Last Updated on August 23, 2022 by Nellie Huang
Easter Island is a spot that has captivated my creativeness since I used to be a bit lady — and I’m thrilled to lastly get right here. Standing in isolation within the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island is likely one of the world’s most distant locations. It took me two complete days and three flights to get right here, however it was properly value each single second of the lengthy journey.
Rapa Nui, because it’s recognized amongst natives, is made world well-known by the thriller surrounding its array of 1000 big stone figures that date again many centuries. Dotted all around the island, the stone statues, generally known as moai, measure as tall as 21 m. Archaeologists from world wide have flocked right here for the reason that Nineteen Forties to unravel the thriller, however some bits of the puzzle nonetheless stay unknown as we speak.
Many vacationers, together with myself, are drawn right here by the thriller of the moai. But we quickly discover that there’s much more to Easter Island past its historical past. The distinctive mixture of Polynesian tradition and Chilean affect, and the distant location of the island, have resulted in a spot that’s in contrast to wherever else on the planet. I’ve utterly fallen for the island and might safely say it’s now considered one of my favourite locations on the planet.
How to Visit Easter Island
Where is Easter Island?
Located within the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island is on the southeasternmost level of the Polynesian triangle. Its closest neighbor, Pitcairn island, is 1200 miles (1900km) away, whereas its motherland Chile is 2300 miles (3700 km) away. It is likely one of the most distant locations on the planet and getting there may be a part of the journey.
Even although Rapa Nui is a territory of Chile, its individuals maintain on tightly to their Polynesian tradition. The mix of Chilean and Polynesian tradition is a very attention-grabbing and distinctive one. If it wasn’t for the Spanish language that’s generally spoken right here, you’d assume you have been someplace in Tonga, Hawaii or Fiji.
Most individuals go to Easter Island as a part of their Chile itinerary since most flights to the island depart from Santiago, Chile. If you’ve gotten two weeks in Chile, positively attempt to squeeze in a while for Easter Island!
Wikimedia picture by Eric Gaba
Language and People of Easter Island
The present inhabitants of Easter Island is round 5000 and the primary language spoken is Spanish. Rapa Nui natives additionally converse the Rapa Nui language, however it’s slowly diminishing because the language is dropping its significance. The Rapa Nui language shares some comparable phrases to the indigenous languages spoken in Tahiti and New Zealand.
Thankfully, many natives are working onerous to protect their traditions. Stories about their ancestors are handed down by means of oral custom, within the type of folks songs and dance. Each February, they maintain a serious cultural pageant referred to as Tapati Rapa Nui Festival to rejoice Rapa Nui traditions. People dress in conventional costumes and carry out rituals or historic sports activities that their ancestors would have participated in centuries in the past.
Over one-third of the individuals dwelling on Easter Island are Chileans who migrated to there to work in tourism. Chileans and Rapa Nui natives get alongside properly and inter-marriages have resulted in a blended tradition. As tourism is the pillar of the economic system on Easter Island, most individuals right here converse English as properly.
Brief History of Easter Island
Despite its extraordinarily distant location, the island has been inhabited for round 1500 years and has a wealthy and intriguing historical past. Tradition holds that the primary individuals arrived from the Marquesa Islands round 300-400 A.D. The first king of Rapa Nui was Hoto Matu’a, who landed at Anakena seashore. He was worshipped by his followers like a God.
Between 900-1200 A.D, the islanders constructed big stone statues generally known as moai to worship their deity-like kings. Over 1000 moai have been erected on the island and ancestral worship grew to become their faith and lifestyle. The moai have been constructed on stone platforms generally known as ahu, and villagers lived going through the moai and the ocean.
Much have been recognized about why they constructed the moai and the way they made them, however the greatest thriller stays: why are the statues the place they’re and the way have been such massive stone statues transported from the quarry on the hills to varied spots all around the island?
How Easter Island Got its Name
Easter Island obtained its current identify when the first-recorded European, Jacob Roggeveen from Netherlands, landed right here on Easter Sunday in 1722. Many different Europeans arrived thereafter, together with James Cook, and thus started the downfall of the island.
Nobody is aware of the precise motive that triggered their inhabitants to be nearly decimated, however consultants assume it’s a mixture of civil battle, local weather change and speedy deforestation in the course of the time of moai building. Most of the moai have been knocked out of their place and lots of destroyed in the course of the civil battle, however they’ve since been rigorously restored.
Eventually, Easter Island was annexed by Chile on 9 September 1888, and the federal government of Chile signed a treaty with the Rapa Nui individuals which nonetheless stands as we speak.
Is It Easter Island or Rapa Nui?
The first identify Easter Island obtained was “Kahukahu o Hera.” They have been shouted out by the primary explorers to King Hotu Matu’a to let him know that the island wasn’t appropriate for greens due to the quick and straightforward progress of grass and weeds.
They mentioned: “E haho e! Kainga kino, kahukahu o hera mai te unu, mai te vere, mai te”. This interprets to imply, “Ahoy, you out there on the sea! It’s bad earth, weeds grow where you pull them up, weeds where you uproot them, and there are more than enough weeds.”
The identify Rapa Nui (Big Rapa) got here later. There’s one other Polynesian island named Rapa Iti (Little Rapa) and when individuals got here to the island and noticed the similarity, they named it after their island. Today, the world is aware of it as Easter Island, though locals name it Rapa Nui.
Easter Island Today
Since 2007, Easter Island has been administered as a territoria especial (particular territory) by Chile. The island retains a specific amount of autonomy, whereas being financially supported by the mainland.
Recent years have seen plenty of adjustments to how Easter Island is run. Rapa Nui National Park is co-managed by the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) and the island’s authorities. The nationwide park covers 40% of the island and it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Only Rapa Nui natives are employed to work within the nationwide park. Land that doesn’t belong to the nationwide park can solely be owned by Rapa Nui individuals.
How to Get to Easter Island
Due to its distant location, attending to Easter Island will not be simple or low-cost. Only one airline (LATAM Airlines) flies to Easter Island. They fly thrice every day from Santiago (Chile) to Easter Island in excessive season and twice every day in off-season. There can be one weekly flight from Pape’ete (Tahiti) to Easter Island. Be conscious that flights are recurrently delayed resulting from excessive winds, which implies chances are you’ll end up stranded in Santiago or on the island.
In order to manage tourism numbers, flights to Easter Island for foreigners are extremely costly. Prices are round US$1000 or extra for the return flight from Santiago to Easter Island. The journey takes 5 hours every approach. However, there’s a approach round it. I’m not asking you to cheat, however hear me out.
Chileans really pay a fraction of the value (round $300 return) that foreigners pay. To get the Chilean value, what you are able to do is get a VPN or use LATAM’s Chile web site. The system is sensible sufficient not settle for any bank cards from outdoors Chile. Their web site didn’t settle for my card, however it did maintain my reservation for 48 hours. I then referred to as the LATAM workplace to pay. When I gave them my bank card quantity, the value elevated however it nonetheless turned out cheaper than in any other case, at simply $550 return.
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How to Get Around Easter Island
The island is relatively small however there isn’t a public transport wherever. Most individuals ebook day excursions to be taught extra in regards to the story behind the moai from a information. It could make a giant distinction when you’ve gotten a knowledgable Rapa Nui information. I traveled with Easter Island Travel and realized so much from my native information who was informative, enjoyable and interesting.
Another approach to see the archaeological websites is to hire a automobile. I did that on my third day, after going for 2 day excursions. There are many automobile rental firms within the metropolis centre and most have 4WDs — I booked mine at Insular Rent-a-Car and paid 45,000 CLP ($68) to hire a Suzuki Jimny for 24hours.
You may also hire a quad that prices across the similar, at 40,000 CLP ($60) for the smallest mannequin. It goes slower however could be extra enjoyable. There are additionally bikes or scooters in addition to bicycles that you could hire. I used to be fairly decided to hire a bicycle till I noticed how hilly the island was.
When to Visit Easter Island
The hottest time to go to Easter Island is in the course of the first two weeks of February when the annual Tapati Rapa Nui pageant takes place. This pageant is presumably one of the best probability to expertise and find out about Rapa Nui tradition. On the penultimate day of the pageant, all the members and households parade by means of the streets of Hanga Roa. Everyone is wearing conventional Polynesian put on, dancing to upbeat music.
However, that is the costliest and busiest time of the 12 months to go to Easter Island. Prices for flights and lodging skyrocket throughout these two weeks. Visitor numbers shoot up throughout this time too, so don’t count on to have the place to your self. Also many eating places and retailers shut down as locals all flock to attend the pageant.
Otherwise, one of the best time to go to Easter Island is in the course of the off-season, that are from April to June and September to November. Weather is balmy and nice, flights are less expensive and there are much less vacationers.
How Much Time to Visit Easter Island?
Forming a triangle 14 miles lengthy by seven miles extensive, the island has an space of 63 sq. miles (163 sq. km). It takes lower than an hour to drive from one finish of the island to the opposite. Around 40% of the island is a nationwide park chocked stuffed with archaeological websites, with nearly 1000 moai on show. You can see all the websites in three days in case you pack them in.
I stayed on Easter Island for 4 days and located it adequate, although I used to be so captivated by Rapa Nui that I wanted I might keep longer. Here’s my urged itinerary — for extra particulars of every website, scroll right down to ‘things to do on Easter Island’.
Day 1: Take the Northern Circuit
- Visit Orongo village and be taught in regards to the ‘birdman’ faith
- Walk across the Rano Kau volcanic crater
- Feast on panoramic views at Puna Pau
- Visit the one moai that face the ocean, Ahu Akivi
- Chill out on Anakena seashore
Day 2: Do the Southern Circuit
- Start at Vinapu
- Learn how the Rapa Nui used to reside at Hanga Te’e
- Hike across the quarry Rano Rarauku
- See sundown at Tahai
Day 3: Explore Hanga Roa
- Catch dawn at Tongariki
- Climb to the best peak of Easter Island, Tere Vaka
- Wander across the city of Hanga Roa
- Visit the museum
- Watch a Rapa Nui conventional dance
Day 4: Go Diving or Horseback Riding
- Go scuba diving or snorkeling
- Take a ship journey to the islet of Moto Nui
- Or horseback driving
- Or join a stargazing tour
National Park Rules
When you land on Easter Island, be certain to buy a nationwide park ticket which prices 54,000 CLP ($80) for foreigners. You should buy it on the airport’s terminal constructing earlier than baggage declare. If you overlook to do that, you’ll be able to nonetheless buy it on the tourism workplace in Hanga Roa (subsequent to the soccer subject by the seafront).
The entrance ticket permits entry to all of the archaeological websites for 10 days. You can go to all of the websites as many occasions as you need EXCEPT for the quarry Rano Raraku and Orongo village (solely as soon as). Both of those particular websites are must-see locations as they’re of historic significance. But they’re extraordinarily fashionable, thus the management.
The authorities are relatively strict — be certain to maintain your ticket in a secure spot as it’s a must to present it at each website. If you lose it, you’ll have to return to Hanga Roa and purchase a brand new ticket. All of the websites (aside from Tongariki which is fashionable for dawn) open solely at 9.30am.
To protect Easter Island’s heritage, there are a couple of easy guidelines that have to be revered:
- Do not contact any archaeological stays.
- Do not stand on the platforms or ahu.
- No driving outdoors of the marked trails.
- No tenting is allowed inside the National Park.
- Respect all indicators and markings on the websites.
The breach of any of those guidelines is topic to heavy penalties. Most just lately a Finnish vacationer was fined $17,000 US for touching a moai and breaking its earlobe as a memento. The archaeological websites are protected by regulation as a result of they’re deteriorating at a quick tempo and vacationer actions speed up the method.
Day Tours on Easter Island
Day excursions are a good way to be taught extra in regards to the historical past of the island and dig deeper into the thriller surrounding the moai. There is not any information on the archaeological websites and even Lonely Planet gives very restricted rationalization of their ebook. Prices for a day tour begin from US$90 and final from 9.30am – 4pm.
I booked two day excursions with Easter Island Travel: one was Journey of Legends which coated the northern coast of the island, and the opposite was Megaliths masking the southern coast. I might advocate doing the excursions in that order, as Megaliths will present you the extra epic websites (and like they are saying, save one of the best for the final!).
Both my guides have been wonderful. They have been very attention-grabbing, enjoyable and interesting and their storytelling abilities have been good! One of them was a Rapanui-Chilean combine and he or she gave some very attention-grabbing insights from each cultures.
Driving Around Easter Island
If you’re planning to hire a automobile, I might advocate renting it within the afternoon in an effort to drive to see the sundown at Ahu Tahai and stand up early the subsequent morning to drive to Ahu Tongariki for the dawn. That was what I did, and each dawn and sundown have been spectacular and positively definitely worth the effort.
Strangely it’s not potential to get automobile insurance coverage on Easter Island. That means you’re answerable for any harm that you just make on the automobile. Also, most vehicles on the island are guide vehicles, so get your self aware of driving a stick! Note that the pace restrict on most roads on Easter Island is 50km/hour and on the town it’s 30km/hour. Many the roads have potholes and there are many canine and horses on the facet of the highway, so watch out whenever you’re driving.
Driving on Rapa Nui is comparatively simple. There are only a few roads and it’s onerous to get misplaced.The roads on Easter Island don’t have avenue names (besides within the coronary heart of city) so it may be troublesome to seek out locations and motels. Most locals know the place everybody lives, so you’ll be able to merely ask for instructions.
Hiking on Easter Island
Most archaeological websites are simply accessed from the carparks and there are marked trails that weave their approach across the websites. Just maintain to the paths and you can be tremendous. You don’t must have a sure degree of health to go to the websites.
For those that wish to go mountain climbing, you’ll be pleased to know there are fairly a couple of hikes you are able to do across the island. Hiking round Easter Island is pretty simple because the hills are usually not too excessive and there are marked trails all over the place. It’s not needed to rent a information if you wish to go mountain climbing.
The hottest trekking choices are recuperation zones which can’t be accessed with any sort of automobile:
- Terevaka, the best level of the island, stands at 1676 ft (511m) above sea degree. Hiking as much as the best level is a straightforward 1.5h hike. It gives 360 diploma views of the complete Easter Island. You may also get there with a horseback driving operator as properly.
- Rano Kau could be simply reached by foot from Hanga Roa. It takes round 2 hours on foot every approach. When you attain the volcanic crater, simply take the trail on the east facet of the crater to see some surroundings not accessible by autos.
- North-West coast is a mountain climbing route that takes roughly 5-7 hours and requires some planning and preparations forward. Most individuals begin from the primary seashore Anakena and transfer alongside the coast all the best way again to Hanga Roa. While there are a number of archaeological websites, not many are of nice curiosity. Among them is a cave stuffed with petroglyphs.
- Poike is an remoted northeaster peninsula with excessive cliffs falling away to the ocean under. Some of it’s now used as a cattle station. It takes round 1.5h to climb to the highest. Along the best way, you may see some attention-grabbing particulars together with the notorious “cave of the virgin”.
Things to Do on Easter Island
Anyone who’s heard of Easter Island would have seen pictures of the enduring Tongariki, with 15 big moai standing in a row. But Easter Island is much more than simply that. With over 1000 moai unfold throughout the island, the nationwide park is an open-air museum that you could discover at your individual tempo and time. Here are simply among the most attention-grabbing websites which might be value visiting:
1. Visit Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum
Start your journey with a go to to this museum in Hanga Roa — it makes a wonderful introduction to Rapa Nui and the moai. There are very detailed and well-written explanations on the historical past of the island, in addition to attention-grabbing archaeological gadgets like a uncommon feminine moai and totally different sorts of instruments used to carve the moai. Plus, the museum is free to go to. It’s positioned subsequent to Ahu Tahai, and only a 10-minute stroll from the centre of Hanga Roa.
2. Hike round Rano Raraku
This is my favourite archaeological website on Easter Island and one of many two websites that you could solely go to as soon as along with your park ticket. It is house to 397 moai, which is kind of an unimaginable sight to see all on one hill.
Known because the quarry, Rano Raraku is a volcano the place many of the moai on Easter Island have been reduce. The islanders would carve every statue into the slopes (horizontally), with the statue nonetheless connected to its mom stone. When they have been completed, they might then take away the final little bit of stone after which slide the statue down the hill.
There are a couple of trails that weave their approach across the southern slope and as much as the highest of the volcano. You’ll be wandering amongst loads of statues, every of them in a special stage of progress. Here’s the place you’ll additionally discover the largest statue on the island (nonetheless connected to the mom stone) that measures 21 m tall.
3. Catch Sunrise at Tongariki
You’ll acknowledge this website from the enduring picture of Easter Island that seems on each postcard and article. Ahu Tongariki is the largest ahu ever constructed, with 15 imposing statues standing guard over the shoreline.
Scattered among the many surrounding subject are a number of pukao, topknots that some moai adorn on their heads. The historic Polynesians used to put on their hair in a bun (each women and men) on the highest of their hair — it’s nonetheless a practice that continues as we speak.
This is one of the best spot on the island to see dawn and it’s massively fashionable with vacationers. During my go to in March, the dawn was at 7.30am. We obtained there half-hour early and the place was already packed. Most individuals have been respectful and saved to the invisible boundary line the place everybody lined up their cameras. Once shortly, I nonetheless obtained a photograph of 1 or two thick-skinned individuals and their selfie sticks.
4. See Sunset at Tahai
For one of the best sundown, head to Ahu Tahai, only a 10-minute stroll from Hanga Roa city. Again, it’s a well-liked website however there may be loads of inexperienced house for everybody to sit down and watch the sky gentle up in all types of vermillion rays.
There are three ahu platforms: the primary Ahu Tahai is within the center, with a solitary moai. This is the oldest moai on the island, constructed round 900 A.D. On its left are 5 moai of various styles and sizes, and on its proper is the one moai on the island restored with coral eyeballs.
Placing eyeballs with corals on the moai was the final and most vital stage of the method. They believed that after the eyes have been positioned on the moai, it grew to become a dwelling face of the god.
5. Chill Out at Anakena Beach
Anakena is likely one of the only a few white-sand seashores on Easter Island, which has primarily black rocky coastlines. This lovely spot is named the birthplace of Rapa Nui tradition as this was the place the primary king Hoto Matu’a landed.
He settled down at this very precise spot along with his entourage and his first baby was born proper right here (you’ll discover a picket carving depicting his spouse giving start on the entrance).Other explorers equivalent to Thor Heyerdahl and James Cook additionally landed right here on Anakena.
Besides the alluring palm bushes and delightful seashore, you’ll additionally discover two ahu platforms right here. Ahu Nau Nau is made up of seven moai constructed on a novel ahu that spots similarities with Inca structure. Some consultants say to show that historic Polynesians made contact with the Incas.
6. Walk across the Volcano Crater, Rano Kau
Standing tall on the southwestern finish of the island is a volcano crater referred to as Rano Kau. Geographically, this website has some of the dramatic landscapes within the South Pacific. Perched at 980 ft (300m) above, the crater’s rim is sort of completely round, with steep jagged slopes that drop vertically into the crater lake, and the Pacific Ocean on one edge.
The crater lake under is a inexperienced home of endemic biodiversity, house to some distinctive and actually particular plants amidst its totora reeds. Locals typically climb down the slopes to frolic within the crater lake, however it’s forbidden for guests to enter lately resulting from security considerations.
7. Visit Orongo Ceremonial Village
Built onto the facet of the slopes surrounding Rano Kau is a crucial archaeological website generally known as Orongo. This was a ceremonial village and predominant gathering level for the islanders after they began worshipping the birds within the 18th century. The village has wonderful information in regards to the ‘birdman’ faith that Rapa Nui natives adopted after the moai-building days.
They used to carry an annual competitors the place the strongest males in the neighborhood would compete to see who might nab the primary eggs of the birds that migrated right here annually. The winner would then grow to be the subsequent king. From Orongo, you’ll get a spectacular view of the little islet of Moto Nui the place the annual birdman competitors was held.
8. Wander across the city of Hanga Roa
Hanga Roa is the one city on the entire island i.e. all of the museums, retailers and eating places are concentrated right here. Don’t count on a vibrant full of life city — you’re in spite of everything on a distant island of 5000+ individuals! That mentioned, it’s obtained a pleasant Polynesian seashore city really feel to it and it’s sufficiently small to stroll all over the place. Streets are lined with tiki bars, eating places and memento retailers.
I like to recommend testing the Mercado Artesanal that has all of the paintings and souvenirs below one roof. Right throughout the highway from there may be the Catholic Church of Rapa Nui, with attention-grabbing Polynesian structure. Another place value visiting is Arte Manaroas, a contemporary artwork gallery run by native artist Oscar Cuevas. I had an ideal dialog with him and it was very attention-grabbing attending to know Rapa Nui by means of him. And don’t overlook to get a particular Easter Island passport stamp from the vacationer workplace subsequent to the soccer subject — it’s free!
9. Catch a Rapa Nui Traditional Show
In the night, don’t miss the standard Rapa Nui dance exhibits! I used to be a bit skeptical at first and questioned if the present can be as commercialized as those I’ve seen in Hawaii. But after catching the present at Ballet Kari Kari, I used to be actually impressed by the vitality of the dancers and the authenticity of the exhibits. There are three totally different leisure venues in Hanga Roa that showcase the standard dance: Ballet Kari Kari (the oldest institution) holds its exhibits on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; Vai Te Mihi holds the exhibits on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays.
Be certain to ebook your tickets both by e mail or by means of your resort in the future upfront. Prices for the 1-hour present are normal, at 10,000 CLP or US$15. For the dance and dinner included, the value is 27,000 CLP or $40 per individual.
Where to Stay on Easter Island
Hanga Roa is the one city on Easter Island, so all of the motels and lodges are concentrated within the space. You’ll additionally discover eating places, retailers, supermarkets and automobile rental firms on the town. Accommodation on Easter Island is expensive and high quality of lodging isn’t nice, so be certain to scout round. Most lodging provide free airport transfers, so make sure you examine along with your hostel/resort and supply them along with your flight particulars.
High-end: Explora Rapa Nui
For these seeking to splurge, that is one of the best resort on the island. It gives top quality lodging and classy design, plus an impressive location within the inexperienced hills 5 miles outdoors of Hanga Roa. It’s not low-cost, however the improbable panoramas all through the property and all-inclusive options make it value each penny. In reality, charges embody all transportation, meals, drinks and over 20 free excursions round Easter Island. Check the newest charges.
High-end: Hotel Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa
This upscale choice is positioned on the oceanfront, inside a 15-minute stroll or a 5-minute drive from Hanga Roa city. The trendy resort has very tastefully designed rooms and options spa amenities, an enormous out of doors swimming pool and a restaurant overlooking the ocean. It’s a wonderful fusion of luxurious and rustic design. If I have been on my honeymoon, this may be the place I’d keep! However, there was controversy surrounding the land on which the resort has been constructed. Apparently a Rapa Nui native had bought the land to the resort which is in opposition to the regulation, and many individuals are protesting in opposition to it proper in entrance of the resort. Check the newest charges.
Midrange: Rangi Moana
I stayed at this comfy family-run lodge with particular person cabanas which have been newly constructed. It’s very properly priced, particularly for solo vacationers as you pay for simply half the value of a cabana relatively than the total value. The massive inexperienced areas, swimming pool and huge household cottages make it an ideal place for households. The homeowners are very pleasant and welcoming. Airport transfers are included. It’s round a 20-minute stroll from Hanga Roa, or a $4 taxi journey away. Check the newest charges.
Midrange: Hostal Pukao
Another well-priced choice is Hostal Pukao which is blessed with plenty of inexperienced areas and luxurious environment. There are plenty of vibrant colours all in regards to the property and trendy and cozy furnishings. They have nice critiques, particularly for his or her wonderful breakfast. They additionally cost solo vacationers half the value of a room as a substitute of the total value. But the hostal is positioned near Puna Pau, which is a 15-minute drive outdoors of Hanga Roa. That mentioned, it’s an ideal spot to base your self if you wish to hike all around the hills surrounding Puna Pau. Check out the newest charges.
Budget: Camping Mihinoa
Located proper throughout the highway from the seashore, this campsite is presumably the best choice for finances vacationers due to its waterfront location. There are choices of staying in tents or their bungalow rooms. There are shared toilet amenities in addition to three massive kitchens the place you’ll be able to prepare dinner your individual meals and hang around with different vacationers. It’s a couple of 15-minute stroll from city however the location is fairly good contemplating you’re sleeping in entrance of the ocean. Be conscious that this campsite will get booked up in a short time, so that you’ll must make reservations properly upfront. Check the newest charges.
Budget: Hostal Marari
For these on a finances, this comfy hostal is a superb alternative because it’s inexpensive and positioned in Hanga Roa however near the airport. The family-run guesthouse feels extra like a homestay and the homeowners are very heat and welcoming. They typically invite company to hitch the household for dinner and drinks, so in case you’re seeking to socialise and be taught extra in regards to the locals’ lifestyle, that is the place to go. Check the newest charges.
Search for More Hostels on Easter Island
Where to Eat on Easter Island
Food on Easter Island is a fusion of Polynesian substances and Chilean flavors. You get primarily fish like tuna, mahi mahi, and swordfish, in addition to seafood like lobster, shrimp and a local lobster generally known as rape rape. They additionally eat plenty of crops which might be grown on the island equivalent to candy potatoes, taro, yams, plantain, and sugarcane.
The most conventional Rapa Nui dish is the Umu Rapa Nui or Easter Island curanto, which is cooked in a gap within the floor with firewood and red-hot stones, the identical approach it was made a whole lot of years in the past. The scorching stones are coated with plantain leaves. Then, meat, rooster, and fish is positioned on the leaves and coated once more with extra leaves and stones. Te Ra’ai is the one restaurant the place you’ll be able to do this conventional preparation.
There are fairly a couple of good beachfront eating places in Hanga Roa to select from, and lots of of them have wonderful sundown views. A restaurant meal on Easter Island is dear although, count on to spend round 15000 – 28000 CLP for a meal with drinks.
Recommended Restaurants in Hanga Roa
Tataku Vave — This was advisable by my information and it turned out to be my favourite place to eat at on the island! It’s secretly tucked away from the vacationer path and serves up large parts of recent ceviche and fish at a beachfront location nice for sunsets. There are additionally recent rape rapa lobsters and shrimps on the menu, plus refreshing cocktails.
Hani-Hani — Hip and classy, this welcoming beachfront restaurant has a wonderful menu and reside music proper by the ocean. They’ve obtained a really refreshing Polynesian fusion menu, with an array of sushi rolls and pizzas to select from. The cocktail listing can be spectacular — don’t miss the in-house particular pisco!
Te Moai Sunset — It’s lauded as one of the best restaurant on the town for sundown as it’s positioned proper subsequent to Ahu Tahai. This high-end gourmand restaurant is the place you’d wish to go on your final meal on the town!
Tumu Vida Sana — This is likely one of the cheaper joints on the town, with inexpensive sandwiches, fajitas and nice beer (strive the Michelada which is beer with lemonade served in frosty mugs rimmed with salt and chilli). Great ambiance too!
Hai Tonga — Another bar with seashore vibes and swings, positioned near the seafront. Its breakfast menu is especially good and you may also discover native artisan beer right here.
Cost of Travel on Easter Island
Besides the airfare, lodging and meals costs could make Easter Island an costly vacation spot. As the island is so distant, nearly every little thing must be imported and thus merchandise that aren’t from the island are costly.
Before your journey to Easter Island, I like to recommend shopping for meals on mainland Chile to convey with you. I introduced some muesli bars, salami and cheese for my breakfast and picnic lunches. I couldn’t resist consuming out on the eating places for dinners to deal with myself.
Bring loads of Chilean pesos in money as not many locations settle for bank cards. There are two ATMs on the island however it’s value stocking up. Easter Island could be very very secure so that you shouldn’t fear about bringing money onto the island.
Here is a breakdown of my bills as a solo traveler throughout my 4-day journey to Easter Island (NOT together with airfare):
Expenses in USD
- Accommodation: $240
- National park entrance: $80
- Day excursions: $90 + 90
- Car rental: $68
- Gas/petrol: $10
- Traditional dance: $15
- Food: $80
TOTAL: $613
Why Visit Easter Island?
Easter Island is a terrific vacation spot to go to, and the islanders have completed an ideal job in limiting the variety of guests and defending their sacred historic websites. The geographic landscapes, distant location within the Pacific and distinctive mix of Chilean-Polynesian tradition all contribute to make Rapa Nui a spot that’s considered one of its form. For those that make that further effort to go to Easter Island, this particular place doesn’t disappoint.
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