Easter Island in 5 Days: Your Ultimate Backpacking Guide

5 Days Easter Island Itinerary

Day 1: Prepare for Day Trips

As of 2024, you are required to have a guide accompanying you if you wish to visit any tourist attraction on the island except the beach, so renting your own vehicle is no longer recommended. You should be able to find tours at travel agencies once you get here. You can browse for available tours here.

Upon arriving on the island, your first task is to find a tour that will take you to all the tourist attractions you wish to visit. Spend the first evening strolling along Hanga Roa's main street to find a tour agency and select the one you like. You can also check out the local tour agencies like Mahinatur, Easter Island Travel, and many more, all located in Hanga Roa.

If you're not sure about which tour to choose, you can use the itinerary I've provided below as a guide and select tours that visit these recommended places. I was there when we were able to travel independently, which is why my photos are all over the place and time 😂.

Day 2: Ahu Tongariki at Sunrise, Rano Raraku, Anakena, and Enjoy Tapati Festival

On your second day, I recommend waking up as early as possible to visit Ahu Tongariki for an incredible sunrise. Ahu Tongariki, the largest ahu on Easter Island, features statues located on the east coast, making it one of the best places to experience the sunrise.

It should take you no more than 25 minutes to reach Ahu Tongariki. Depending on the tour and the time of the year you visit Easter Island, you may need to wake up as early as 4 AM. If you're fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of the Milky Way, as I did when I drove out here at 4 AM. It was probably the clearest view of the Milky Way I've ever had, thanks to the remote location of the island, far from any light pollution.

Upon arrival, you'll notice that the entrance to Ahu Tongariki is closed until sunrise. Don't worry; you can simply drive around the fence and enjoy watching the Milky Way cast its radiant light onto the moai statues from that vantage point.

At around sunrise (7 AM in February), you'll have the opportunity to enter and witness the sunrise. Even if you're not typically a morning person, I highly recommend waking up for this experience. It's truly wonderful to observe the shadows of the moai statues shifting around you.

To the northeast of Ahu Tongariki lies Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater that served as the source of all the rocks for the Moai statues. In the quarry, you can witness numerous Moai statues scattered about, with some still in various stages of completion.

You can still observe some of the statues in the process of being carved before the carvers abandoned their work due to encountering hard rocks in the material. Rano Raraku tends to get crowded during the day, so the earlier you arrive, the better.

After the hike up Rano Raraku, imagine the perfect way to unwind, by relaxing on a beach. Anakena, a white coral sand beach in the north of the island, is easily accessible from Rano Raraku. You can drive up, enjoy a delightful lunch, or simply relax under palm trees while listening to the soothing sound of waves crashing onto the beach. There's nothing more peaceful than that.

Don't forget to check out Ahu Nau Nau, home to some of the best-preserved statues on the island, located not too far from the beach. If you've opted to rent your own vehicle, I highly recommend taking the car out and exploring the island by driving. Witnessing the remote landscapes was the highlight of my visit. As you drive, you'll experience the transition from the lush green landscape to the ruggedness of volcanic terrain.

If you happen to be there during the incredible Tapati Festival, an island-wide celebration typically held at the end of February, seize the opportunity to explore the shows taking place at the town center. During the festival, locals showcase traditional clothing and dance to lively island traditional music, truly an experience like no other!

Make sure to align your visit with either the opening or closing ceremony to fully experience the best of the festival during your time on the island. I was there during that time and I had a blast. You are going to love it!

Day 3: Visit Ahu Akivi, Ana Kakenga, and Rano Kau Crater

The following morning, you can begin your day by heading to another Ahu, Ahu Akivi. This site holds particular sacredness for the Rapa Nui people due to its precise astronomical alignment. Featuring seven moai statues, they all face precisely towards the point where the sun sets during the equinox, aligning with the Moon as well. It's definitely worth checking out while you are here.

After you are done, you can head over to Ana Kakenga, a volcanic tube formed a thousand years ago through the island's volcanic activities. What sets this cave apart is its unique location overlooking the ocean. To reach the entrance, you'll need to hike, and there's no sign indicating its presence, just a small hole marking the entrance.

Locating the entrance can be challenging, but with a guide, they'll lead you to it. The view is said to be worth the effort, although, personally, I couldn't find the entrance myself!

Next up, we visit Rano Kau, which is one of the most impressive places to visit on the island. This extinct volcano crater features a central wetland and lake. The unique formation of the crater walls provides shelter to the lake from the island's prevailing winds, creating a microclimate within the crater.

If you still have your rented vehicle, you can easily reach the lookout point and see the entire crater from the top. Also, be sure to go further and visit the Orongo village, a ceremonial village and a center of the Birdman cult back in the day. You can also visit the crater as part of an organized tour from Hanga Roa.

Day 4: Explore Hanga Roa, Check out Ahu Tahai, and more Tapati Festival

On your fourth day, spend your time and explore Hanga Roa. Be sure to head north and check out Ahu Tahai, a ceremonial complex comprising three Ahu platforms, one of which has had its eyes restored. Did you know that some moai statues have eyes? I did not!

One of the advantages of visiting during the Tapati festival is that there is no shortage of events you can attend so you can spend the latter of the day witnessing one of the many sports competitions they hold during the day and enjoy the dance performance in the evening.

Day 5: Fly Back to Santiago

On your last day, take a moment to stroll around a bit more and shop for a souvenir before heading to the airport. The miniature moai statue, in particular, was my favorite, and I couldn't resist buying it for friends and family back home, so be sure to walk around the souvenir shops in town before leaving.

Despite spending close to US$2,000 on this trip, I have absolutely no regrets. Immersing myself in the beautiful Easter Island nature and the colorful culture of the Rapa Nui was a much-needed change for me, especially after spending almost 6 months prior, hopping from one city to another across South America. While Easter Island may not be the go-to destination for budget travelers, if you are as determined as I am, visiting Easter Island will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Trust me!

First time in South America? Check out:20 Best Places to Visit in South America

Where to Stay on Easter Island?

Budget

Hostal Vieroto

Double Room | $

See Availability

👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

HARÉ MANU Rapa Nui

Double Room | $$

See Availability

High-End

Inaki Uhi Hotel

Double Room | $$$

See Availability

View More Hotels

Why Visit the Easter Island?

For one, Easter Island is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. Yet, it was home to one of the most amazing cultures: the Rapa Nui. The island is also renowned for its numerous monumental statues, called moai, created by the early Rapa Nui people.

There is no other place like it in the world, and if you are interested in the history of the mystery surrounding the moai, you should definitely visit Easter Island.

If you aren't into historical artifacts but still love being in nature, Easter Island has you covered. With its volcanic landscape, pristine nature, and the island's remoteness, you can fully immerse yourself in the natural environment.

Moreover, away from the light pollution of urban areas, driving out of town at night treats you to a breathtaking 180-degree view of the Milky Way. If this doesn't convince you, I don't know what will.

When to Visit Easter Island?

The beginning of February is the optimal time for your trip as it coincides with the Rapa Nui annual event, celebrating the history and culture of the island, the Tapati Festival. During this month-long festival, you can witness locals performing traditional dance, music, and theatrical acts. Be sure to check and confirm the starting dates of the Tapati Festival here.

How to Get to Easter Island?

The most expensive part of this trip, often deterring backpackers and travelers, is the airfare. LATAM Airlines is the sole operator with a few flights to Easter Island per day, and typically, to reach Easter Island, you'll have to transit through Santiago, Chile.

Consequently, finding a price of less than US$1,000 round trip is almost impossible nowadays. Moreover, the closer you book to your departure date, the more expensive it becomes. In my case, I paid US$1,300 for a round-trip flight booked a month in advance.

To get a cheap flight to Easter Island, be sure to keep an eye out for cheap tickets on Skyscanner or Expedia.

Updated 2024: Once you get the plane ticket, be sure to fill in the Single Entry Form and follow all the entry requirements here prior to your departure date. You won't be allowed to board the plane without the form.

How to Get Around Easter Island?

As of 2024, you are now required to have a guide with you to get access to tourist attractions on the island, except at the beaches, and so renting your own vehicle is no longer recommended. The best way to get around Easter Island now is by going with organized tours, which you should be able to organize in Hanga Roa once you get here. You can browse for available tours here.

There are many ways you can get around the island, and the prices range from cheap to crazy expensive. The most economical choice is renting a mountain bike, typically costing around US$28 per day.

However, bear in mind that the island's terrain is hilly, and biking across to the other side may take one to two hours. To explore everything on the island, it's advisable to rent the bike for at least three days.

Another option is a scooter or a motorbike, priced at around US$60 to US$70 per day. It's important to note that a valid motorbike driving license is required for rental; you cannot use your car driving license for this purpose.

Next up is the ATV, which costs US$90 per day. For the ATV, you can use your car driving license to rent. This is what I chose as my mode of transportation because I didn't have a motorcycle driving license, and I wanted the flexibility of driving at night, so I could be the first to see the sunrise at Ahu Tongariki.

Cars, jeeps, and vans are also available for rent but expect to pay US$150 or more per day.

There are plenty of rental shops along the main street. Shops like Insular or Oceanic are good places to start looking for the best transportation during your time here.

That said, with the latest rule change that requires you to be accompanied by a guide when visiting the tourist attractions on the island, it is now best if you book an organized tour instead. The tours will pick you up at your guesthouse and take you to all the places you want to see. You can also check out the local tour agencies like Mahinatur, Easter Island Travel, and many more, all located in Hanga Roa.

Daily Budget

Traveling here can be quite expensive and isn't necessarily budget-friendly, though there are still options to manage costs. You can expect to spend around $50 - $70 USD per day per person, including food, accommodation, and transportation.

Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.

What to Pack for Easter Island, Chile?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Easter Island, Chile:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for South America? Check out:What to Pack For South America: The Essential Packing List

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: For buses, I always go with Omio when traveling in Easter Island, Chile while for trains, Omio is my go-to place to book all my train travels in advance.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Chile

I hope you found this Chile travel guide useful. If you are looking for more information about traveling in Chile, be sure to check out the articles below:

• Looking for a complete travel guide for Chile and Argentina? Here's a 2-month itinerary for Chile and Argentina.
• Looking for a complete backpacking guide to the entire South America continent? Here is the ultimate 6-Month Backpacking Itinerary for South America.
• First time in South America? Check out the 20 Best Places to Visit in South America.
• Packing for a trip to visit South America can be extremely daunting. Here's a packing guide to help you: What to Pack for South America.
• If you want to visit Patagonia, here's a 2-week Patagonia itinerary for hikers and backpackers.
• You can also visit Puerto Natales in Chilean Patagonia and hike the Torres del Paine trail in one day if you don't have 2 weeks to spare. Here is how to hike Torres del Paine independently in one day.
• You can watch my Chile travel video here: "Charming Chile" travel video.
• To see all articles about Chile, visit Chile Travel Guide page.
• Looking for a place to go after Chile? How about Argentina or Bolivia?
• Looking for more travel guides for South America? You can find more on my South America Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.