Discover the enchanting mysteries of Easter Island, where ancient Moai statues and stunning landscapes await your exploration.
Easter Island, also called Rapa Nui, is a captivating destination renowned for its recognizable Moai statues. These colossal stone figures, carved by the island’s early inhabitants, offer a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage and the ingenuity of its ancient civilization. Visitors can explore the archaeological sites where these statues stand, each with its unique history and significance. The Rapa Nui National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a stunning backdrop for these monuments, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in a landscape that has fascinated historians and archaeologists for centuries.
Beyond its historical allure, Easter Island boasts breathtaking natural beauty. The island’s remote location in the Pacific Ocean contributes to its unspoiled environment, featuring pristine beaches, volcanic craters, and lush green hills.
The vibrant culture of the Rapa Nui people adds another layer of richness to the Easter Island experience. Visitors can engage with the local community and learn about their traditions, language, and daily life. The Tapati Rapa Nui Festival, held annually in February, showcases the island’s cultural heritage through music, dance, and traditional competitions. This celebration provides a unique opportunity to witness the living culture of Easter Island and participate in its festivities.
Everything you need to know before you visit Easter Island
Planning your trip to Easter Island
The island’s hospitality, combined with its historical and natural wonders, makes Easter Island a truly unforgettable destination for travelers seeking a unique and enriching experience; however, some essential factors should go into your planning before you start your journey to this fantastic paradise.
Major international ports of entry
To make your planning easier: There’s only one airport, and only one airline (LATAM Airlines) that flies to Easter Island.
On my May 2023 trip to East Island, I spent a week on the Island exploring all it had to offer. In looking back, 7-days was longer than needed. Ideally, a 4-day trip can easily cover everything I saw, and more.
Easter Island is a small, isolated island. There are no chain hotels or notable commercial tourism operators. You’ll need to search for local bed and breakfasts or room-stay operators. Ideally, staying in Hanga Roa would be the best bet, as numerous locally-owned restaurants are easily accessible.
There are some higher-end locally owned beds and breakfasts on the island’s east side, a 30-minute walk across the island into town.
Activities and top tourism destinations on Easter Island
Easter Island has numerous destinations throughout the tiny island; however, visiting the Rapa Nui National Park is the primary draw and requires a USD 80 fee for foreign visitors. Some hotels can procure visitor permits and add the cost to your invoice for convenience. If you’re a meticulous planner (like me), you can purchase a ticket to the national park online.
Almost all of the Moai locations are located inside the Rapa Nui National Park, and while security is (nearly) non-existent, supporting this spectacular UNESCO site is a must.
Destinations in and around Easter Island
Easter Island Uncensored
Easter Island is one of the most highly sought-after destinations in my life. You can blame it on my childhood bookcases of National Geographic magazines; however, visiting this remote island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean left me humbled by the sheer untouched beauty and culture of the Rapa Nui civilization of yesteryear.
While the island has grown into a semi-self-sufficient island today, it is a solid decade behind in technology and creature comforts of the developed world. The Rapa Nui people have taken extraordinary care to preserve their way of life and keep the annoying parts of today’s connected world at bay.
At every turn, there is a natural beauty, vibrant culture, and an overall humble co-existence with the past that gives visitors the experience of a lifetime.
In Conclusion
Just book a trip here, you won’t be disappointed.
