Easter Island

Together with the natural beauty and the mystical archaeological remains, the people and their rich culture and traditions is another reason for visiting the Easter Island.

Dance and music are important cultural expressions, just like elsewhere in Polynesia. Traditional dance performances are frequent around the island, but the 10 day Tapati festival taking place each February is definitely the highlight in the island's cultural life. The festival is about ancestral ceremonies such as bodypainting (takona), recitation of epic tales and legends (riu) and competition downhill descent on banana tree logs (haka pei). It culminates in the election of the queen of the island, which takes place on the full moon of that month. Tourists are more than welcome to partake in the celebrations, though you should book your accommodation well ahead if you want to visit during that time as they sell out quickly.

The climate is humid subtropical, with the ocean keeping moderating the temperature differences between day and night and around the year. The average temperature around the year is 20.5°C, with the highest daily average of 23.7°C in February and lowest daily average in August at 18°C. Usually the temperature stays below 30°C and above 12°C; with the coldest temperature ever recorded being 3°C, and the hottest +36°C. The water temperature usually stays above 18°C.

Overall the rain is quite evenly distributed over the year, and humidity stays permanently above 80%. Another permanent thing are strong winds, usually coming in from northeast.

With just 48 plant species, the Easter Island has a poor plant diversity. It's explained by its remote location, the facts the island never had a connection with the mainland, waves come in predominantly from the west where the nearest coasts are even further away, and that migratory birds have carried relatively few plant seeds. As such its the settlers that have brought in new plants, deliberately and by accident. Local legend tell about Polynesian settlers bringing in seeds and plants to grow food for themselves and their livestock.

There are few endemic plant species. Fifteen types of fern grow here, four of which are endemic. Perhaps the signature plant is the hau hau (triumfetta semitriloba), a shrub in the tiliaceae family that according to studies grew here already about 35,000 years ago. Back in the day, fishermen used it to make nets.

The landscape is mostly grassland, with species of poaceae (grass), cyperaceae (sedges) and asteraceae (asters). Eucalyptus trees imported from Australia have been planted in an attempt to create eucalyptus forests. Several species of potatoes are grown for food. Sensitive plants can't really be grown here because of the windy climate, and farmers have taken some creative measures to protect their plants from the winds. One example include banana trees growing in calderas of extinct volcanoes.

The fauna too has been mostly influenced by the presence of humans on the island. Studies have shown that 25 land animal and six bird species lived here before human colonization. All of them are now extinct, and out of the original marine life just one species has survived.

Intentionally introduced species include horses, sheep, cows and pigs. Polynesian settlers brought with them Polynesian rats (rattus exulans) for food, Europeans in turn the brown rat which was more successful and made the former extinct.

The one reptile species living here is the ablepharus boutonii, named moco in the local language. It's a light brown skink, usually about 12 cm in length. There's also a sea snail species living just here and on the Sala y Gómez island, cypraea englerti, named after German missionary Sebastian Englert who lived and worked on the island from 1935 until his death in 1969.

The island is formed as a triangle with the sides 16, 17 and 24 km in length. Formed through volcanic activity, the three corners of the island are inactive volcanoes. In the north is Maunga Terevaka, the highest point of the island rising 511 m above sea level. The eastern corner is Puakatiki, 377 m ASL and the main volcano of the island. Finally, in southwest Rano Kau with a height of 324 m. Other important hills are Rano Aroi and Rano Raraku.

Overall the whole island is made up of hills and slopes and the coasts are steep and rocky.There are many tiny islets along the coast, except the coast in front of Hanga Roa and Anakena, where there are proper beaches. The vegetation comprises grassland and palm trees, the big forests that once covered the island have been gone for centuries.

The capital Hanga Roa is in the southwestern corner of the island and home to almost 90% of the its population. The rest of the inhabitants live in huts scattered around the island but much of it is practically uninhabited. Avenida Policarpo Toro, the main street of Hanga Roa is lined by shops, lodging, restaurants and the island's only pharmacy. Attractions include a museum about Easter Island and the town's Catholic church which is an important meeting place. There are several Internet cafés in town as well as an ATM.

Far west from the mainland, the time zone is two hours behind mainland Chile meaning UTC-6 in the winter and UTC-5 in the summer (daylight saving time) from September to April - the DST change takes place simultaneously with the mainland.

• Easter Island Tourism Office

• Hello: Iorana
• Thank you: Maururu
• How are you (sg.)?: Pehe koe
• How are you (pl.)?: Pehe kōrua
• Good: Riva
• Yes / No: E é / Ina

• 🌍 Mataveri International Airport (IPC  ^IATA) (at Hanga Roa in the southwest of the island). The island's only airport, with non-stop service from Santiago. It's right next to Hanga Roa, with the town core a 15 minutes walk away. Built in 1967, Mataveri is the passenger airport furthest away from the next one (Mangareva in French Polynesia, 2603 km away). From 1986 to the canceling of NASA's space shuttle program in 2011, this was an emergency landing site for space shuttles. Note that there is no wifi at the airport. (updated Sep 2018)

As of January 2024 there are daily flights from Santiago on LATAM, taking about 5 hours. The security gates at SCL for flights to IPC are downstairs in a different location from the regular security line, and require both the invitation letter from your lodging on Easter Island, and an online form to be filled out (reached via QR code on signs). With no competition for fares on a lengthy flight, fares are expensive. As there are no longer any flights from Tahiti, the Easter Island isn't even "conveniently located" on a South Pacific crossing by plane. They may be reintroduced in the future. If leaving the island for a non-Chilean airport, there used to be a small exit fee.

Coming from Santiago, it is a good choice to reserve seats on the left side of the airplane. Easter Island's runway has a west-east orientation. Even though the plane comes from Chile (to the east), it is likely it will circle the north portion of the island and land from the west, so seating at the left side (both landing and taking off) will give you a great view of the island.

If you want to take the intrepid route Tallship Soren Larsen sails to Easter Island from New Zealand once a year. The voyage takes 35 days, crossing the point on earth furthest from land.

Trans-Pacific cruises occasionally visit the island, cruise ships anchor at a distance and visitors are shipped to the island on tender boats. Be prepared for rough seas.

A still more exotic way to arrive is with the Chilean Navy that makes two supply trips from Valparaíso to the island every year, generally in May and September. If they have space onboard they can take a few passengers. It's cheaper than flying, but don't expect the seven day sailing to be a luxury one, and you need to sail back on the same ship (leaving you a couple of days on the island) or have flight tickets out. Contact the Commander of the First Naval Zone (Primera Zona Naval) in Valparaiso if you're interested.

Ocean sailors can sail their own craft to the island. The nearest inhabited islands are the Pitcairn Islands, equally isolated but just accessible by boat.

With a car, it's possible to explore the island at your own pace, even see the main sites on the island in a day or all in two. Most hosts will also rent out their jeep to you (at a very competitive rate) if you ask. You will not get insurance with your car hire, and any damage will be charged from your credit card. Check the vehicle carefully for already existing damages beforehand, especially when renting from someone else than an official rental agency! It's best to rent a terrain vehicle - which is what most rental cars are (and they usually have manual gearbox).

When driving, watch out for livestock - cows and horses can often be encountered on roads both day and night. There's no street lighting outside Hanga Roa, and just the town's streets and the main road to Poike peninsula are paved.

There are no micros or colectivos that you would find in mainland Chile. The only way to be driven (other than by tour) is by taxi, and while taxis are readily available it's rather expensive compared to other ways of getting around.

Bicycles can be rented on a daily basis. But as mentioned above, aside from the main paved roads in Hanga Roa or the single smooth paved road to Anakena, roads to many main sites are of dirt and sometimes quite uneven and potholed, so the benefit of a car cannot be overstated for some parts of the island. In addition the terrain is demanding, and you can expect strong wind, heat and high humidity, so biking outside Hanga Roa is more of an adventure than a practical way of getting around.

For motor scooters and motorbikes, a valid driver's license specifically for these vehicles is required. Otherwise, driver's licenses for cars will allow the use of cars or 4x4 quad bikes.

Places closer to town (like Rano Kau, Tere Vaka, Ahu Akiwi) are easily accessed by foot. If heading out in the wilderness, tell your host where you're going just in case.

The #Do section below has some suggestions for trekking.

Some example prices (all in Chilean pesos):

• Bicycle (24 hours): 10 000, (8 hr): 8000
• Motor scooter (8 hr): 23 000
• Small Jeep/car (8 hr): 20 000
• Larger cars (8 hr): 25 000-40 000

One reliable, friendly, and relatively cheap rental location is "Paomotors", found next to Supermarket Eixi. It seems the closer you get to Farmacia Cruz Verde, the higher the prices for various rentals.

The biggest tourist attractions on Easter Island are, of course, the moai. The moai are archaeological features and should be treated with care as they are far more fragile than they seem. Often moai will be placed upon ceremonial platforms and burial sites called ahu. Do not walk on the ahu as it is an extremely disrespectful gesture. Even if you see others walking on the ahu, do not do so yourself.

Most of the sites require a park pass which can be purchased online and a local registered guide (effective February 2023 - contact your property rental contact who should have a list of guides that you can connect with through WhatsApp) to escort visitors, and are found along the coastline of the island. First-time visitors may be struck by how many archaeological sites there are around the island, where you can be virtually alone as the only people visiting. Each village or clan typically had an ahu if not several moai, and thus on a drive around the south coast of the island, every mile contains several sites where you might see ruins.

🌍 Orongo.  in the south of the island is a village of a 30 or so boathouses on the edge of a cliff next to the Rano Kau volcano. It faces the Motu Nui and Motu Iti islets, where the birdman ceremony took place. This restored site has a large number of petroglyphs depicting among others the god Make Make. Entrance with the same ticket as to the other sites that costs to enter. From Orongo there are views to the islets of 🌍 Motu Nui. , 🌍 Motu Iti.  and 🌍 Motu Kau Kau. .

At the eastern end of the airport runway is the 🌍 Ahu Vinapu. , a platform made of stone blocks that fit perfectly together, all the other ahus on the island are more or less coarse with gaps between the blocks. Entrance with the same ticket as to the other sites that costs to enter.

The closest moais to Hanga Roa are 🌍 Ahu Tautira.  in front of the cover, 🌍 Ahu Ko Te Riku. , 🌍 Ahu Tahai.  and 🌍 Ahu Vai Uri.  which are near the museum.

Along the northern coast there are further ceremonial centers. At 🌍 Ahu Tepeu.  you can see the remains of hare paenga, ancient settlements that have an elliptical form. Near it is the 🌍 Ahu Akivi.  which is unique in two ways - the only ahu inland and the only with the moais looking towards the sea. The five standing moais have been very well preserved.

Further east is a large concentration of ahus, including the biggest one 🌍 Ahu Tongariki.  with 15 moais surrounded by other archaeological remains and petroglyphs. This ahu measures almost 150 m in length and 4 m in height. Entrance with the same ticket as to the other sites that costs to enter.

Nearby is the crater of Rano Raraku, similar to Rano Kau but the main quarry of the island. Here you can see the very largest moais, though there were never finished and as such stand as an exemple of the rapid collapse of the native society. It described in the Volcanoes section.

🌍 Ahu Aka Hanga.  and 🌍 Ahu Vaihu.  on the south coast are ahus that have not been restored after the civil war, and here you can see toppled and decapitated moais.

In addition to these, there are many more ahu sites along the coast.

Two exceptional sites are the volcanic craters of Rano Kau and.

🌍 Rano Kau.  is the largest crater on the island, 1600 m across, and contains the largest freshwater lake/marsh on the island. It marks the southwestern corner of the island.On its lip at the point where sea cliffs and crater cliffs meet is the sacred village of Orongo, once the destination of the race that formed the heart of the birdman cult and an incredible viewpoint to see the islets of Moto Nui and Rano Kay and the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. Every part of the rocks at Orongo are carved with birdman motifs, and the views are spectacular.

The slightly inland quarry at 🌍 Rano Raraku.  is where most of the moai were carved, out of the hillside of the volcanic rock. This 91 m (300 foot) volcano remnant provided the stones for most of the great figures and is where a visitor can see various stages of the carving, as well as scattered partially-finished figures. The approach takes you past several moai partially buried on the outer slopes - some with only their heads above ground. Rano Raraku also contains the very largest moai, far larger than any that were completed and transported around the island. A climb to the left side of the crater, over the top, and into the bowl, is well worth it. Hiking to the opposite lip of the crater, where the most moai are found, is one of the most dramatic sites on the island. Ahu Tongariki nearby is the largest ahu. Entrance with the same ticket as to the other sites that costs to enter.

Both Rano Kau and Rano Raraku are the remains of volcanic cinder cones and contain fresh rainwater fed lakes. The entry fee is US$80 for the two sites (see the National Park section below). Make sure you keep your ticket. For hikers Rano Kau is a pleasant day trek from Hanga Roa, it is possible to trek from town to the lip of the crater and down to the edge of the lake. If guava are in season one can graze on feral guava as one walks through the guava scrub.

• 🌍 Mount Tere Vaka. Another extinct volcano, the highest elevation on the island with great views. 

• 🌍 Poike. The third "corner" of the island, and extinct volcano featuring the smallest moai (1.13 m in height). 

• 🌍 Puna Pau. From the crater of the Puna Pau volcano, material for the pukao, the red hats of the moai statues was excavated. One can still see unfinished pukaos in the crater. Entrance with the same ticket as to the other sites that costs to enter. (updated Feb 2018)

Any trip of the island begins at Hanga Roa. The town contains many of the services on the island but also has a couple of interesting sites.

• 🌍 Iglesia Santa Cruz. Parish church where the local traditions are fused with Catholicism (songs, sculptures). Every Sunday there's a Mass at 10:00, gathering the whole community and worth visiting. 

• 🌍 Pater Sebastian Englert anthropologic museum, ☏ +56 32 255 1020, mapse@museoschile.gob.cl. Tu-F 09:30-17:30, Sa Su 09:30-12:30, closed M. An interesting collection of the Rapanui culture and history. An excellent place to visit for some context before going on tours to various sites. Most signs in Spanish and English. A 5-minute walk from Tahai. (updated Feb 2024)

At the 🌍 Caleta de pescadores.  (Fishermen's cove) with its colorful boats you can have a look at an important part of the island's economy and there you can see some moais as there's an ahu next to the cove. Another cove where you can see fishermen working is the 🌍 Hanga Piko. .

• 🌍 Tau Kiani botanical garden, Ara Piki. Garden with 1200 flowers and plants from all over the world but with a focus on Polynesia's native flora. 

🌍 Rapa Nui National Park is a national park that covers several areas of the island. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most (if not all) of the sites you will visit on the island are inside the National Park, so you will need a ticket to enter them. Tickets can be bought at the entrance, but the most practical choice is to buy them at the airport. Right after you leave the plane and before you reach the baggage claim area, you will find a booth selling tickets. Price is US$80 per person. Park tickets are usually not included in tour packages. The park is open from 09:00 to 18:00, from December to March to 19:00.

Pay attention to how the ticket works: you can only enter once at Rano Raraku (the quarry) and once at Orongo (the village at the top of Rano Kau crater). If you want to enter those areas again, you need to buy another ticket. All other areas (Anakena beach, Ahu Tongariki, etc.) you can enter as many times as you want, but you will be asked for your ticket. So keep it with you at all times.

At the entrances of the park, you will find rules for tourists. It is forbidden to walk away from the path, to climb on the statues, to pick up rocks, and other actions that may seem obvious for most tourists. These rules are important because they help preserve the statues and the landscape, as weather and erosion are already wearing them away. At Rano Raraku, following the path is also important because some moais are buried, and you may be stepping on (and damaging) one if you leave the path. So if you find animals on the way (like horses or cows), just wait for them to move. There are security personnel at the sites and they do pay close attention to what tourists are doing. If you follow the rules, you will have no problem and you may even talk to them and find they are very polite and interested in where you are from. But if you misbehave, you may be expelled and/or charged a fine.

Recovery areas such as the Poike Peninsula and Terevaka may only be accessed on foot or on horseback to protect the trees that have been planted there. Most of the west coast can't be accessed by vehicle as there are no roads.

While mostly thought of as a cultural and natural destination, Easter Island features two white sand beaches where you can tan and swim for instance. 🌍 Anakena beach. , on the north side of the island, is an excellent shorebreak bodysurfing location with a bit of north swell. Even the 2.5-cm (1-in) waves barrel (it's also possible to surf in the harbor at Hanga Roa and many of the locals do so). It can be described as a postcard-perfect place with its white sands and cocos palms overlooked by moai.

The second beach is a hidden gem called 🌍 Ovahe beach. . Found along the southern shore of the island near Ahu Vaihu (along the road from Hanga Roa to Ahu Akahanga), this beautiful and desolate beach is much larger than that at Anakena and is surrounded by breathtaking cliffs. A special phenomenon on Ovahe occurring every few years is large waves washing away the sand and smaller waves washing it back ashore little by little. Note of caution: the path leading down to the beach is somewhat treacherous and unstable and best reached by foot - driving off-road (contrary to the misguided and somewhat callous actions of some tourists) on most of the island is illegal anyway. Some sources recommend staying overnight in a cave near Ovahe but you should not do this as water may enter caves. Indeed it's a bad idea moving about in this terrain after dark without a guide.

In addition, north of Hanga Roa there are several small beaches a short walk away from the hotels.. One can surf also at the Hanga Roa port, something that many locals do. There's a small parking lot, cabins to change clothes (carries a usage fee), some small bbq joints with fresh drinks and a communal picnic area.

Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular near the islets Motu Nui and Motu Iti (well known for "the bird man culture") which are located about 1 km south of the island. There are three shops where it is possible to rent the equipment and from there get on a guided tour to the islets: Atariki Rapa Nui, Orca and Mike Rapu Diving. You can see beautiful corals and sea turtles, especially near fishing boats

An often overlooked but particularly fascinating and "otherworldly" aspect of Easter Island is its extensive cave systems. While there are a couple of official caves that are quite interesting in their own right, there is also real adventure to be had in exploring all of the numerous unofficial caves on the island, most of which are found near 🌍 Ana Kakenga. One of the caves here is the 🌍 Caverna de Dos Ventanas.  (the cave with two windows).

While the openings to most of these caves are small (some barely large enough to crawl through) and hidden (amid a rather surreal lava strewn field that has been likened to the surface of Mars), many of them open up into large and inhibitingly deep and extensive cave systems. These caves can be dangerous in that quite a few run extremely deep. A person left without a torch/flashlight will be immersed in utter blackness with little hope of finding their way out soon, if ever. The caves are also extremely damp and slippery (the ceilings in some have collapsed over time from water erosion). Go with someone who knows their way around.

The site near 🌍 Ana Te Pahu.  contains several caves, some large, some narrow. Some are hard to find, but you can't miss Ana Te Pahu (you follow the road from the entrance and soon you'll find signs). At the entrance, you'll find steps that take you down to an open area. From there, you can take a left to explore narrow (and dark) caves. If you are not feeling that adventurous, the cave to the right is worthy a visit. It has another opening some 50 m ahead, so you don't need a strong flashlight (your cell phone light will do, or even you can wait until your eyes get accustomed to the low light). After this second opening, you can turn around and return to Ana Te Pahu's entrance, or follow another system of narrow and dark caves.

Another famous cave is the 🌍 Cueva de las vírgenes (Ana O Keke).  on the Poike peninsula in the northeast.

The island is also famous for its beautiful nature. You can explore the hills by foot or horse. A common trek is up the 🌍 Maunga Terevaka. , the highest point of the island at 507 m ASL, for a view of the whole island. It takes about 1.5 hr to get up from Ahu Akivi, and another hour to get back down, alternatively you can reach the summit from Vaitea. If you prefer to go with a guide, there are guided treks every day, weather permitting.

The Poike peninsula in the east is characterized by its wild nature and requires a full day or two to explore in full. According to legend, during the collapse of the civilization, a battle were fought between the two social groups of the island, Hanau Momoko and Hanau Eepe. Here you can see a big ditch visible from that time which was intended as a mass grave but not used.

Rano Kau is easily accessible by foot, once you've reached the foot of the volcano, take the path to the eastern side to see fantastic sceneries that you cannot see by vehicle.

The hike from Anakena beach along the northeastern coast to Hanga Roa is a true voyage in solitude - the likelihood to meet livestock is higher than meeting other people. Bring enough water and snacks. At Hanga Oteo you will see a farmhouse set between a high hill and the ocean. You will also see fireplaces about 1 meter in height made of stones that provide shelter from the wind. A word of warning: the rocky surface isn't too comfortable for your ankles.

There are a few tour companies that do guided tours to Easter Island, a wonderful way to explore the best of the island and its culture without having to worry about breaking any local rules. A well-respected tour guide can show you aspects of the location and culture that you might otherwise never see or understand. Tour are usually half-day (3 hr) or full day (6-7 hr) and tours are given in Spanish and English, occasionally in French, German or Portuguese.

A great option is to make a reservation for a tour on the first day you arrive, and then rent a vehicle for the next days and explore the island by yourself.

• Aku Aku Turismo, ☏ +56-32-210 0770. Tour operator mainly for Spanish speaking groups. Their office is near the reception of Hotel Manutara. 

• Kia Koe Tour, ☏ +56-32-210 0852, +56-32-210 0282. The largest tour operator, in business since 1984, with its office on the main street. There are group tours or private tours for your party in English, Spanish, French and German. They also have offer charter and cruise services. 

• Mahina Tour, ☏ +56-32-210 0635, +56-9-8890 7410. One of the older operators, specializing in tours in French. 

• Rapa Nui Travel, ☏ +56-32-210 0548. Tour operator mainly for German groups. 

In addition the tourist information may help you get in touch with freelance tour guides. That said most of the guides work for tour operators. With freelance guides, confirm the prices and what you will see and do on the tour beforehand.

Some tour operators described in travel guides don't exist any longer. Such businesses are often operated by foreigners that come to the island, function for a year or so, doing more marketing than guide work, and then leave.

Those on a backpacker's budget or seeking simple food can try the following options:

• next to the main Kai Nene supermarket is an empanada shop, where a variety of cheap and tasty made-to-order on the spot empanadas can be had, prices are in the 1,200-2,500 pesos range, including Atun y queso, camarones, champignons, etc. Closes 20:00?
• at the end of the main street walking towards the east, are several food stands, which prepare hot dogs with many toppings, chicken sandwiches, to slightly more elaborate meals such as mashed potatoes and steak, in a pleasant outdoor seating area. 1,200-3,000 pesos. Open until 22:00.

• 🌍 Empanadas Tía Berta, Atamu Tekena (main street). Different empanadas ready or made to order. Try one with tuna. 

• 🌍 Club Sandwich, Te Pito o Te Henua. Specializing in sandwiches but they have great empanadas as well. They have good banana and orange juice. Not open for breakfast. 

• 🌍 Mahina Tahai, Atamu Tekena. Makes a classical menu with bread, butter, soup, fish, rice, juice and dessert. 

• 🌍 Aringa Ora, Av Hotu Matu'a s/n con Atamu Tekena s/n. This restaurant, one of the largest, is easily recognized because of the two Moai facsimiles that stand either side of its front door. Its location at the southern end of the main road and its simple and low-price dishes mean its often quite busy. 

You can also go to a local bakery and make your own sandwiches. There are also some grocery stores and supermarkets in town for self-catering.

• 🌍 Mamma Nui. A family-operated restaurant with traditional cuisine. They specialize in tunu ahi (food prepared on hot stones). 

• 🌍 Tataku Vave. A bit away from the main tourist drag. They specialize in lobster and the cuisine, service and views are comparable to the finest restaurants but at a lower price. 

• 🌍 Te Ra'ai. Outside town, it offers a package with transportation from your hotel and back, a Polynesian dance show with Brazilian influences and dinner. As it's a really popular place, you should make reservations beforehand. 

• 🌍 Te Moana. The tuna sandwich is particularly good. A live band is often playing on Wednesdays and the weekends. Get to Te Moana early or it is likely that you will not get a table. 

• 🌍 Kuki Varua, Atamu Takena. A new restaurant with all the classics to be found on the island at good prices, plus an excellent value Menu del dia (starter, main course and fruit juice for 9,000 pesos). Service and food are excellent. 

• 🌍 Hetuu Restaurant (Hetu U), ☏ +56 39 552163. 10:00-23:00. Great food and staff. Try the shrimp, tuna, and sopaipillas. US$15-40. 

• 🌍 Kotaro, Cam. Vaitea Anakena. Great Japanese restaurant, it's a small place entirely operated by one chef. You need to make a reservation. According to its website, children are not welcome. 

• 🌍 La Kaleta. Great food and splendid ocean view. It has the reputation as the best restaurant on the island with prices to match. 

• 🌍 La Taverne du Pêcheur. A small restaurant in the port section of the village held by a resident of Rapa Nui who lived for some time in French Polynesia. Very good seafood, the most expensive restaurant on the island. Some consider it to be a lot of money for not much value. 

• 🌍 Au bout du Monde. A nice Belgian restaurant overlooking the sea. Pretty expensive but the seafood is really good. During certain nights, you can also watch a Polynesian dance for an hour or so. It costs 10,000 pesos but it is definitely worth it. 

In Hanga Roa there are plenty of lodgings, starting at about US$25 per person and night.

• 🌍 Petero Atamu, Petero Atamu s/n, Hanga Roa, ☏ +56 32-255 1823, +56 9-7648 8615 (mobile). Rooms of many types, transport to/from the airport, free Wi-Fi. 
• 🌍 Inaki Uhi, Atamu Tekena, Hanga Roa, ☏ +56 32 2100231. A great place to stay on the main street in the centre of town, close to restaurants, supermarkets, pubs and services. There are 15 rooms with a variety of configurations with private bathroom and two self-contained apartments. Fully equipped kitchens are available for guest to prepare their own meals. Alvaro (the son) offer excellent full day tours in English mixing his own experiences, his grandfather's (former Major Pedro Atan) and his grandmother's (the oldest woman on the island) with facts and oral traditions. Four-wheel drive vehicles are also available for rent. Alvaro Atan Sr. (an islander) and his wife Isabel are the owners and they do a great job to keep guests feel at home. Prices are very reasonable and the place is very clean. 

• 🌍 Tekarera Kainga Ora, ☏ +56 98 134 5757. Cell. Excellent accommodation close to the center of the town, but not on the main street. It is a 2-bedroom 1-bath cabin/house with a fully equipped kitchen, a washer (for clothes), TV, and other amenities. Breakfast is included in the price (and very filling). The owner, Paul, knows English and Spanish (and some Rapa Nui) and has been living on the island for quite some time, and even helped out with the restoration of a group of moais. Paul also gives tours, and it is highly recommended. A discount can be obtained for booking the cabin/house along with the tours, and also if it is off season. Perfect for families, couples, or friends. Price is reasonable, around US$100 a night depending on exchange rate for 2 people. 

• 🌍 Kona Tau, Avaraipau, Hanga Roa, ☏ +56-32-2100321. A very nice hostel, and quite cheap taking the island in mind (10 000 pesos per night). The rooms are very basic, as is the breakfast. Scooters are rented out and they have a table football game. One of the guys employed at the hostel (he mainly cleans) cooks cheap empanadas (1000 pesos) most nights. They offer free airport pick up and upon arrival, they have pretty leis for you. 

• 🌍 Tupa Hotel, Sebastian Englert, Hanga Roa, ☏ +56-32 2100 225, easterisland@hawaii.rr.com. A larger 30-room hotel with a spectacular ocean view, two blocks from the main street. Free breakfast and hotel transport and free wifi in the lobby. The hotel staff can easily arrange for private tours and excursions throughout the island. They are constantly running price specials for different seasons. 

Another alternative if you are traveling with family or groups is to stay in cabanas.

• 🌍 Cabanas Morerava, Vai Kia Kia SN, ☏ +56 2 3358978. Nice architecture, clea,n spacious, Hot water from solar panels, ecological. Four cabanas with BBQ area, WiFi and bicycles for the guests. They offer free airport pick up and upon arrival. Book up in advance. They can help you with tours and car rentals. 

Pitching a tent is illegal anywhere on the island, except on the one camping grounds and on private property with permission of the owner.

• 🌍 Camping Mihinoa, Avenida Pont, Hanga Roa (at the sea). The only camping on the island is in town as well, on the coast just south of downtown. You can rent tents too. (updated Aug 2018)

Average hotels sometimes use the adjective "superior", mostly meaning the rates are higher. Many of these claim to be "close to the beach". They would then refer to the small beaches in Hanga Roa, rather than the famous Anakena Beach, 20 km north of town (where you will find no hotels as its part of the nature reserve).

• 🌍 Hotel Iorana. One of the older hotels, associated with Kia Koe Tour. 
• 🌍 Hotel Gomero. Near the main street, this hotel is also associated with Kia Koe Tour. 
• 🌍 Hotel O'Tai, Te Pito o Te Henua, ☏ +56 32 2100250, contacto@hotelotai.com. One of the most popular hotels, across from the post office. Forty rooms, all with air conditioning, private terrace, and ensuite bathroom. Beautiful gardens, lovely pool, nice people. A range of prices depending upon the room. 

• 🌍 Hotel Manutara. Calm location, associated with Aku Aku Turismo. 
• 🌍 Hotel Puku Vai, ☏ +56 32 255 1838. Associated with Kia Koe Tour and offers discounted packages if you book tours with them. 

• 🌍 Hotel Rapa Nui, Avareipua s/n, ☏ +56-32-283 2944, +56-32-312 0815. Single, double and triple rooms. Rates include breakfast and Internet. 

• 🌍 Tauraa Hotel, Atamu Tekena, Hanga Roa, ☏ +56 32 100 463. Very clean guest house, less than 5 minutes from the airport. Bill and Edith are very nice to talk to, and they can talk about the island for hours. Good breakfast, different everyday. Together with the hotel is a tour company, which offers visits of basically the whole island in 2 days. A bit on the pricey side however, US$150 per night. 

• 🌍 Explora, Camino Vaitea-Anakena s/n (6 km outside town). The most expensive and luxurious hotel by far, and the only one outside of Hanga Roa. While this means that you won't be bothered by the noise of the town, it also means you need to take a tour or other transportation to get anywhere else. Has a restaurant and a bar. rates from USD 2500. 

• 🌍 Hotel Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa, ☏ +56 32 255 3700. Perhaps the island's grand old hotel, that has been "renovated to international standards". However it's a bit impersonal or similar to hotels elsewhere in the world (but with higher rates). (updated May 2017)

• 🌍 Hotel Altiplanico, Lote E Sector Hinere, ☏ +56 32 2552190, reservasrapanui@altiplanico.cl. Has a pool and Wi-Fi in common areas. USD 350.