How to Visit Easter Island (Rapa Nui): A Complete Travel Guide

Easter Island (Rapa Nui), is one of the world’s most remote and intriguing destinations. Planning your trip requires some preparation, as the island has limited flights and strict entry requirements.

How to Get to Easter Island

Easter Island is accessible only by air, with LATAM Airlines offering flights from Santiago to Mataveri International Airport. The airport is home to the world’s most remote commercial runway, making flights to the island limited. Because of this, booking your flight well in advance is essential. There are no direct international flights to Easter Island, so most travelers will connect through Santiago.

Easter Island Entry Requirements

Before visiting Easter Island, travelers must have a confirmed hotel booking or invitation letter, along with a valid passport and return flight ticket. The island’s authorities take strict measures to protect its cultural and environmental integrity, so it’s crucial to review and comply with the entry requirements to ensure a smooth arrival.

Travel Tip: While Easter Island is technically part of Chile, flights to the island are considered international. There is a dedicated security line for Easter Island flights, where officials check that all passengers meet the entry requirements. When returning to Santiago, if you have an international connection, you will likely need to change terminals and clear exit customs. Be sure to leave plenty of time, as customs can be slow—our wait for both entry and exit was over an hour.

Best Places to Stay in Hanga Roa

Easter Island offers a range of accommodation options, from charming guesthouses to luxury resorts, most of which are located in the main town of Hanga Roa. During our stay, we found the ideal option to be a resort offering a half-board package, which included breakfast and either lunch or dinner, along with one planned activity per day. This allowed us the flexibility to explore the island on our own while enjoying guided tours for key attractions. Many of the island’s main sites require an official guide, making guided tours an essential part of your visit. Here’s how to make the most of your time on the island. We found 4 full days to be the perfect amount of time.

Top Attractions on Easter Island: Moai Statues, Beaches, and Volcanoes

Day 1 - Exploring Hanga Roa and Ahu Tahai

Upon arriving on Easter Island, start your adventure by exploring the charming town of Hanga Roa. Stroll through its relaxed streets and get a feel for island life. If you’re a fan of surfing, take some time to watch the surfers as they ride the waves along the coast. For lunch or dinner, head to Te Moana, a local restaurant that specializes in fresh seafood and traditional Rapa Nui dishes. After your meal, take a short walk to Ahu Tahai, one of the few Moai sites you can visit without a guide. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset and marvel at the ancient statues in a peaceful setting.

Ahu Tahai, Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Day 2 - Exploring the Island’s History and Renting Bikes

Start your day with a half-day excursion to the Ana Te Pahu Cave, Ahu Akivi, and Puna Pao. While these sites are rich in history, they are less visually striking compared to other parts of the island, so I recommend doing this excursion early in your trip. A guide is required for this tour. In the afternoon, head back into town and rent bikes for the rest of your stay. These bikes will come in handy for getting around the island and exploring at your own pace. For lunch, stop by Panadería y Pastelería Hitu to grab delicious empanadas – a must-try snack on the island.

Day 3 - The Iconic Moai and Stunning Beaches

Start your third day with a half-day morning excursion to Anakena Beach, Ovahe Beach, and Ahu Te Pito Kura. Both Anakena and Ovahe Beach can be explored without a guide, but I wouldn't recommend biking to these beaches as it's quite a long and challenging ride. For a more adventurous option, renting an ATV could be a fun way to get there. Anakena Beach offers a few restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings, while Ovahe Beach is best admired from a distance due to erosion making the beach inaccessible. It’s important to note that attempting to access Ovahe Beach is dangerous and not advised.

In the afternoon, set off for one of the most iconic experiences on the island: Rano Raraku and Ahu Tongariki. These are the Moai statues you’ll likely recognize from countless photographs. The sheer scale and beauty of the statues at Ahu Tongariki is truly breathtaking, especially on a clear day. If you can, try to visit Ahu Tongariki at sunrise for a magical experience. Both Rano Raraku and Ahu Tongariki require a guide for entry.

Day 4 - Hiking, Breweries, and Stargazing

For your final day on the island, enjoy a half-day morning excursion to Rano Kau Volcano and the Orongo Village. Instead of the typical tour, we opted for the Birdman Hike, a moderate 6.4 km hike starting in Vinapu that leads you to the crater of the volcano. The hike is a fantastic way to experience the island’s natural beauty up close. In the afternoon, jump on your bike and head to Mahina Brewery, the world’s most remote brewery. Enjoy a cold beer and reflect on your time on Easter Island. Depending on the season, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing by the hotel pool or indulging in a spa treatment. As night falls, take in the starry sky—if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Venus.

Rano Kau Volcano. Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Food Tips on Easter Island

Despite its isolation, Hanga Roa offers a surprisingly diverse range of food options. If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll be in paradise, with plenty of fresh fish and local dishes available. For an unexpected treat, try La Pizzeria Rapa Nui, where you’ll find surprisingly good pizza (a pleasant surprise for any New Yorker). If you're craving a more traditional setting, head to Haitonga, a local bar and grill that serves hearty meals and even broadcasts American football games during the season. Whether you're looking for fresh seafood, pizza, or a place to watch the game, you’ll find something to suit your tastes.

Easter Island offers an unparalleled adventure, blending rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and a unique culture. From iconic Moai statues and volcanic hikes to relaxing beach days and delicious local cuisine, there’s something for every type of traveler. Ready to explore this remote paradise? Reach out today to plan your journey.