Welcome to the ‘navel of the earth’, more commonly known as Easter Island. It’s one of the most remote inhabited islands on earth! Decorated with huge statues called moai, this island brims with cultural phenomena and history. It is gorgeous! There’s so much to do on this island and it needs to be talked about. If the fact that Rapa Nui is a designated Unesco World Heritage Site doesn’t convince you enough to get packing, I don’t know what will! However, I will give a few not-that-well-known tips for the explorative traveller. I will also share some of the unbelievable experiences to embrace on Easter Island, Rapa Nui! So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
How Do I get to Easter Island?
If you would like to visit Easter Island (Rapa Nui), the first thing that needs to be done is to book aeroplane tickets WELL in advance. Tip: try to book seats on the right side of the plane to see the island as the plane descends. The plane even circles the island, so it’s highly recommended to sit on the side that showcases the island’s emergence from the clouds.
Secondly, book a hotel or a hostel. Without their support, getting an ‘invite’ is virtually impossible. When you receive a ticket/invitation, send through your vaccination documentation. However, the last part may be subject to change.
After all of this, you need to buy a national park pass. Since Rapa Nui sprawls over the whole island, it’s another must. When this is all set and all of your documents are in place, the next step is to go to Chile airport for the 5-hour flight bound for Easter Island!
It’s recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before departure to avoid missing the boarding procedure due to long lines and crowds. Make sure that you bought entrance onto the island as well and that all the documentation is in place.
Now, explore some beautiful lodging options for your ultimate vacation.
Where to Stay on Easter Island
La Pérouse Boutique Hotel
This air-conditioned bungalow located on the seafront of Hanga Roa is a few meters from Pea beach. They arrange shuttle services to and from the airport for you. The views of the ocean from your room are just impeccable. Relax at La Pérouse Boutique Hotel as you stare out towards the most isolated horizon on the planet.
Takarua Lodge
Welcomed with a Rapanui flower garland and tropical fruit juice, the vacation never felt so reel! Takarua Lodge is only 100 metres away from the ocean and the Tahai Ceremonial Complex. Tahai is one of the most ancient settlements on the island, dating back about 1,300 years.
Hare Uta
Not only does Hare Uta have stunning rooms overlooking the ocean but it also has various wellness experiences for its guests. From a volcanic stone spa and natural solarium to its very own salt pool, this place inevitably forces you to calm down.
Explora Rapa Nui
Imagine being enveloped by trees, prairies and far-reaching views over the vast, blue Pacific Ocean. Explora Rapa Nui is any traveller’s dream! Their dishes are always accompanied by superb Chilean wine and this, yes this solely, already has me hooked. How about you?
Nayara Hangaroa
Here, you can feel the restorative power of the earth by visiting the Manavai Spa. Nayara Hangora has a spa with cave-like treatment rooms to ease you into a world of relaxation and wellness. They also have various experiences that peruse through the world’s largest “outdoor museum”.
Best Experiences on Easter Island
Tour guides are mandatory at Easter Island. Many parks even deny access without a local tour guide. However, it is not that expensive and it could also be something that your hotel can help to organise.
Snorkelling and diving are also highly recommended due to the island’s unbelievable reefs. Anakena beach is a great place to spend the day snorkelling. However, if you’d like to dive be sure to visit the Rapa Nui Dive Center!
Hiking, walking and biking are also very popular. Visit Volcán Rano Raraku in Rapa Nui National Park for arguably one of the most rewarding hikes in South America! Alternatively, tour the Hanga Roa Caves where, at a certain time, the ancient Polynesian people lived to escape tribal wars.
You could also explore the Town of Hanga Roa. There you’ll not only find everything you need for whatever reason, but you’ll also find the island’s botanical garden. If you’re enjoying this article, I guarantee you’ll love reading about 10 stunning national parks in Argentina and Chile.
In the evenings, visit Mana Ma’ohi restaurant where they showcase ancient and cultural dances three times per week. Apart from the cuisine, this restaurant offers some insta-worthy stories for you to show to your grandchildren one day!
Lastly, cast your eyes up to the stars as they shine on the ancient stones that continue to fascinate the modern world. Stargazing could be super informative if done with a tour guide, but not only that, it could be super romantic too!
Think A-head.
Marvel at the unbelievability of Easter Island, Rapa Nui. It’s the very definition of ‘remote’. Stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, this island captivates generation after generation. It’s a definite bucket list item! On top of that, seeing these large moai is irrefutably humbling. With the sun setting behind their stone heads, the wind blowing sand dust across the tropical landscape, and the overwhelming remoteness of the island, nothing comes close to this! In fact, it’s nothing short of amazing.
So pack those bags and travel to an ancient land with a unique culture. Unbelievable experiences to embrace on Easter Island, Rapa Nui, only happens to those who want it to!
