After 10 years of traveling to and from and around Chile, I finally made it to Easter Island! Known locally as Rapa Nui, it is one of the most remote inhabited islands on the planet. It is also a Chilean territory, and the only way to get there is to fly from Santiago – about a 4.5-hour flight way out to the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
But let me tell you – it’s worth it! And yes, we really did get to dine on fresh seafood RIGHT ON THE BEACH while watching the sunset…
Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is one of those unique places that you must just go see for yourself, because it’s the only place like it in the world. The Moais and their history and mystery are all over the tropical island which has an entire culture in itself. It is reminiscent of other Polynesian islands, but has created a version of its own language and culture, not to mention religious beliefs that resulted in the era of the famous Moais (ahem, the “giant head statues”).
My friend Shannon and I took a girls’ trip there, and we had a mix of culture, adventure activities, FOOD, and relaxation. 10 out of 10 would recommend.
How to Visit Easter Island / Rapa Nui
Book everything before you go. One thing you need to know before going to Rapa Nui is that in order to visit 90% of the historical sites, you must have a guide. Private tours are normal there, and just as you would with your accommodations, you need to have your guide hired before you arrive, that way you can make the most of your time on the island. Our guide picked us up at the airport with real flower leis!
Give yourself at least four days. Next time you plan a trip to Chile, give yourself an extra four days to get out to Easter Island from Santiago. Three to four days is enough, but I would say that four to five could be better – because not only do you want time to explore the historical sites, you will most likely also find that you want extra time to relax and enjoy the tropical paradise that is Easter Island! I mean, I could have spent more time at Anakena Beach, which is the only white sand beach on the island, and most people don’t get out to the north coast – there is much to explore beyond the “normal” tourist routes!
Check out EcoChile. I went with EcoChile, and they handled everything for me (even R/T flights, all transfers, our guide, accommodations, everything!). Full disclosure, my trip was sponsored, and I feel very confident in recommending that you use the same company, because I was so well taken care of, and our guide and accommodations were incredible! EcoChile made sure we had everything we needed ahead of time, like, EVERything – down to exactly how to be prepared to pass through Easter Island’s special customs line, what to bring, all confirmation numbers in our detailed and customized itinerary – they were very comprehensive and made the entire experience super smooth for us..
Also bonus for you – you can save 5% of any EcoChile trip if you tell them Traveling Jackie sent you!
Easter Island Resources
I created not one, but TWO podcast episodes about this experience, because there was SO much to talk about and learn. Both of these episodes will take you on an immersive, virtual journey across Rapa Nui right along with me, so buckle up!
A Tour of the Moais of Easter Island / Rapa Nui (Episode 195)
Listen here (Spotify) or find it here
Watch here (YouTube)
All About the People of Easter Island / Rapa Nui (Episode 196)
Listen here (Spotify) or find it here
Watch here (YouTube)
Easter Island Itinerary
Our itinerary included hiking to Mauna Terevaka (the highest point on the island), sunrise at Ahu Tongariki, the quarry at Rano Raraku, exploring the lava tube caves, and just about every important site with Moais around the island. Our trusty guide Tokerau was super knowledgable and so funny and friendly, he really made the experience and the history and culture of the island come alive for us.
The four-day / three-night itinerary that I did can be found here – be sure to tell EcoChile that Traveling Jackie sent you and you’ll save 5% off any of the trips that they offer! (That includes opportunities all over Chile & Argentina…)
Iorana! (That’s like “aloha” in Rapanui language!)
