[Itinerary]
The round trip to this enchanting destination spans 10 hours, and whether the journey is worth it truly depends on your personal preferences, as does the number of days you choose to spend there. Initially, I booked a 3-day, 2-night stay, but after landing and instantly falling in love with the place, I extended my stay to 4 days and 3 nights, picking up a rental car at the homestay.
☑️ 3 days: Many travelers on XHS recommend a 3-day itinerary, claiming it’s sufficient. However, I believe this is only ideal for those who are highly efficient, ready to dive into tours right after landing, and can hit all the major attractions without missing a beat.
☑️ 4 days: This allows for a more relaxed experience, where you can catch both the sunrise and sunset, join guided tours to see the highlights, and still have time for a self-driving adventure around the island, along with some beach fun.
☑️ 5 days or more: Perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the South Pacific island lifestyle. Beyond the tourist spots, you can enjoy surfing and unwinding by the sea. Easter Island reminded me of the month I spent traveling through a South Pacific island nation, a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
[Flights]
LATAM Airlines holds a monopoly on flights to Easter Island. I secured a round-trip ticket for $310 a few months in advance from their official website, which includes a backpack, carry-on luggage (12 kg), and checked baggage (23 kg). If you’re traveling light, you might find even lower fares, typically under $300.
⚠️ I strongly advise against using OTAs; it’s better to book directly from the official website or app, preferably in Spanish. Flights to Easter Island often change, and if they do, you can get free rescheduling or a refund, making it advantageous to handle everything through the official channels.
‼️ The standard price for an economy class ticket hovers around $300, with frequent fluctuations.
If the price suddenly spikes to $700, wait it out; it usually drops back down.
[Car Rental]
I rented from Oceanic Rent A Car via their official website. The most affordable manual transmission car costs $80 per day, while an automatic is $90. We initially rented an automatic for two days at $180, and when we decided to add another day, it only cost us an additional $60.
‼️ You can pick up the car at the town store, your hotel, or arrange for the staff to meet you at the airport.
⚠️ We used an international driver’s license; I’m not certain if a Chinese driver’s license with a translation will be accepted.
🚗 While some roads around the island are bumpy, a small car is generally sufficient for navigating the terrain.
[Island Entry Ticket]
The entry ticket to the island is $80 and can be purchased online or in town. Buying at the Rapa Nui National Park Ticket Office gives you a paper ticket that can be stamped as a souvenir. There are numerous tour guides selling their services in front of the ticket office, allowing you to compare prices and find the best deal.
[Accommodation]
🏠 Cabanas Anavai Rapa Nui
🛏️ Room Type: Bungalow – Beachfront, $1362 per night
This charming, family-run hotel consists of four villas, with plans for expansion. Managed by a mother and her daughter, the property offers a warm, homely atmosphere. Our room, named Vaimiti, was the one closest to the road and the sea, providing a serene and picturesque view.
From the second-floor balcony, you can marvel at the majestic Moai statues and then take a leisurely stroll home after watching the breathtaking sunset. It’s incredibly convenient! While I truly enjoyed my stay, there are a few aspects to consider:
‼️ The house is equipped with fans but lacks air conditioning.
We stayed in November, and it was perfectly comfortable.
‼️ There is no hot water on the second floor, so you’ll need to shower on the first floor. However, a hairdryer is provided for your convenience.
‼️ The sound insulation on the roof is not ideal. During one particularly stormy night, the rain on the metal roof created quite a racket.
‼️ The area is home to many dogs, and one night, their barking persisted for a long time, making it challenging to sleep.
⚠️ An airport shuttle service is available to make your arrival and departure as smooth as possible.
