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easter island Information
Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is a tiny island known for its huge moai statues scattered all over the island.
The world is fascinated by the creation of these statues not only for the impressive size and quantity of them, but also for the circumstances under which they were built. This small island had very limited resources; not much drinking water, no cattle and no metal. The statues were transported to their final location several kilometers across hilly terrain – all of this being accomplished with the highest leader being a tribal chieftain.
Location
Location of Easter Island on a world map.
Rapa Nui is located in the Pacific Ocean, on latitude -27.15 and longitude -109.4, 3600 km west of Chile in South America (see in Google Maps). Flying from Chile’s capital Santiago, which is the closest flight connection, takes around 5 hours.
Culture
Native dancers at the parade during Tapati Rapa Nui festival
The Rapa Nui people are polynesians, such as Hawaiians, Tahitians and the Maori of New Zealand. The native languages of these islands are very similar.
Music, dance and art has always been a central part of Rapa Nui culture. The island is today part of Chile, and strong South American influences threaten the existence of the fragile Rapa Nui culture which a mere 3000 people are part of.
As tourism became a more common part of the Easter Island society since the 1990’s and people travel from all over the world to see this unique culture, there has been an increased pride in the cultural Rapa Nui identity. Today, most newborns that are Rapa Nui are given Rapa Nui names, and parents try to speak the native language to their children as much as possible. During the 1980’s and before, most babies were given Spanish names, and parents often did an effort to teach their children Spanish, even if this was their weaker language.
Climate
The Rapa Nui climate is classed as subtropical. It is often windy, especially at volcano summits such as where Orongo is located.
Being located quite a bit below the equator, Rapa Nui isn’t as agonizingly hot as Tahiti sometimes can be. Most find the Rapa Nui climate moderate and quite pleasant.
During summer (Dec – Feb), day temperature is around 25°C, and winter (Jun – Aug) around 19°C. At night it gets quite cold, so unless it’s summer, you might want to be prepared with a pair of long trousers if you’re staying outside.
Rain falls year-round (around 80 mm), though most between April and June (around 110 mm). This means that even though rain is less common during summer (Dec – Feb), it is still a good idea to bring a rain coat – especially if you’re staying at Easter Island only for a few days. In case these days would be rainy, you would probably want to be able to be outside and still stay somewhat dry!
Visa Information
Visas and entry to Chile
Easter Island is part of Chile. Citizens of USA, European Union, Canada and Australia do not need a visa to enter Chile. All these citizens need is a passport and a flight ticket showing that you will leave the country within 90 days. Visitors from other countries must apply for a visa at their nearest Chilean consulate.
Chile charges an entry fee to citizens from Australia (117 USD) and Mexico (23 USD). This fee is only charged if you enter Chile through the international airport at Santiago. This should be considered if you for example have the possibility to enter Easter Island from Papeete (Tahiti), which would mean that you would not have to pay this fee.
You may pay with cash or credit card. After payment you will be given a passport stamp as proof of payment. The stamp is valid until the passport expires, except for Australians, for whom the stamp is only good for 90 days.
Flights & Transportation
Recommended length of stay
Many hear that two full days at Easter Island is sufficient to see the main sites. While this may be true, many still appreciate at least 1 extra day after the tours for any activity of their choice, making the recommended shortest stay 5 days, 4 nights. After two days of touring you will have become quite well familiarized with the island, and will surely not have any problem filling the spare time with any activity of your choice.
Those who enjoy trying out different activities or just relaxing in a tranquil ambient might want to stay at least a week.
Flights
LAN Chile is the only airline that flies to Easter Island. This company is part of Oneworld Alliance, so if you have any accumulated points in this system, they may be used to reach Easter Island. Possible entries are from Santiago, Chile (daily flights) or Papeete, Tahiti (once a week).
Flights to Easter Island
The only way to travel to Rapa Nui for the common traveler is by air. Airline travel traffic is exclusive to Latin Americas largest airline – LAN Airlines. They are part of the Oneworld Alliance and offer approximately one flight per day (during high season, Dec-Mar, sometimes two flights per day).
There are two flight connections to Rapa Nui:
- Papeete (Tahiti)
- Santiago (Chile)
From 2010 to 2013 there was also a flight connection to Lima (Peru), but this didn’t end up as being lucrative in the end, so the route was cancelled.
Flights can be bought through any flight ticket sales service such as Travelocity or Orbitz, or directly through LAN Airlines.
Economy
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Climate
The winds can be quite strong during any period of the year. During summer (November – March) temperatures don’t often reach more than 30°C, though it may sometimes feel like more because of humidity. The sun during this period is strong, so do not forget to put on sunblock (can be bought at the pharmacy Cruz Verde in the town center).
It does rain occasionally during summer, but especially during winter (May – August) is it important to bring a light rain coat for any spontaneous showers. The day temperature may still sometimes peak to a bit below 30° C, but the temperature drops quickly on cloudy days. Especially at nights it might get cold, with temperatures dropping as low as 10° C. At winter it’ll often be too cold to lay at the beach, but the water will still be warm enough for a swim if you’re not too picky.
It may be windy any day of the year, so if you bring a hat, preferrably bring one that won’t easily blow away.