Easter Island Travel Guide
Easter Island graces the bucket lists of the most intrepid and dedicated globetrotters, owing as much to the island's mystique as its out-of-the-way location. Rapa Nui, or 'Navel of the Earth' as the locals call it, is one of the world's most isolated places, situated 2,292 miles ( 3,689km) west of mainland Chile, halfway to Tahiti.
Easter Island is practically an open-air national park, protecting the archaeological sites and Moai, the giant stone statues that the island is famous for, which are scattered all over the landscape. These figures stand at heights of up to 32 feet (10m) and are at the centre of the island's magnetism.
There is still some uncertainty as to the origins of the first people on Easter Island, and the 12 centuries between their arrival in the year 500 and the arrival of the first Europeans in 1722 remain one of the world's great mysteries. Included among the archaeological sites on the island is the Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater where the Moai were cut from the volcanic rock. In a bizarre scene, over 600 figures are scattered on the slopes of the volcano, some in the early stages of development and still part of the rocky cliffs and others partly buried or stacked in an irregular line. For years researchers have puzzled over the method of construction and transportation of these megaliths from the quarries inland to their present day coastal positions. It is the mystery of the unknown artisans and the intriguing remainder of their awe-inspiring work that continues to draw researchers and tourists from around the world today.
Aside from the intriguing statues, there are other interesting features on Easter Island too. Anakena Beach is a sandy white crescent popular for bodysurfing, and scuba diving and snorkelling are possible near the islets of Motu Nui and Motu Iti. There are also some fascinating and extensive cave systems to be explored near Ana Kakenga. Most of the island's 5,000 inhabitants live in the main town Hanga Roa. It has accommodation, shops, restaurants and transport as well as a museum on the Rapa Nui people and their history.
Things to do in Easter Island
Easter Island Climate and Weather
Easter Island is characterised by a subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid while winters are relatively mild with heavy rainfall. July and August are the coldest months, April is the wettest and February is the hottest on average. In February, average temperatures range between 68F (20C) and 81F (27C). Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms frequently occur during the winter months of June to August, but rain is plentiful year-round. Easter Island's temperature is moderated by the almost constant sea winds that keep the weather cool and mild throughout the year.
Chile travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs and round three-pin plugs are used.
Language
The official language is Spanish.
Money
The local currency is the Chilean peso (CLP), which is divided into 100 centavos. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and to a lesser extent, American Express, are accepted in most large shops and hotels. ATMs are widely available.
Tipping
Tips of about 10 percent are expected in restaurants; it's usual to round up the fare for taxi drivers if they help with the luggage. Tipping small amounts is customary for most services.
Health
All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines; vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B are recommended, and a typhoid vaccine may be recommended for long-term travellers who plan to visit rural areas and eat outside of hotels and restaurants. Water is generally safe in the cities, but should be treated in the rural areas; bottled water is widely available for drinking. Santiago is severely polluted and this could cause respiratory problems or eye irritations, particularly between May and August. Travellers visiting the Andes Mountains should be aware of altitude sickness, and ascend slowly to allow the body to adjust. Healthcare in urban areas is generally good, but hospitals and clinics are expensive. Comprehensive travel health insurance is recommended.
Safety
Chile is a politically stable country with few safety threats to travellers. Incidences of pick-pocketing and mugging are on the increase in big cities and travellers should take care of their belongings, especially around tourist areas and bus stations. Travellers should also avoid walking alone late at night, and should be particularly cautious in Valparaiso and the capital, Santiago, where theft is on the increase, and muggings are becoming more common in popular walking areas such as Cerro San Cristobal, Cerro Santa Lucia and Cerro Manquehue. There has been an increase in reports regarding people receiving spiked drinks at nightclubs and bars, particularly in Santiago. Travellers should avoid any involvement in political protests and demonstrations, which take place from time to time. Chile has a landmine problem, which is mainly restricted to border areas adjacent to Peru and Bolivia. These areas are seldom visited by most travellers, so landmines shouldn't be a problem. However, visitors are advised to stick to marked roads, obey all signs and seek the advice of local authorities if travelling to these areas.
Local customs
Although Chile is largely conservative in outlook, homosexuality is legal and is increasingly widely accepted socially. Punishment for the possession and consumption of drugs is illegal and can lead to prison sentences.
Doing business
Chilean business culture tends to be formal, and this includes dress, which should also be conservative. In business, Chileans should be addressed by their titles and surnames, unless otherwise stated. Businesses are often family run. Third party introductions are indispensable when arranging a meeting, and developing a personal relationship is key. Chileans often stand very close when conversing and it is impolite to pull away. Visitors are also expected to re-confirm appointments before arriving at a meeting. Foreigners should be on time for meetings, but it is not unusual for the host to be 15 to 30 minutes late. On introduction, a firm handshake and exchange of business cards is usual; cards should be printed in both English and Spanish, and it's important to pay attention to the card before putting it away carefully. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, often with a siesta over lunch.
Duty free
Travellers entering Chile do not need to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars (large or small) and 500g tobacco; 2.5 litres of alcohol; and perfume for personal use. Meat products, flowers, fruit and vegetables may only be imported if permission is given by the Department of Agriculture.
Communications
The international access code for Chile is +56. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Passport & Visa
A return or onward ticket is required, and it's recommend that passports be valid for six months after the intended period of travel. Extension of stay is possible for an additional 90 days for visa exempt visitors.
Entry requirements
No visa is required by US nationals for visits of up to 90 days, though a passport valid on arrival is required for travel to Chile. Travellers who visit Easter Island are allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 days.
UK nationals do not require a visa for visits of up to 90 days, though a passport valid on arrival is required. Travellers who visit Easter Island are allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 days.
No visa is required by Canadians for visits of up to 90 days; a passport valid on arrival is required for travel to Chile. Travellers who visit Easter Island are allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 days.
Australian nationals require a visa and passport valid on arrival. Travellers who visit Easter Island are allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 days.
South African nationals must hold a passport valid on arrival, though a visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days. Travellers who visit Easter Island are allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 days.
Irish nationals must hold a passport valid on arrival, but a visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days. Travellers who visit Easter Island are allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 days.
New Zealand nationals must hold a passport valid on arrival, though a visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days. Travellers who visit Easter Island are allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 days.
Useful contacts
Chile National Tourism Website: www.chile.travel
133 (Police); 131 (Medical)Embassies / consulates in other countries
Embassy of Chile, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 530 4104.
Embassy of Chile, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7222 2361.
Embassy of Chile, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 235 4402.
Embassy of Chile, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6286 2430.
Embassy of Chile, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 460 8090.
Embassy of Chile, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 667 5094.
Embassy of Chile, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 471 6270.
Embassies / consulates in Chile
United States Embassy, Santiago: +56 (0)2 330 3000
British Embassy, Santiago: +56 (0)2 370 4100.
Canadian Embassy, Santiago: +56 (0)2 652 3800.
Australian Embassy, Santiago: +56 (0)2 550 3500.
South African Embassy, Santiago: +56 (0)2 8200 300.
Embassy of Ireland, Buenos Aires (also responsible for Chile): +54 11 5787 0801.
New Zealand Embassy, Santiago: +56 (0)2 616 3000.