A LUXURY VACATION TO EASTER ISLAND
Rapa Nui, named Easter Island by early Dutch explorers, is one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth – lying just a five-hour flight from Santiago.
Just 24 kilometres long and 12 wide, this volcanic outpost in the South Pacific is home to the Moai: nearly 900 monolithic stone figures, carved between the 13th and 16th centuries. Scattered over a windswept landscape of volcanoes, beaches, and green hills, they average 4 metres in height, weigh up to 12 tonnes, and remain one of the world’s most enigmatic archaeological legacies.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rapa Nui’s intrigue extends beyond its statues. The island’s isolation has fostered a fiercely independent culture, distinct from mainland Chile, that reflects the heritage of the original Polynesian settlers who migrated thousands of miles across the ocean. The Rapa Nui language is still spoken, and traditions, dances and oral histories are passed down with care. We work closely with local experts, historians and artists to offer rare insight into this living culture.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO ON EASTER ISLAND
Few places are as remote, or as resonant, as Easter Island. Its appeal lies not only in the Moai, but in the quiet strangeness of the landscape: volcanic craters, black lava beaches, and hills grazed by wild horses.
Follow coastal paths to the island’s most significant archaeological sites, where its 887 stone figures stand sentinel. Hike up to the crater of Rano Kau for views over the Pacific Ocean, or walk quiet inland trails that reveal a more introspective side of the island.
Beyond archaeology, dive among submerged lava formations, horse ride through the island’s interior, and spend time engaging with the island’s living culture. Our local guides will share not just the history, but the stories, language, and traditions that continue to shape life here.
Accommodation on the island tends to be simple but thoughtfully run, with a handful of boutique hotels and lodges offering a comfortable retreat after days of exploration.
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How do you get to Easter Island?
Given its extraordinary isolation in the Pacific, the best way to get to Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is via a five-hour direct flight from Santiago to Mataveri International Airport. Flights normally depart from Santiago early in the morning and return to the mainland in the late afternoon, so it’s usually necessary to spend a night in Santiago either side if flying commercially.
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When is the best time to go to Easter Island?
The best time to visit Easter Island is between October and April, during the Southern Hemisphere’s spring, summer and early autumn. These months tend to be warmer and drier, ideal for exploring archaeological sites and spending time at the island’s few beaches.
High season runs from January to March, when the weather is at its sunniest. February sees the island’s main cultural event, the Tapati Rapa Nui festival, a vibrant celebration of local traditions and performance.
For a balance of warmer weather and fewer visitors, consider the shoulder months: October to December and March to April. From May to September, temperatures drop and rainfall increases.
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What are the main sights on Easter Island?
Easter Island is often described as an open-air museum, its key sites spread across a stark and compelling landscape. Most revolve around the creation, placement, and enduring significance of the Moai statues, shaped by centuries of cultural and environmental change.
Among the most striking is Ahu Tongariki, where 15 colossal Moai stand in a dramatic line against the ocean. Nearby lies Rano Raraku, the volcanic quarry where many of the statues were carved; hundreds remain here in various stages of completion, half-buried in the slopes.
Set on the rim of the Rano Kau crater, Orongo Ceremonial Village offers insight into the island’s later Birdman cult, with views over the sea and the small islets of Motu Nui, Motu Iti, and Motu Kao Kao.
Anakena, a rare white coral beach, combines natural beauty with archaeological interest; several Moai still stand here, flanked by palm trees. Inland, Ahu Akivi is notable for its seven Moai that face out towards the Pacific, unlike most others on the island.
To deepen your understanding, the Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum in Hanga Roa offers thoughtful context on Rapa Nui’s settlement, language and ritual systems.
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How many days should I spend on Easter Island?
To experience Easter Island without rushing, we recommend spending at least three full days. This allows time to explore key sites – Ahu Tongariki, Rano Raraku, Orongo, and Anakena – at a measured pace, with room to adjust for weather, revisit favourite spots, and add in some hiking, cycling or diving.
Four days allows for a deeper understanding: more time to engage with local guides, walk lesser-known trails, and gain a fuller sense of the complex, enduring Rapa Nui culture.
ELSEWHERE IN CHILE
Chile captivates with its dramatic landscapes, from the arid Atacama Desert to the majestic peaks of Torres del Paine and the emerald lakes of Chile’s Lake District.
It’s a land of striking contrasts, where ancient traditions sit alongside a dynamic, contemporary culture – and we’ve spent years exploring its every corner. From the buzzing capital city of Santiago to the celebrated vineyards of the Central Valley, we can open doors to places and people few travellers will ever encounter. Chile is vast, complex, and deeply rewarding – and we know how to make it yours.
CONTACT US
Get in touch to start planning your trip to Easter Island.
Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017
