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Easter Island, Chile - Things to Do in Easter Island

Things to Do in Easter Island

Easter Island, Chile - Complete Travel Guide

Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is one of the world's most remote inhabited islands, located 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 moai statues created by the early Rapa Nui people between 1250-1500 CE. The island's mysterious archaeological sites, combined with its Polynesian culture and dramatic volcanic landscapes, create an otherworldly destination unlike anywhere else on Earth. Beyond the iconic moai, Easter Island offers pristine beaches, extinct volcanic craters, ancient ceremonial sites, and a unique blend of Polynesian and Chilean cultures. The island measures just 64 square miles, making it easily explorable, yet packed with archaeological wonders, from the quarry site of Rano Raraku where hundreds of moai stand in various stages of completion, to the ceremonial village of Orongo where the Tangata Manu (Birdman) competition took place. The island's isolation has preserved not only its archaeological treasures but also its distinct Rapanui language and traditions.

Top Things to Do in Easter Island

Explore Rano Raraku Quarry and Moai Statues

Visit the volcanic quarry where nearly 400 moai statues stand in various stages of completion, appearing to emerge from the earth. This archaeological site serves as both the birthplace and graveyard of the moai, offering the most concentrated and dramatic display of these mysterious statues. The site provides incredible photo opportunities and insights into the statue-carving process.

Booking Tip: Entry requires the Rapa Nui National Park ticket ($80 USD for foreigners, valid 10 days). Visit early morning (8-10am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Guided tours cost $50-80 and provide valuable historical context.

Witness Sunrise at Ahu Tongariki

Experience the magical sunrise behind the 15 restored moai at Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial platform on Easter Island. This breathtaking spectacle offers one of the most iconic and photographed moments on the island. The morning light illuminating the statues against the Pacific backdrop creates an unforgettable spiritual experience.

Booking Tip: Arrive by 6:30am during summer (7am in winter) to secure the best viewing spots. No additional cost beyond park entrance fee. Consider joining a sunrise tour ($40-60) that includes hotel pickup and professional photography guidance.

Discover Orongo Ceremonial Village

Explore the stone houses and petroglyphs at Orongo, the ceremonial center of the Tangata Manu (Birdman) cult. This clifftop site overlooks three offshore islets and offers spectacular ocean views while providing insights into the island's later cultural period. The site features over 1,700 petroglyphs depicting the birdman motif and Make-Make, the creator god.

Booking Tip: Included in national park ticket. Allow 2-3 hours for thorough exploration. Best visited in the afternoon when lighting enhances the petroglyphs. Guided tours ($45-65) provide cultural context often missed by independent visitors.

Hike Rano Kau Crater

Trek to the rim of this massive volcanic crater, one of Easter Island's three main volcanoes, featuring a freshwater lake dotted with floating reed islands. The hike offers panoramic views of the island and ocean, plus access to the Orongo ceremonial village. The crater spans nearly a mile across and provides excellent bird-watching opportunities.

Booking Tip: Free access, but bring water and sun protection for the 1-2 hour hike. Best combined with Orongo visit. Guided hiking tours ($35-50) include transportation and expert commentary on the geological and cultural significance.

Relax at Anakena Beach

Unwind at Easter Island's most beautiful beach, featuring white coral sand, palm trees, and the restored Ahu Nau Nau moai platform. This tropical paradise offers swimming, snorkeling, and the unique experience of seeing moai statues directly on the beach. The site also holds historical significance as the legendary landing place of Hotu Matu'a, the island's first king.

Booking Tip: Free access with national park ticket. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and snorkeling gear. Small restaurant on-site serves local dishes ($15-25). Best visited midday when the sun illuminates the moai and warms the water for swimming.

Getting There

Easter Island is accessible only by air via LATAM Airlines, with flights from Santiago, Chile (5.5 hours) or Tahiti (4.5 hours). Santiago flights operate daily during peak season and 3-4 times weekly in low season, costing $400-800 depending on timing. Book well in advance as flights fill quickly, especially during Tapati Festival (February) and summer months. The island's Mataveri International Airport is small but modern, located just minutes from Hanga Roa town. Some travelers combine Easter Island with Tahiti for a Pacific island-hopping experience, though this routing is more expensive.

Getting Around

Easter Island is small enough to explore by rental car, bicycle, or organized tours, with most attractions within 30 minutes of Hanga Roa town. Rental cars cost $40-80 per day and provide maximum flexibility for visiting sites at your own pace, though roads can be rough and dusty. Bicycles ($15-25/day) work well for shorter distances but can be challenging due to hills and wind. Many visitors opt for guided tours ($50-100/day) that include transportation, entrance fees, and expert commentary. Taxis are available but expensive for full-day sightseeing. Walking is feasible within Hanga Roa but impractical for reaching distant archaeological sites.

Where to Stay

Hanga Roa town center
Hanga Roa waterfront
Tahai area
Ahu Akivi vicinity
Anakena Beach area
Rano Raraku surroundings

Food & Dining

Easter Island's dining scene blends Polynesian, Chilean, and international influences, with fresh seafood taking center stage alongside local specialties like umu (earth oven) preparations. Hanga Roa offers the island's best restaurants, from upscale establishments serving tuna tartare and lobster ($25-40 per entrée) to casual spots offering empanadas and ceviche ($8-15). Don't miss local fish like mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna, often prepared with tropical fruits and Polynesian spices. The weekly market features local produce, and several restaurants offer traditional curanto feasts. Grocery stores provide basics but at high prices due to the island's isolation, making dining out often more economical than self-catering.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Chile

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Piegari Chile

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Le Due Torri Isidora

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Pastas Nenetta Chile

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Easter Island is during the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-November, offering pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and moderate prices. Summer (December-March) brings warm temperatures perfect for beach activities but also peak crowds, higher prices, and the busy Tapati Festival in February. Winter (June-August) features cooler temperatures, strong winds, and occasional rain, but offers solitude, lower prices, and dramatic skies perfect for photography. The island enjoys a subtropical climate year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 60°F or exceeding 85°F, making any time viable for visiting.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Rapa Nui National Park ticket immediately upon arrival at the airport or CONAF office to avoid delays accessing sites
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat as the island has intense UV exposure and limited shade at archaeological sites
Learn basic Rapanui phrases like 'Iorana' (hello) and respect local customs, especially the sacred nature of archaeological sites where climbing on moai is strictly forbidden

Explore Activities in Easter Island