Explore Easter Island's moai statues, local culture, and unique ecology on this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Pacific.
Easter Island sits 3,700 kilometers from Chile's mainland in the Pacific Ocean. The island's 887 moai statues, created between 1250-1500 AD, line the coastline. Walk through the Rano Raraku quarry where ancient craftsmen carved the statues, swim in the clear waters of Anakena's white sand beach, or watch fire dancers perform during the February Tapati festival.
Getting to Easter Island
LATAM Airlines runs 6-hour flights from Santiago, Chile to Mataveri International Airport. You need a special permit before arrival, which limits stays to 30 days. The airport's 3,318-meter runway serves as an emergency landing site for space shuttles, extended by NASA for this purpose.
Understanding the Moai
Craftsmen carved these stone statues, measuring 2 to 20 meters tall, from yellow-brown volcanic tuff at the Rano Raraku quarry. The largest group stands at Ahu Tongariki, where 15 moai face inland. Each statue, weighing several tons, represents an ancestral chief or important figure in Rapa Nui society.
Exploring Rapa Nui National Park
The park encompasses 40% of the island. Entry costs $60 (valid for 5 days, $20 for Chilean citizens) and includes access to Rano Raraku quarry, Orongo ceremonial village, and multiple ahu (platforms) with their moai. You'll find over 300 ceremonial platforms and thousands of archaeological structures throughout the park.
Weather and Timing Your Visit
Temperatures stay steady year-round: 25°C in summer (December-February) and 19°C in winter (June-August). Visit in September or October for mild weather and smaller crowds. Rain falls throughout the year, with April through June being the wettest months.
Local Life and Culture
The 7,750 residents of Easter Island live mainly in Hanga Roa town. During the February Tapati festival, you can watch spear throwing competitions, hear traditional music, and see dancers perform ancient Polynesian routines. Local chefs prepare fresh tuna in many forms, including ceviche and empanadas.
Activities Beyond the Moai
Scuba dive in clear waters with 60-meter visibility to see coral formations, sea caves, and an underwater moai statue. Walk the trails circling the Rano Kau crater rim or connect major archaeological sites on paths ranging from 2 to 15 kilometers.
Practical Information
Bring Chilean pesos in cash to get better prices at restaurants and hotels. Hotel rooms cost 80,000-200,000 CLP per night, and meals range from 10,000-30,000 CLP. Internet access remains limited across the island, and expect weekly power outages.
