Easter Island, Chile - Travel Guide

Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is a remote and mystical island known for its iconic moai statues carved by the Rapa Nui people. Its unique history, stunning volcanic landscapes, and intriguing archaeological sites make it a truly unforgettable destination for history buffs and adventurers alike.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$100/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

Rapa NuiIsla de PascuaPolynesiaSouth PacificOceania

🇨🇱 Country Information: Chile

CapitalSantiago

CurrencyChilean peso ($)

Language Spanish , Mapudungun, Aymara, Rapa Nui, German

Phone Code+56

Electricity220V (Type C, L)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is customary in restaurants (10% is common if not included)
For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is appreciated
Hotel porters and housekeepers can be tipped a small amount
Tour guides are often tipped

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
Credit cards are generally accepted in cities and larger towns, but cash is preferred in smaller establishments and rural areas
It's advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases and in remote areas
There is no significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Punctuality is generally expected, though some flexibility is common
A handshake is a common greeting
It is customary to say "provecho" (enjoy your meal) before eating
Personal space can be closer than in some Western cultures
Direct eye contact is a sign of respect
Dress code is generally casual but neat; for formal occasions, business attire is appropriate

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Chile has made significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights, including legalizing same-sex civil unions in 2015 and same-sex marriage in 2022. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties
Public consumption of alcohol is generally restricted

Special Laws

It is illegal to smoke in enclosed public places
Always carry identification
Be aware of potential petty crime, especially in crowded tourist areas

Common Phrases

NoNo (noh) No

YesSí (see) Sí

HelloHola (oh-lah) Hola

PleasePor favor (por fah-vor) Por favor

Thank youGracias (grah-syahs) Gracias

Climate

Remote volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean, influenced by subtropical marine climate.

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Easter Island does not experience hurricanes or monsoons
Earthquakes are possible as it is in a seismically active area, but severe quakes are rare
No specific flood seasons, but heavy rainfall can occur

Getting There

Fly to Mataveri International Airport (IPC) from Santiago, Chile (approx
5
6 hours, costs vary widely, typically $500
$1000+ round trip)

Getting Around

Rental cars are available and recommended for exploring the island
Taxis are available, especially at the airport and in Hanga Roa
Walking and cycling are good for shorter distances around Hanga Roa

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations are recommended
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended
Typhoid vaccine may be recommended depending on travel style
No specific altitude sickness concerns
Motion sickness remedies may be useful for boat tours

Staying Connected

eSIM availability is limited but growing
Entel is the main provider on the island and offers some eSIM plans
Airalo and Nomad may work via roaming agreements with local providers, but coverage can be unreliable outside Hanga Roa

Local Cuisine

Umu Rapa Nui regional_speciality

This is the quintessential traditional dish of Easter Island, cooked in an earth oven (umu). It typically consists of chicken, fish, sweet potatoes, a

Tunu Ahi must_try

Tunu Ahi is an ancestral method for grilling fish, often tuna, directly on hot volcanic rocks. The heat from the rocks cooks the fish quickly, locking

Rapanui Ceviche must_try

A refreshing raw fish dish, typically made with fresh tuna, marinated in citrus juice with salt and herbs. The Easter Island version often incorporate

Po'e rapanui dessert

A traditional sweet pudding made from mashed bananas or taro, mixed with flour and sometimes pumpkin. It was historically wrapped in banana leaves and

Tuna Empanadas snack

These are a popular adaptation of the Chilean snack, but with a distinct island twist featuring local tuna as the primary filling. The dough is typica

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Rapa Nui National Park Ticket permit_or_pass

Book 1-3 months in advance

The national park ticket is mandatory for visiting most archaeological sites, and while tickets are generally available, booking in advance secures your entry and can save time upon arrival.

Accommodation (Especially near Hanga Roa) Accommodation

Book 2-6 months in advance

Accommodation options are limited on the island, and the best-rated guesthouses and hotels book out very quickly, especially during high season.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Guided Sunrise Tour at Ahu Tongariki tour_or_activity

Book 2-6 weeks in advance

Ahu Tongariki is the most popular site for sunrise viewing. Guided tours (especially those providing transport) are limited in capacity and sell out quickly due to demand.

Fun Facts

1. The Moai statues, which stand an average of 13 feet high and weigh 14 tons, are actually complete torsos with hands and feet buried beneath the soil, not just heads.
2. Before being named Rapa Nui, the island was called "Te Pito O Te Henua," which translates to "The navel of the world."
3. The original name "Easter Island" was given by a Dutch explorer who first arrived on Easter Sunday in 1722.
4. The island is largely free from pollution and is known for having some of the clearest ocean waters in the world.

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