo, featuring petroglyphs of the "bird men."
The tour starts at 9:00 a.m. and ends around noon. It includes pickup from your accommodation in Hanga Roa (urban area) and a local guide who will share the legends and traditions of the ancient inhabitants of Easter Island.
To book the tour, click here, select the date you wish to start the activity, indicate the number of people attending, and proceed with the payment. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot!
See tour details and current prices
5. Visit the Village of Orongo
Traveling to Easter Island is a fantastic idea, especially if you are passionate about history and ancient cultures. Orongo is one of the most incredible archaeological sites! It is located on top of the Rano Kau volcano and is one of the best tourist attractions to learn about Rapa Nui culture.
In Orongo, you will find a village made up of a series of stone structures, including houses and ceremonial platforms (ahu), built with volcanic rock and stones. These constructions are strategically located on a cliff that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
In this village, you can also see many petroglyphs carved into the rock, which represent significant cultural elements for the Rapa Nui people. Additionally, this is the site where the moai that is now displayed in the British Museum in London was originally located.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Orongo
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6. Learn About the Easter Island Explorers at Ahu Akivi
One of the activities we recommend on Easter Island is visiting Ahu Akivi. This is one of the most enigmatic archaeological sites in Rapa Nui, Chile. Unlike most platforms, Ahu Akivi is located inland and features the only moai that face directly toward the ocean.
The moai at Ahu Akivi are known as the “explorers” and, according to legend, represent the seven explorers sent by King Hotu Matu’a before his arrival on the island. What’s remarkable is that they face the spot where the sun sets during the spring equinox and rises during the autumn equinox.
Ahu Akivi is located about 10 kilometers from Hanga Roa, the island’s main town. To get there, you can rent a car or book this private tour of Easter Island that includes transportation and a detailed explanation of the history and significance of this site, along with visits to Rano Raraku, Anakena, Tongariki, Orongo, and Rano Kau.
See price and details of the private tour
Easter Island Tour Package: The Seven Explorers
Tip: Save time and money by booking on platforms like GuruWalk, Civitatis, or Denomades. We recommend these sites because, in addition to being secure, they allow you to compare prices, read reviews from other travelers, learn about the itineraries in detail, and know exactly what each tour includes.
GuruWalk: Exclusively for free walking tours worldwide. Civitatis: Offers a wide variety of tours, guided visits, and excursions in hundreds of destinations. Denomades: Specializes in nature and adventure activities in Latin America.
On these platforms, you can book at very competitive prices, sometimes even better than at the destination! Plus, they offer a great variety of payment methods and, in many cases, have flexible cancellation policies that allow you to get a refund up to 24 hours before the activity starts.
Discover your next free tour on GuruWalk
Check out available activities on Civitatis
Book the best tours in Latin America on Denomades
7. Anakena and Ovahe: Beaches of Easter Island
Anakena and Ovahe are the only two beaches on Easter Island where you can enjoy white sand, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and observing marine life. Anakena is a very special place, as it was where the first Rapa Nui settlers arrived, and it features the archaeological site of Ahu Nau Nau.
Ovahe is a beach with crystal-clear waters and white sand, located a 20-minute walk from Anakena Beach. Unlike Anakena, Ovahe is less crowded and more secluded, making it one of the best places to visit on Easter Island, providing a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere.
What is the best time to travel to Easter Island? If you want warm weather and don’t mind tourist crowds, summer (December to February) is ideal. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, travel during the shoulder season (March to May and September to November). For budget travelers, visiting during the low season (June to August) is a great option.
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8. Discover Inca Architecture in Vinapu
Vinapu is another archaeological site you can visit on Easter Island, famous for two reasons: first, for housing one of the few female moai found on the island; and second, for having stone structures that resemble Inca architecture, which can also be seen in Machu Picchu and Cusco (Peru).
You will also find remnants of platforms and destroyed moai that were toppled during internal wars between tribes and clans, which led to the destruction of several figures and statues. So, if you’re thinking of touring Easter Island (Chile), be sure to visit Vinapu and ponder whether this place had contact with the Incas.
Can you visit the archaeological sites of Rapa Nui without a guide? Until recently, it was possible to visit them without hiring a guide. However, for conservation reasons, to support the local economy, and to promote awareness of the rich cultural heritage, it is now mandatory to have a guide accompany you when visiting each attraction.
Book a tour to Vinapu, Orongo, and Rano Kau volcano
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Are you planning a trip abroad? When organizing an international trip, we often focus on choosing destinations, accommodations, and tours, but we tend to forget about the possibility of falling ill, having an accident, being robbed, or needing to return home earlier than planned due to a family member’s hospitalization.
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9. Explore the Rapa Nui Museum
The Padre Sebastián Englert Anthropological Museum, also known as the Rapa Nui Museum, is one of the most important places to visit on Easter Island. Located just outside Hanga Roa and very close to the moai of Ahu Tahai, this site is the primary center for preserving the island’s history.
In the museum, you will find a vast collection of archaeological objects, such as tools, jewelry, and traditional clothing, offering an in-depth look at Rapa Nui culture. Visiting the museum is an excellent way to complement your experience exploring Easter Island!
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10. Polynesian culture: Traditional Dance Show
Traveling to Rapa Nui not only involves exploring archaeological sites and enjoying spectacular landscapes but also immersing yourself in Polynesian culture. An excellent way to do this is by attending a traditional dance show, a unique experience that will allow you to learn about the traditional music and dances of Easter Island.
So, if you’re wondering what to do on Easter Island, remember that at this show, you can enjoy the music, traditional costumes, and dances passed down through generations, allowing you to delve even deeper into Rapa Nui culture. To schedule your attendance at the show, click here.
How many days are needed to visit Easter Island? To visit the island and fully enjoy its archaeological and natural wonders, we recommend a stay of at least 5 days. This time will allow you to explore the main points of interest without rushing and enjoy the beauty of Rapa Nui Island.
If you’re traveling through Chile, we want to take this opportunity to recommend other guides that can help you:
What to do in Santiago, Chile: Detailed Itinerary
Atacama Desert, Chile: Where it is, how to get there, and tours
What to see in Valparaíso in 1 day
Torres del Paine: Everything You Need to Know
Tips for Traveling to Easter Island
Now that you know how to get to Rapa Nui and what to do on the island, it’s crucial to plan your trip in advance. Due to its remote location and growing popularity, it’s advisable to book flights, accommodations, and tours well in advance to ensure availability and get the best prices.
Remember that Rapa Nui has a rich cultural history and a unique natural environment. Respect local regulations: do not touch or climb on the moai, respect sacred places, and follow the guidelines of local guides and informational signs.
The climate on Easter Island can be very sunny, hot, and windy. It’s essential to bring sunscreen, a hat, hiking shoes, sunglasses, and appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the sun while exploring archaeological sites and beaches.
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