You will probably go to Easter Island by air. LAN Chile is the only airline flying there but you may make thrice weekly connections from Santiago or twice weekly from Papeete, Tahiti. The flight from Santiago is almost six hours long, but returning, due to prevailing winds, is less than five hours. Mataveri International Airport outside Hanga Roa has the longest landing strip of all Chilean airfields and serves as an emergency landing strip for space shuttles.
Check flights from your area to Santiago or other locations in Chile. You can also browse for hotels and car rentals.
When to Go
The temperature rarely exceeds 85 (30ºC) degrees and does not drop below 57 degrees (14ºC).
Be prepared for wind, which keeps the temperature comfortable, and for a light rain several
times a day. May is the rainiest month, but the porous volcanic soil drains quickly.
Bring comfortable clothes, good walking shoes or boots, a sweater or sweatshirt and a windbreaker. The most
expensive months are during the summer season of December to March.
Check today's weather on Rapa Nui.
Things to Do and See
Depending on how long your stay is, and it really wouldn't be worthwhile to travel all that way and not spend
four or five days there, you can plan to see the entire island by foot, 4X4, horse or motor bike. If on a bike or
on foot, remember to take plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Take also a snack since there
are not stores outside Hanga Roa. The roads and tracks are rough, but
there's not much traffic and you'll be safe. The islanders like to say the only thing occupying
the jail are the spiderwebs. You can plan a drive by, with stops at some of the more famous moai, or a
detailed study of each, and include a stop at the quarry site to ponder the half-buried and incomplete
statues there. Visit Ahu Akivi, Ahu Nau Nau, Ahu Tahai and Rano Raraku. There are fees to enter the Ceremonial Village
of Orongo and Ahu Tahai.
You won't get lost. Easter Island is roughly triangular, with a volcano anchoring each corner. Maunga Pukatikei at 1200 ft (400 m) occupies the northeast corner, Rano Kau at 1353 ft (410 m) the southeast corner, and the highest peak, Maunga Terevaka at 2151.6 ft (652 m) presides over the northwest corner. The slopes are barren, and you'll get your exercise climbing up and down gentle hills. To date, there are no off-limits area, but do respect the archaeological work, the fact that a third of the island is the Parque Nacional Rapa Nui. You will not be allowed to remove any artifacts. You can buy replicas of moais, rongorongo tablets and other local artifacts in the markets.
Lodgings, Dining and More
There are several hotels on the island, numerous guest houses, and you may camp at Anakena on the north coast, but all water and food must be carried in. Concult these additional hotels for for availability, rates, amenities, location, activities and other specific information.
Some families will permit you to camp on their grounds. If you are traveling with a tour, your housing needs will be reserved, otherwise you can take your chances and make your own arrangements on arrival. Many householders
meet incoming planes and you can make your selection then.
Since everything is imported, be prepared for higher food costs. It may be less expensive to buy your breakfast and lunch needs from a local store, (there are two supermercados now) and dine in a restaurant for your evening meal. The lobster is delicious. There is a choice of Shops and Restaurants.
As the island's economy revolves increasingly around tourism, discontent with Chilean ownership grows. There is a movement underway for self-determination and autonomy. Spanish and the local language are spoken, and local festivals such as Rapa Nui Tapati Fiesta, held every February, cememt Rapa Nui solidarity. Some groups, like the Consejo de Ancianos, wants the national park returned to the original inhabitants, who own no property outside Hanga Roa. Rapa Nui News will keep you informed. Other organizations, like the Rapa Nui Outrigger Club teaches skills, history and an appreciation of their culture to young islanders in addition to competing in outrigger canoe racing.
You'll find Rapa Nui a pleasant, hospitable place to visit, but don't be surprised if you experience a sense of the mysterious, a sadness and the pull of the ancient moais.
Enjoy your visit!
