City guide — Chile
Easter Island travel guide · South America
Easter Island, known as Rapa Nui, is one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth, located 3,600 km off the Chilean coast in the Pacific Ocean. It is world-famous for its enigmatic giant stone moai statues, carved centuries ago by the ancient Polynesian civilization that once flourished here. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island offers a unique blend of archaeological wonders, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant indigenous Rapa Nui culture.
Spring and early summer offer milder temperatures and lower rainfall compared to the wet summer months, while avoiding the coldest and rainiest winter period. The Tapati festival in February is a cultural highlight but accommodation books out fast.
The volcanic quarry where most of the moai were carved, featuring dozens of partially finished statues emerging from the hillside at various stages of completion. A dramatic and unmissable site within Rapa Nui National Park.
The largest ceremonial platform on Easter Island, featuring 15 restored moai standing in a row. Measuring nearly 150 m in length, it is surrounded by petroglyphs and other archaeological remains.
A restored ceremonial village perched on the edge of the Rano Kau crater cliff, featuring around 30 stone boathouses and hundreds of petroglyphs depicting the birdman god Make Make. Offers spectacular views over the Pacific and the offshore islets.
The largest volcanic crater on the island, measuring 1,600 m across and containing the island's largest freshwater lake. Its dramatic rim offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the offshore islets of Motu Nui.
A postcard-perfect white sand beach lined with coconut palms on the north coast of the island, overlooked by moai statues on a nearby ahu. Popular for swimming and bodysurfing.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site covering much of Easter Island and encompassing the majority of the island's archaeological sites, volcanic craters, and coastal ahu platforms. Entry requires a ticket valid for all included sites.
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A 10-day annual cultural festival held each February celebrating ancestral Rapa Nui traditions including bodypainting (takona), recitation of epic legends (riu), and the thrilling downhill descent on banana tree logs (haka pei). Culminates in the election of the island's queen on the full moon.
A guided hike through the volcanic quarry of Rano Raraku, climbing over the crater rim and descending into the bowl to see moai at various stages of carving. One of the most dramatic archaeological hikes on the island.
A rewarding day trek from Hanga Roa to the rim of the Rano Kau crater, descending to the edge of its freshwater lake. The trail passes through guava scrub and offers sweeping ocean views.
The island's only airport and the world's most remote passenger airport. Historically served as an emergency landing site for NASA space shuttles. The gateway to Easter Island with daily flights from Santiago.
The capital of Chile and the main gateway to Easter Island, with daily direct flights operated by LATAM. A major South American metropolis with rich culture, cuisine, and history.
The nearest major Polynesian island to Easter Island, located roughly halfway between Easter Island and the South American mainland. Flights from Tahiti to Easter Island were suspended but may be reintroduced in the future.
The nearest inhabited islands to Easter Island, equally isolated and accessible only by boat. A fascinating destination for adventurous travelers.
A historic Chilean port city from which the Chilean Navy supply ship historically departed for Easter Island. A colorful and culturally rich city worth visiting on the mainland.
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