Easter Island (rental, hotel, hotel, airlines)

[Phil306]

I just returned from a 5 night, 6 day stay on Easter Island. I found the trip to be informative, historical, and down right fun. Lots to be seen and lots to do. Although, the island is slow paced and not much has been rushed.

For those of you who have been there, what are your thoughts/opinions on the island?

[chilaili]

I've never been but it's on my To Do list. When you have time perhaps you could describe the logistics required in getting there, where you stayed, etc?

[Phil306]

Originally Posted by chilaili

I've never been but it's on my To Do list. When you have time perhaps you could describe the logistics required in getting there, where you stayed, etc?

I was on a 2 1/2 week tour in Peru. The tour ended on a Tuesday and I wanted to spend more time in South America. I checked several things, including the Galapagos Islands. However, I found LAN Airlines flew to Easter Island, out of Lima, Peru (where my tour ended) twice a week. Only on Wednesdays and Sundays. Otherwise, they have a daily flight out of Santiago, Chile.

So, I did some research on Tripadvisor.com about Easter Island. I've always wanted to see the mysterious Moai. Based upon the the flights to Easter Island from Lima, I flipped a coing; heads Easter Island, tails Galapagos. I figured I could not go wrong with either. It came up heads.

I stayed at this motel:

Accommodation Easter Island, Tauraa Hotel, Rapa Nui, South Pacific, Chile, South America

Edith, the coowner with her husband, was WONDERFUL. Took care of alot of me needs and was excellent talking with me via email. I also took two of the tours they offer and she was able to get a rental car for me for 3 days. The rooms were very clean and I quite enjoyed myself.


The island itself is quite small and you can drive around it in less then a day. The roads are, well dirt roads, with potholes. Make sure you get a 4x4. People are wonderful and generally helpful. The hotel I stayed at, had a laundry mat 25 yards from it and many supermarkets and restaurants.

The Moai are spectacular!!! I truly urge you to take at least one tour, with whomever, to hear the stories behind them. Yes, you can do Easter Island all on your own and I did for 3 days. However, it was nice to hear the info from a true "Rapa Nui" person.

One small hint: Always buy bottled water and take it with you. Hanga Roa is about the only place you can buy water/food on the island. So make sure you carry water and food with you.