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Easter Island, Chile - Things to Do in Easter Island

Easter Island

visit Easter Island, Chile - Complete Travel Guide

visit Easter Island (Rapa Nui), one of the world's most isolated inhabited islands, sits 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile in the Pacific Ocean. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its nearly 1,000 monumental statues called moai, created by the Rapa Nui people between 1250 and 1500 CE. The triangular island spans just 64 square miles but contains some of the most mysterious and awe-inspiring archaeological sites on Earth. Beyond the iconic moai, visit Easter Island offers pristine beaches, volcanic craters, ancient petroglyphs, and a unique Polynesian culture that has survived despite centuries of hardship. The island's remote location means tourism is carefully managed, creating an intimate experience where visitors can explore archaeological wonders without crowds while learning about the island's complex history and ongoing cultural preservation efforts.

Top Easter Island

Rano Raraku Quarry and Moai Statues

Visit the volcanic quarry where nearly 400 moai statues stand in various stages of completion, creating one of the world's most surreal archaeological landscapes. This site served as the main production center for the island's famous statues, and many appear buried up to their necks due to centuries of soil accumulation. The early morning or late afternoon light creates dramatic shadows that bring these ancient guardians to life.

Booking Tip: Purchase the national park pass ($80 USD for 10 days) which includes access to all archaeological sites. Visit early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Guided tours cost $40-80 and provide valuable cultural context.

Ahu Tongariki Sunrise Experience

Witness sunrise behind the island's largest ceremonial platform, where 15 restored moai stand with their backs to the ocean in perfect alignment. This breathtaking site represents the pinnacle of Rapa Nui ceremonial architecture and offers one of the most photographed moments on the island. The statues were restored in the 1990s after being scattered by a devastating tsunami in 1960.

Booking Tip: Arrive by 6:30 AM for the best sunrise views (varies by season). Many hotels offer early morning transfers for $20-30. No advance booking required, just bring your national park pass and warm clothing as mornings can be chilly.

Orongo Ceremonial Village and Birdman Cult Sites

Explore the stone houses and petroglyphs of this ceremonial village perched on the rim of Rano Kau crater, where the annual Birdman competition determined the island's leadership. The site offers spectacular views of the three offshore islets where competitors swam to collect the first sooty tern egg of the season. Over 1,700 petroglyphs depicting the birdman figure cover the rocks around the village.

Booking Tip: Allow 2-3 hours to fully explore both Orongo village and the Rano Kau crater. The site is included in your national park pass. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain can be uneven, and bring water as there are no facilities on-site.

Anakena Beach and Ahu Nau Nau

Relax on the island's most beautiful white sand beach while admiring seven restored moai that stand guard over this sacred site. Anakena is believed to be where the legendary Polynesian king Hotu Matu'a first landed on the island, and it's the only beach where you can combine swimming with moai viewing. The site also features the island's only palm trees, creating a tropical paradise setting.

Booking Tip: Perfect for a half-day visit combining culture and relaxation. Bring sunscreen, snacks, and water as facilities are limited. The beach can get busy between 11 AM-3 PM, so early morning or late afternoon visits are ideal. No additional fees beyond the national park pass.

Rano Kau Crater and Island Interior

Hike to the rim of this massive volcanic crater lake, one of the island's three main volcanoes, offering panoramic views across the entire island and out to the Pacific Ocean. The crater contains a freshwater lake dotted with floating vegetation islands and serves as an important habitat for migratory birds. The surrounding area features unique flora found nowhere else on the island.

Booking Tip: The hike to the crater rim takes about 45 minutes from the road and is moderately challenging. Best visited in combination with Orongo village. Bring layers as weather can change quickly, and start early to avoid afternoon winds. Guided nature walks cost $30-50.

Getting There

The only way to reach visit Easter Island is by air through LATAM Airlines, which operates flights from the city, Chile (5.5 hours) and occasionally from Tahiti. the city serves as the main gateway, with daily flights during peak season (December-March) and 3-4 flights weekly during other months. Book flights well in advance as seats are limited and prices range from $400-800 from the city. The island's Mataveri Airport is small, and all international visitors must show proof of accommodation and onward travel.

Getting Around

The island is small enough to explore by rental car, which is the most popular and flexible option, costing $40-70 per day for a basic vehicle. Many roads are unpaved, so a 4WD is recommended for accessing some archaeological sites. Bicycle rentals ($15-25/day) work well for shorter distances and the relatively flat terrain. Organized tours with transportation are widely available and practical for first-time visitors. Walking is possible between nearby sites, but distances can be deceiving under the strong Pacific sun.

Where to Stay

Hanga Roa town center
Tahai area near sunset viewing
Anakena Beach vicinity
Rano Raraku area
Orongo crater rim
Airport area for transit

Food & Dining

visit Easter Island's dining scene centers around Hanga Roa town, where restaurants serve a fusion of Chilean, Polynesian, and international cuisine featuring fresh seafood, particularly tuna, mahi-mahi, and lobster. Traditional dishes include curanto (seafood and meat cooked in an earth oven) and po'e (sweet potato dessert). Most restaurants are family-owned and offer intimate dining experiences, though reservations are recommended as options are limited. Expect higher prices due to the island's isolation, with dinner mains ranging from $15-35. Local markets sell fresh produce and basic supplies, while several bakeries offer breakfast pastries and sandwiches for day trips.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Chile

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Golfo di Napoli Trattoria e Pizzeria

4.6 /5
(22792 reviews) 1

Pizzería Tiramisú

4.6 /5
(12938 reviews) 2

Don Vito e Zanoni

4.7 /5
(3439 reviews) 2

Piegari Chile

4.7 /5
(2687 reviews) 3

Le Due Torri Isidora

4.6 /5
(2573 reviews) 3

Pastas Nenetta Chile

4.6 /5
(1588 reviews) 2

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Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit visit Easter Island is during the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-November, when weather is mild, crowds are smaller, and prices are more reasonable. Summer (December-March) offers the warmest weather and longest days but also brings the most tourists and highest prices. Winter (June-August) can be rainy and windy, but it's the most budget-friendly time with fewer crowds. The island enjoys a subtropical climate year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 60°F or exceeding 80°F, making it a viable destination in any season.

Insider Tips

Purchase the national park pass immediately upon arrival as it's required for all major sites and valid for 10 days - there's also a 3-day option for shorter visits
Respect the moai by never touching or climbing on them, as oils from skin can damage the volcanic stone and it's considered deeply disrespectful to Rapa Nui culture
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and extra supplies as everything is expensive on the island due to its remote location - pack any specialty items you might need

Activities in Easter Island