Methods for Organizing a Dream Vacation to Easter Island

Rapa Nui is the Polynesian name for Easter Island. Conventional wisdom holds that the initial human settlement on the island occurred between 300 and 400 C.E. The timing of this event may have been hundreds of years later than previously assumed, according to new research. The island's inhabitants may have been on the brink of extinction due to resource depletion, which led to famine and conflict. 

Dutch explorers reached the island on Easter Day, 1722, and gave it the name "Easter Island" (Paaseiland). Rumor has it that a slave invasion from Peru and a smallpox epidemic hit the Rapa Nui people hard in the century following European arrival. 

Rapa Nui, or Isla de Pascua as it is known to Chileans, was annexated by Chile in the 19th century, and its inhabitants were granted Chilean citizenship in 1965. Indigenous Rapa Nui and ethnic Chileans make up the island's current population of around 8,500.

Getting to Easter Island isn't difficult in and of itself, but the journey there is lengthy. Only the Chilean airline LATAM flies there, and all flights must go via Santiago, Chile. From either New York or Los Angeles, it takes about 10.5 hours to reach the capital city of Chile. 

From Atlanta, it takes slightly more than nine hours. There are approximately twelve flights per week from Santiago to Hanga Roa, the capital of Easter Island; the flight takes around five and a half hours. As long as their stay is less than 90 days, U.S. passport holders are exempt from visa requirements. 

Traveling to Easter Island by boat is another option. It will cost you a pretty money to sail with some cruise lines that include Rapa Nui, such Silversea and Seabourn.

The moai, or enormous stone temples, are the most recognizable landmarks in Rapa Nui. Yet, these sculptures are more than just heads. A lot of people don't realize the moai are full-body carvings since the ones that get the most photos are the ones that are buried up to their necks. The monuments were sculpted in memory of notable individuals upon their passing; some of them reach a height of 32 feet. 

The Moai were sculpted by means of a toki, which is a type of rock chisel. Only at the Rua Toki-Toki quarry could one get the very hard hawaiite, the material used to craft the highest quality toki. A major mystery surrounding Easter Island is the process by which the ancient Rapa Nui people transported the massive stone sculptures from the site of their carving to their final resting sites. 

You may view the impressive sculptures at their finest in Rapa Nui National Park, which occupies over half of the island. The island, which dates back to the 11th and 16th centuries, is home to what UNESCO calls "one of the most remarkable cultural phenomena in the world." Taking a guided tour of the park with an expert local is the greatest way to get a feel for the moai. A separate ticket to enter the park for ten days would set you back $80.

Rapa Nui has a small population but an impressive array of lodging options. In the heart of Hanga Roa, you'll find the majority of the hotels. 

Just a short stroll from the town center, the Hare Uta Hotel offers a picturesque view of the water. The warm hospitality of the personnel is second to none, and the poolside spa provides traditional treatments utilizing banana leaves and volcanic soil, all in an effort to make tourists feel right at home. Both hotel guests and those from surrounding areas frequent the eatery. 

Another popular destination for tourists is Altiplanico Easter Island. The 30-minute walk to the bungalows from Hanga Roa is more than compensated for by the breathtaking seaside views and complimentary beverages upon arrival. The rooms are spacious and light, and some even have terraces or outdoor showers.

Hanga Roa is home to the majority of the island's eateries, but there are lots of other spots to eat as well. Do not eat too close to your tour guide's appointment unless you are patient with the slow service. 

La Kaleta is a popular spot for tourists because of its prime coastal location and breathtaking views. Listed on an outdoor chalkboard, the menu is subject to change every day. 

Te Moana, which is nearby, also has stunning views of the ocean. The portions are a little bigger and the pricing are a little higher than at most of the other restaurants in town. Fresh seafood, such as ceviche and oysters, is the restaurant's forte. 

The restaurant Neptune's Island is another popular choice in town. Both the indoor dining area and the balcony offer breathtaking views of the Pacific to guests. The pricing are reasonable, and the personnel is really nice.

Due of the low cell phone coverage on Easter Island, getting around the island takes prior preparation. Taxis are always waiting for riders, but it's more convenient to arrange for transportation in advance. You can avoid scammers by using the same protocol for airport pickup. 

While you can rent a car on the island, be aware that insurance isn't always an option and that the roads may be bumpy. 

Taking a tour is a great way to see the island because it is convenient and you get to know the locals. Private and group tours, with the latter being better for the environment, are plentiful, and they can be as short as a few hours or as long as several days. 

Alternatively, you can ride a bike, walk, or even ride a horse if you're feeling adventurous (and fit). You can visit some of the island's hidden gems by horseback or on foot because some places are inaccessible by car. 

While Spanish and Rapa Nui predominate, English is also spoken by individuals in the service sector.

On Easter Island, the Chilean peso is the currency of choice. Although not all credit card types are accepted, Hanga Roa does have two ATMs and a handful of venues to exchange currencies. It is recommended that visitors withdraw and convert enough cash before traveling from Santiago, as the currency rate on the island will not be as beneficial as in mainland Chile. 

Never fear, though; forgetting is normal. You can pay at most local establishments with U.S. dollars, however at a premium compared to pesos. Moreover, a number of hotels and restaurants also take credit cards. 

Rapa Nui accommodation prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per night, depending on the property's rating. On the other hand, a single dinner can easily cost more than $50. The Rapa Nui people do not engage in bartering. It is customary to add a 10% service charge to bills in addition to the standard tip.

Hanga Roa is teeming with vendors selling souvenirs, but Mercado Artesanal is the place to go if you like to peruse marketplaces in search of homemade gifts to send home. This market showcases the wares of local artists and is situated on Ara Roa Rakei. Because of their cultural significance, small stone and wood moai are very popular. There is an abundance of options to select from. Traditional items, such as jewelry and T-shirts, are also available for purchase. 

You may purchase comparable trinkets in Feria Artesanal, but in the mornings, sellers also sell produce and fish that has just been caught. 

The little boutique known as Tamure Rapa Nui offers a variety of jewelry and apparel. Crafted bone earrings, beautiful floral wreaths, Polynesian-print linens, woven fiber purses, and other higher-quality (and slightly more expensive) products may be found at this shop on Atamu Tekena.

Over the course of a year, Easter Island has mild temperatures. Extreme heat occurs mostly in the summer (December–March) and rarely in the winter (July–August), with highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s being the norm. A refreshing ocean wind is a common visitor experience due to the island's central location in the Pacific. 

Any time of year is perfect for a vacation to Easter Island, but those who prefer dry weather should probably skip April, when the island receives the majority of its rainfall. Between the months of October and February, it is the driest. 

February is a fantastic time to visit Easter Island for more than just the weather. In the 1970s, the island's eponymous festival, Tapati Rapa Nui, was established to honor the island's culture and history. Dancing, kayaking, horse racing, and the opportunity to try Haka Pei, a sport involving the use of a banana leaf to sled down the steepest hillside in Rapa Nui, are just a few of the many competitions that take place during the course of the two-week celebration.