Visitors 6
Isolated Volcanic Island in middle of Pacific Ocean, famous for iconic Moai statues. Due to Remoteness Access is involved (and costly). During COVID island was completely shut down, only in 2nd half of 2022 it started slow re-opening. This was hard on local people who depend on tourism for survival; in casual chat owner of my hostel told me many had to revert to fishing for food. Re-opening was gradual, and recent negative COVID test was required till early 2023. Main post COVID difference is requirement for "guides" - except for Anakena and Tahau, visit to all archeological sites requires local escort. This has 2 negative consequences: Cost and Lack of Freedom. Official explanation is "need to protect the Moai", but more likely reason is attempt to squeeze more cash for starved locals.
I was surprised by level of development. Although overall feel is still rural, there are many hostels, hotels and restaurants. Main street in Hanga Roa town center has several grocery shops, rent-a-cars and utility services. Climate is tropical - hot and humid - and AirCon is not a norm; depending where you are coming from, it will likely take a couple of days to get 'acclimatized'. Island is small and moving around is not difficult. South part of the Island can be walked, or cycled. Accessing North part requires motorized transport, but driving is easy - there is only 1 road cuting through the Island.
Main attraction are naturally Moai archeological sites. Most important ones, Ahu Tongariki and Rano Raraku, both on north side of the Island are a 'must'. Besides a "guide", there is also National Park Fee - $80 USD for a week for Foreigners. It is way too overpriced but it is what it is, and if you came this far you have no choice but to pay it. All the details can be found at official Chilean Government site here
There is also fair amount of good hiking. Circling the Rim of Rano Kau volcano on South side is personal favorite, while Poike on north side offers fantastic panorama of entire Island. Trail following west side of the Island links Hanga Roa with Anakena Beach passing by several sites along the way and can be done in 4-5 hours (1-way).
In my opinion week long stay is minimum. March/April are probably best months for visit - less busy, but weather still good. Cost is significant, but overall reward is more than adequate. Here is rough financial estimate for 1 week, in USD
1) Return Air from Santiago: ~1000
2) Accomodation (low to mid range): 750
3) Food: 300
4) Fees (guide, national park): 200
5) Rent-a-car (2 days): 150
Easter Island ("Isla De Pascue") is fantastic place and despite "guide" requirement it exceeded my expectations. I can not recommend it enough, and gallery below, generally composed to coincide with my exploration itinerary, does not do justice. Each photo has more details in caption. If you have questions or would like more details, feel free to contact me via main site menu.
I was surprised by level of development. Although overall feel is still rural, there are many hostels, hotels and restaurants. Main street in Hanga Roa town center has several grocery shops, rent-a-cars and utility services. Climate is tropical - hot and humid - and AirCon is not a norm; depending where you are coming from, it will likely take a couple of days to get 'acclimatized'. Island is small and moving around is not difficult. South part of the Island can be walked, or cycled. Accessing North part requires motorized transport, but driving is easy - there is only 1 road cuting through the Island.
Main attraction are naturally Moai archeological sites. Most important ones, Ahu Tongariki and Rano Raraku, both on north side of the Island are a 'must'. Besides a "guide", there is also National Park Fee - $80 USD for a week for Foreigners. It is way too overpriced but it is what it is, and if you came this far you have no choice but to pay it. All the details can be found at official Chilean Government site here
There is also fair amount of good hiking. Circling the Rim of Rano Kau volcano on South side is personal favorite, while Poike on north side offers fantastic panorama of entire Island. Trail following west side of the Island links Hanga Roa with Anakena Beach passing by several sites along the way and can be done in 4-5 hours (1-way).
In my opinion week long stay is minimum. March/April are probably best months for visit - less busy, but weather still good. Cost is significant, but overall reward is more than adequate. Here is rough financial estimate for 1 week, in USD
1) Return Air from Santiago: ~1000
2) Accomodation (low to mid range): 750
3) Food: 300
4) Fees (guide, national park): 200
5) Rent-a-car (2 days): 150
Easter Island ("Isla De Pascue") is fantastic place and despite "guide" requirement it exceeded my expectations. I can not recommend it enough, and gallery below, generally composed to coincide with my exploration itinerary, does not do justice. Each photo has more details in caption. If you have questions or would like more details, feel free to contact me via main site menu.
© Autumn Sky Photography