Easter Island Itinerary: 3 Days on Rapa Nui, Chile

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Easter Island is one of the most mysterious and remote destinations in the world. The far-flung island is known for its mystifying Moai statues and intriguing archaeological sites. However, due to its isolation and local rules, creating an Easter Island Itinerary can be challenging.

In our outlined trip plan for visiting Easter Island, however, we make it simple for fellow travelers to plan their perfect trip!

Planning an Easter Island Itinerary

We had long wanted to travel to Easter Island – or Rapa Nui, as it’s called by the natives. Ranking as the most remote island in the world, we were intrigued by the isolation, and even more so by the mystery of Easter Island.

We wanted to see the stone Moai – the most popular of all Easter Island attractions – and learn about the Rapa Nui culture. On a year-long, around-the-word trip, we were determined to visit Easter Island as we made our way across the Pacific Ocean from Chile to New Zealand via French Polynesia.

Note: The onward travel Easter Island flight that we took is no longer operating. We share more tips about getting to Easter Island later in the article.

How Many Days in Easter Island

The first step in planning an Easter Island Itinerary is determining how many days to spend there. For the best trip to Rapa Nui, we think travelers need at least 3 days – if not longer – to see the sights.

Our Easter Island Itinerary for 3 Days highlights the top things to see and places to go. Plus, we share need-to-know details about planning a Rapa Nui trip.

How this Itinerary for Easter Island is Organized

In our 3 Day Easter Island Itinerary, we make the most of every moment. Therefore, on the day of arrival, we plan a half day of exploration, followed by two full days of sightseeing and then a half day of discovery on the day of departure.

Each day of our Easter Island itinerary is fully detailed, plus we include links for more information. At the end of the post, you will find a useful map of Easter Island sights, as well as advice on where to stay and what to eat.

Note that, due to rules that were implemented in 2023, in addition to needing a valid pass to enter the Moai sights, Rapa Nui visitors now need to be accompanied by a local guide. We share details in the Rapa Nui National Park section later in the article.

Save, Bookmark or Pin our Easter Island Travel Guide to plan your trip to Rapa Nui!

3 DAY EASTER ISLAND ITINERARY

Easter Island, which closely resembles a triangle, is larger than it looks and top Rapa Nui sights are located all around the island.

On an Easter Island trip, there is only so much that visitors are allowed to discover on their own. To enter most archaeological sites, travelers need to either join an Easter Island Tour or hire a private guide. Personally, we recommend the tours – as we found the guides friendly and knowledgeable.

Day 1 – Hanga Roa and Sunset at Tahai

Check into your lodgings (tips on Easter Island accommodation below) and get settled in, then head into the center of Hanga Roa. After seeing the highlights, walk to Tahai to discover the area and watch the best Easter Island sunset.

Discover Hanga Roa Sights

Start your discovery of Hanga Roa on the main thoroughfare in town, Atamu Tekena Avenue. The lively street is where you will find simple grocery stores, restaurants and souvenir shops.

A top Hanga Roa attraction is the Catholic church. The Holy Cross Catholic Church was established in 1937. The unusual design incorporates unique island decor into the traditional Catholic foundation. The church is open to visitors and conducts masses in Spanish. Also, don’t miss the Mercado Artesanal craft market next to the church!

To help get your bearings, wander out to the waterfront and the small main Hanga Roa harbor. The marina is filled with colorful, bobbing fishing boats. There is also a diving company that provides tours. Further along the coast is Ahu Mata Ote Vaikava, a single small Moai that stands facing out to sea, which isn’t how they were originally positioned.

If you’d prefer there is a guided Hanga Roa, Easter Island Tour.

Spend the Afternoon at Tahai

In the late afternoon (but well before sunset), walk north along the coast toward Tahai – one of the best places to see on Easter Island. Tahai is one of the few sites that is open to visitors to explore without a guide.

Tahai boasts seven standing Moai on three platforms. Ahu Vai Uri has five standing Moai and the other two platforms – Ahu Tahai and Ahu Ko Te Riku – each have a single Moai.

Additionally, there are preserved remains of traditional ‘boat houses’ and the grave of archaeologist Mulloy, who helped restore the Moai on Easter Island. Nearby is the small Museo Rapa Nui. The Easter Island Museum is free to visit and it details the history of the island and Moai.

Easter Island Sunset at Tahai

After touring the sights, find a place on the hill to spread out a blanket (or just sit on the grass) and watch the sun sink into the horizon behind the standing moai. Sunsets on Easter Island at Tahai are simply spectacular. The moai stand boldly in place while the sky puts on a dramatic show in the background.

Day 2 – Easter Island Full Day Tour

On the second day of your Easter Island vacation, venture beyond Hanga Roa to the top attractions. To see the best Rapa Nui sights, visitors need a guide – and we recommend joining a full day tour with a local leading the way.

Full Day Tour Of Rapa Nui

Explore Easter Island tourist attractions and learn the history of Rapa Nui on one of the highly-rated Easter Island Day Tours. The top tours of Easter Island are led by native guides who have in-depth knowledge of the place and people, as well as the many legends of the land. In our opinion, an Easter Island Holiday is not complete without taking this tour!

Learn interesting facts about Easter Island as you visit the most renowned and best restored Moai platforms. Top attractions on the day tour include Ahu Tongariki (the largest platform with 15 standing Moai) and Rano Raraku (the quarry from which all Moai were carved). Your Rapa Nui Tour should also include a visit to Anakena Beach, the most famous Easter Island beach and one of the top historical sights

Read the detailed description of our Full-Day Easter Island Tour.

Day 3 – Hike to Easter Island Top Sights

On the third day of your Easter Island visit, pack a picnic lunch and lace up your shoes to tour Easter Island on your own. Trek along the coastline to a sea cave, then hike through a forest to a massive volcanic crater.

Easter Island Coastal Trek

Hiking Easter Island is a true adventure! Follow in our footsteps and you will pass the tiny Hanga Piko Harbor and the Ahu Riata Moai, then descend into Ana Kai Tangata Cave. Next, follow the trail through a forest of Eucalyptus trees and ascend to Rano Kau, an extinct Easter Island volcano.

Ambitious trekkers can continue on to the southwestern tip of the island to visit Orongo, the cliff-top dwellings from which the Easter Island Birdman Competition was conducted.

While many of the historic facts about Easter Island – especially concerning the Moai – are unsubstantiated, there is written documentation about the tribal Birdman Competition. Note that entry to the Orongo Ceremonial Village officially requires a guide.

Those not up for a full day hike can instead join a guided, half-day tour to Ana Kai Tangata, Rano Kau and Orongo.

Get the details on how to Hike Easter Island.

Day 4 – Half Day Easter Island Tour or Hang in Hanga Roa

It’s your last morning on Easter Island – and we recommend making the most of your time! Get an early start and hire a private guide to watch sunrise over Ahu Tongariki. Then, there should be just enough time to visit Ahu Akivi – the Easter Island platform with seven identical Moai – and the Ahu Te Peu Archeological Site along with a few scenic points on the west coast of Rapa Nui.

Alternatively, have a lazy morning over breakfast and spend the day walking along the western coast to Mirador Hanga Kioe and relaxing by the oceanside. Staying on Easter Island longer? Do both! Enjoy your morning on the shoreline, then join this Half-Day Tour to Ahu Akivi.

Easter Island Map

Find all the suggested attractions and sights for this Easter Island Itinerary on our Rapa Nui Map.

Easter Island Travel Information

We have a some interesting facts, alternate itinerary ideas and important regulations for your visit to Easter Island.

Easter Island Facts

Country: Easter Island became a Chilean territory in 1988 (and is called Isla de Pascua in Spanish).

Natives: The island’s first settlers were Polynesian and the native descendants are also called Rapa Nui.

Easter Island Population: 7,800

Easter Island Language: The official language is Spanish; however, Rapa Nui – a Polynesian language – is spoken by the local people.

Easter Island Currency: Chilean Peso

Easter Island National Park Pass

Easter Island National Park (officially called Rapa Nui National Park) encompasses the entire island and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A ticket is required to enter the park and sights within it. The Easter Island Park ticket costs $80 USD and can be purchased at the Easter Island Airport upon arrival or online in advance of your trip.

The National Park in Rapa Nui also requires that visitors be accompanied by an accredited local guide. Find current rules on the official website. If you find the subject to be as intriguing as we did, taking tours on Easter Island with certified guides is the suggested way to tour the area properly.

More Things To Do on Easter Island Besides Tours

The most fascinating Easter Island things to do involve the history and legends of the Rapa Nui people. However, water enthusiasts may want to spend more time at the beach and participating in more adventurous Easter Island activities. Water sports – like snorkeling, diving and surfing – are top adventure activities in Easter Island.

For those who like to be on two wheels, there are bike rentals for visitors who want to pedal their way to the most beautiful landscapes. Just be warned that Easter Island has some steep inclines and narrow roads.

Easter Island Itinerary Options

We’ve outlined a 3 Day Itinerary that visits all the top Easter Island attractions. However, with less time, here are sample Easter Island itineraries to consider.

24 Hours on Easter Island: Day 1 same as above. Day 2: Hire a guide to take you to sunrise at Tongariki, then tour Orongo or Ahu Akivi – whichever you most want to see.

48 Hours on Easter Island: Day 1: Same as above. Day 2: Full-Day Easter Island tour. Day 3: Sunrise at Tongariki and then tour Orongo or Ahu Akivi before catching your flight.

Easter Island Vacation Packages

There are Easter Island travel packages – like these Easter Island Tours – that bundle multiple attractions. In some cases, accommodations, transportation and meals are also included, which may work best for you and your Easter Island Itinerary.

Easter Island Trip Planning Tips

Now that you know what to see and do on Easter Island, we want to cover the need-to-know details about planning that trip.

Getting to Easter Island

The Mataveri International Airport (IPC) is the only airport on Easter Island and is located 2,336 miles from Santiago, Chile. All flights to Easter Island are flown by LATAM Chile. The only current route is from Santiago to Easter Island and the flight operates daily. The flight time from Chile to Easter Island is about 5 hours.

Start your search for Easter Island flights on SkyScanner, but be sure to read our Top Tips For Booking Cheap Airfare!

Getting around Easter Island

Easter Island transportation is limited to private vehicles (taxis or local car rentals), Easter Island excursions, bicycling and walking. There is no public transportation on Easter Island.

To get to and from the Easter Island airport, visitors can take taxis or book a private transfer. However, check if your accommodation includes transport from the airport.

Where To Stay On Easter Island

The best places to stay in Easter Island are in Hanga Roa. Situated in the southwestern part of the island, it’s an ideal base for sightseeing, Easter Island activities and restaurants. Visitors have a choice of accommodations, from luxury hotels to simple rooms at an Easter Island hostel.

Cabanas KeuHenua

For our trip, we wanted a hotel that was affordable and within walking distance to Hanga Roa sights and restaurants – as we were not renting a car. We also wanted Wi-Fi and an included breakfast. We lucked out by finding Cabanas KeuHenua, which ticked all of the boxes!

The property was well-located between the town center and Tahai and the rooms are spacious and comfortable – plus they provided transport to and from the Easter Island Airport.

More Hotels on Easter Island

We loved our stay at Keu Henua, but guests can choose from several Easter Island Hotels, vacation homes and guesthouses. There are also ample Airbnb Apartments on Easter Island, which might be suitable for longer stays.

You can start your search for top hotels in Easter Island on Booking.com – but first, read our tips on Finding Great Hotels for Cheap!

Easter Island Food

As Rapa Nui is extremely isolated and surrounded by the sea, it is not surprising that most Easter Island restaurants serve seafood – and it’s phenomenal! Other popular menu items are pizzas, steaks and empanadas.

Easter Island Restaurants

Most of the restaurants in Easter are located in Hanga Roa, including a few waterfront eateries. The best meal we ate was at Topa Ra’a, which offers outdoor seating, sensational seafood and a sublime view near Tahai.

Easter Island Budget Eats

Food on Easter Island can be quite pricey. Travelers on a budget will find that empanadas are a good choice as an inexpensive Easter Island fast food option.

Additionally, grocery stores on Easter Island offer basic food supplies. Just be aware that most items come at an increased cost. To avoid the high prices on Easter Island food, many bring non-perishable food with them from Santiago.

Easter Island Cost

A trip to Easter Island is expensive, there is no doubt about it. Limited flights to a remote location, very few budget accommodations, zero public transportation and a lack of cheap food options may have many budget travelers asking, “Is Easter Island worth it?!” Yes! We believe it absolutely is!

Easter Island Budget Tips

While there are some increased costs to everyday items, a short vacation to Easter Island doesn’t have to break the bank. Your Rapa Nui trip cost can vary significantly based on the length of your stay and your plans of what to do.

Holidays to Easter Island in the off-season can save you a bundle – just be mindful of the typical weather (January to March is the peak season, while July and August are the chilliest) and plan accordingly.

If you opt to only take one tour and maybe hire a private guide to see Orongo, an Easter Island trip can be very affordable. Booking multiple tours with the same company may earn you a discount – like this Easter Island Super Saver Tour!

What To Pack for Easter Island

Alright, grab your backpack or suitcase, as our final tips are all about what to pack! You can find all our hacks on our Packing Page, but for now, grab your FREE Packing Checklist!

Sturdy Travel Shoes

Even though Rapa Nui is a tropical island, you will want to pack more than just flip flops! One of the Easter Island essentials is a good pair of shoes. I traveled to Easter Island with Trainers and Kris wore trail shoes by Merrell. Use our reviews on the Best Travel Shoes to help decide which shoes to pack for your trip.

Travel Camera with Zoom Lens

Easter Island landscapes and Moai statues are incredible – but to truly capture these sights, use a real travel camera. We shoot with a DSLR Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens. The camera takes quality photos and is easy to use, plus it’s well-priced, which makes it a great budget camera!

Day Bag

With long days of sightseeing, be sure to have a versatile day bag. We like to wear small backpacks with multiple zippered pockets where we can stow our guidebook, lightweight rain jacket and sunscreen.

Travel Insurance

Trip insurance could help reimburse costs when travel plans go awry, such as illness, canceled flights or lost luggage. If you haven’t already obtained insurance, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.

Organize Your Easter Island Trip

As you begin to make plans and reservations for Easter Island, staying organized is key. Use our Travel Planning Printables to stay on top of the important details of your vacation!

Easter Island and Santiago, Chile Travel Resources

Start planning your trip to Chile! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

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