Easter Island, Chile: travel guide
Rapa Nui, the most remote inhabited island on Earth, sits 3,700 km off the Chilean coast. Its 900+ towering moai stone statues and Polynesian culture make it one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries — an unforgettable bucket-list destination.
- Country
- Chile
- Currency
- CLP
- Time zone
- Pacific/Easter
- Nearest airport
- IPC
Top places to visit in Easter Island
Ahu Tongariki
Heritage · 4.9 rating · about 1.5 h
The most iconic moai platform on Easter Island — 15 massive statues standing shoulder-to-shoulder facing inland, re-erected 1992–1996 with Japanese crane assistance after being toppled in island wars. The sunrise behind them is among the…
Rano Raraku — Moai Quarry
Heritage · 4.9 rating · about 2 h
The volcanic crater where 95% of Easter Island's moai were carved. Nearly 400 statues remain here in various stages of completion — buried to the neck, lying on slopes, never finished. The eeriest and most mysterious archaeological site on…
Anakena Beach
Beach · 4.8 rating · about 3 h
Easter Island's finest beach — a perfect crescent of white coral sand backed by palm trees, featuring Ahu Nau Nau (7 moai with red topknots) and Ahu Ature Huki. The only beach on the island good for swimming, with calm warm waters from…
Rano Kau Volcanic Crater
Nature · 4.8 rating · about 1.5 h
A spectacular 1.6 km diameter volcanic crater at the island's southwestern tip, filled with a dark peat bog and totora reed islands. The 300 m crater walls rise from the Pacific Ocean — one of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes anywhere…
Tahai Ceremonial Complex
Heritage · 4.8 rating · about 1 h
The closest major moai site to Hanga Roa, just a 20-minute walk from the center. Three platforms: Ahu Tahai (one moai), Ahu Ko Te Riku (a restored moai with painted coral eyes), and Ahu Vai Uri (five moai). The sunset over the Pacific…
Orongo Ceremonial Village
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 1 h
Perched on Rano Kau's crater rim, Orongo hosted the annual Birdman (Tangata Manu) competition where competitors swam to offshore Motu Nui islet to retrieve the first sooty tern egg and claim chieftainship for a year. 53 stone houses and…
Ahu Akivi
Heritage · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h
The only moai platform on Easter Island where the seven statues face the ocean rather than inland — uniquely oriented to align with the autumn equinox sunset. The moai here represent the seven scouts sent by King Hotu Matu'a before the…
Things to do
- Full-Day Rapa Nui National Park Tour Cultural · 8 h · from CLP 65,000 per person
- Orongo Ceremonial Village & Rano Kau Crater Tour Cultural · 3.5 h · from CLP 18,000 per person
- Ahu Tongariki Sunrise Photography Session Cultural · 3 h · from CLP 28,000 per person
- Anakena Beach & Moai Snorkeling Day Nature · 6 h · from CLP 25,000 per person
- Horse Riding to Ahu Akivi & Puna Pau Adventure · 4 h · from CLP 35,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Rapa Nui Complete — All Major Moai Sites (Tongariki + Raraku + Akivi + Tahai) 9 h · from CLP 65,000
- Easter Island Sea & Culture — Orongo Ceremonial Village + Anakena Snorkelling 9 h · from CLP 50,000
Where to stay in Easter Island
- Hanga Roa Town about CLP 250,000 per night
The only town on Easter Island and the gateway to all Rapa Nui National Park sites. All hotels, restaurants, the Tau Cultural Centre, and boat tours depart from here. The Policarpo Toro seafront has excellent sunset…
Hotels
- Explora Rapa Nui 5-star · CLP 100,000 to CLP 260,000 per night
- Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa 5-star · CLP 65,000 to CLP 180,000 per night
- Hotel Taha Tai 3-star · CLP 28,000 to CLP 65,000 per night
- Hostal Tekena Inn 2-star · CLP 6,000 to CLP 18,000 per night
Where to eat
- Haka Honu chilean, seafood, polynesian · about CLP 18,000 per person
- Mikafé cafe, healthy · about CLP 9,000 per person
- Te Moana Restaurant polynesian, seafood, fusion · about CLP 45,000 per person
- Club Social Rapa Nui chilean, traditional · about CLP 7,000 per person
- La Taverne du Pêcheur french, seafood · about CLP 55,000 per person
Getting around
- Animal Ride main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Bicycle main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Taxi main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
Safety and scams to avoid
Unofficial Park Guide at Moai Sites
Ahu Tongariki, Rano Raraku, Orongo
Individuals without CONAF ranger badges approach tourists at moai sites offering "private guided access" or the ability to "get closer" to the moai for an informal fee (10,000–30,000 CLP). No such special access exists — all access is strictly regulated by CONAF.
How to avoid it: The Rapa Nui National Park entry (80,000+ CLP) covers all sites. CONAF rangers wear khaki uniforms with official badges. Any person in civilian clothes claiming special access is unofficial. Report attempts to the park rangers.