What to See and Do on Easter Island Without Spending a Fortune: Travel, Accommodation, Food, and Must-See Activities

Considering Easter Island (Rapa Nui) but concerned about spending too much? The following guide provides a comprehensive look at how to visit Easter Island on a budget without compromising on the quality of your experience.

In addition to its mysterious moai statues and rich Polynesian culture, Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. This remote destination on the Pacific Ocean attracts adventurers and history buffs alike. Being isolated, however, means that visiting the island can be expensive. With the right planning, you can explore Easter Island without breaking the bank!

Using this guide, you’ll learn how to get to Easter Island, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around. Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a family on a budget, or a couple seeking adventure, I’ll share personal tips, reviews, and accurate pricing information.

Key Takeaways

Plan in advance to get the best flight deals, and travel in the off-season to save on accommodation and activities.
Stay in guesthouses or camps to reduce costs on accommodation.
Cook your meals when possible by shopping at local grocery stores.
Rent a scooter or bike to get around the island affordably.
Explore free activities like hiking to Terevaka and enjoying the beautiful beaches.

What is the best way to reach Easter Island?

It may seem impossible to get to Easter Island, but it’s actually quite accessible. From Santiago, Chile, and sometimes from Lima, Peru, LAN Airlines (now LATAM) offers flights.

Getting to Easter Island by plane

There are daily flights from Santiago (SCL) to Easter Island (IPC) operated by LATAM. Round-trip tickets range from $450 to $1,000 USD depending on the season and how far in advance you book. It is common for prices to be higher during the peak season, which is usually between December and February.
LATAM occasionally offers a route from Lima (LIM) to Easter Island. Between $500 and $1,100 USD, the prices are comparable to Santiago flights.

To save money on flights, plan your trip during the off-season (March to November), when prices tend to be lower.

Tips for Arrival and Airport Transportation

You won’t need to pay extra for taxis if you arrive at Mataveri International Airport because most accommodations offer free shuttle services. It is always a good idea to confirm this with your hotel or guesthouse before you arrive.

Where to Stay on Easter Island Without Overspending

Accommodation options on Easter Island cater to a wide range of budgets, from luxurious hotels to affordable guesthouses and camping sites.

Budget Stays: Guesthouses & Hostels

For budget-conscious travelers, guesthouses and hostels are great options, providing comfort without excessive costs. Here are some top-rated budget accommodations:

Hostal Petero Atamu: This family-run guesthouse offers basic but clean rooms, just a 10-minute walk from Hanga Roa town center. Rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, and Wi-Fi is available. Prices range from $45 to $60 USD per night. Guests rave about the warm hospitality and homemade breakfasts.
- Rating: 8.6/10 on Booking.com
Camping Mihinoa: Perfect for the adventurous, this camping ground is right by the ocean, offering stunning views of the Pacific. You can pitch your own tent or rent one of their simple cabins. Prices start at $20 USD per night for tent spots and $45 USD for a basic cabin.
- Rating: 9/10 on Hostelworld
Hostal Vai Kapua: Located in the heart of Hanga Roa, this affordable hostel offers dormitory-style rooms for $30 USD per night. It’s ideal for backpackers and solo travelers who want to meet others along the way. The communal kitchen is a great perk for saving money on meals.
- Rating: 8/10 on TripAdvisor

Mid-Range Stays

Hotel O’tai: A mid-range hotel with Polynesian-style rooms surrounded by lush gardens. The hotel has a pool and offers breakfast included in the nightly rate, which is around $120 USD per night.
- Rating: 8.2/10 on Expedia
Taha Tai Hotel: Located close to the town center and the coastline, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with private balconies. Prices range from $150 to $200 USD per night, and they include breakfast and airport transfers.
- Rating: 8.4/10 on TripAdvisor

Luxury Accommodations

Explora Rapa Nui is A splurge-worthy eco-luxury resort offering guided excursions, gourmet meals, and stunning ocean views. Prices start at $2,000 USD for a 3-night stay, but the all-inclusive package covers all meals, tours, and transfers.
- Rating: 9.5/10 on TripAdvisor

Tip: Stay at a guesthouse with kitchen access to cook some of your meals and save on eating out.

Here are some of the best dishes and beverages you can find on Easter Island

Eating on Easter Island can be expensive due to the island’s remote location, with many ingredients being imported from mainland Chile. But there are ways to enjoy delicious local cuisine without overspending.

Budget Dining: Local Eateries & Street Food

Club Sandwich: A popular spot in Hanga Roa that offers a variety of sandwiches, empanadas, and pizzas for around $8 to $12 USD per meal. The portions are hearty, and it’s a great place to grab a quick, affordable bite.
Te Moana: This laid-back restaurant offers local dishes such as ceviche, tuna empanadas, and po’e (a traditional Rapa Nui dessert) at reasonable prices. A meal here will cost about $15 to $20 USD per person.
Kari Kari Resto Famous for its fresh seafood and Polynesian BBQ, Kari Kari offers traditional fare at prices ranging from $10 to $15 USD for a full meal.

Mid-Range Dining

Haka Honu is A beachside restaurant known for its fresh seafood, particularly tuna dishes. Prices range from $20 to $35 USD per meal, and the ocean views are unbeatable.
Tataku Vave: If you’re looking for fresh, local fish prepared with a modern twist, this is the place to go. Main dishes cost around $25 to $40 USD.

Grocery Shopping

If you’re staying in a guesthouse or hostel with kitchen access, consider buying groceries from Supermercado Eko in Hanga Roa. Basic items like bread, eggs, and pasta are reasonably priced, and you can expect to spend about $30 to $50 USD per week on groceries.

1 bag of small onions
1 head of cauliflower
2 red peppers
2 handfuls of button-top mushrooms
2 tomatoes
2 potatoes
5 carrots
1 eggplant
2 beetroots
nuts and fruits for snacks
1 packet of turmeric for curry
1 garlic clove
8 packets of dried beef broth
1 loaf of rye bread
1 small packet of mayonnaise
2 packets of salami and ham (the sandwiches only lasted for two days)
1 kilo of brown rice
1/2 kilo of lentils
1 bag of oatmeal
1 kilo of milk powder
1 packet of milo (chocolate powder)
1 small bottle of sunflower oil
1 small can of coconut cream
2 bottles of wine

The Best Way to Get Around Easter Island

Easter Island is relatively small, with Hanga Roa being the main town where most activities and accommodations are located. Still, you’ll need transportation to visit the more remote Maui sites and beaches.

Rental Cars and Scooters

The most convenient way to explore the island is by renting a car or scooter.

Car rental: Prices start at $50 to $70 USD per day for a basic vehicle. Most rental agencies are located in Hanga Roa, and roads are easy to navigate.
Scooter rental: A more affordable option, scooters cost around $30 to $40 USD per day.

Tip: If you’re comfortable riding a bicycle, some guesthouses offer bikes for rent, which can be a great way to explore at a lower cost.

Guided Tours

If you’d prefer to have an expert guide you through the island’s history, several companies offer half-day and full-day tours:

Half-day tours typically cost around $50 to $70 USD per person, covering key sites such as Ahu Tongariki and Rano Raraku.
Full-day tours range from $100 to $150 USD, with more in-depth exploration of the island’s most famous attractions.

Public Transportation and Taxis

While public buses aren’t available, taxis are an option if you’re not planning to rent a vehicle. A ride within Hanga Roa typically costs around $5 to $10 USD, while longer trips to sites like Orongo or Anakena Beach can cost $30 to $40 USD.

Listed below are some of Easter Island’s most popular activities and attractions

No visit to Easter Island would be complete without exploring its iconic moai statues, but there’s much more to do and see.

Must-See Attractions

Ahu Tongariki: This is the most famous moai platform, featuring 15 restored statues overlooking the ocean. The best time to visit is at sunrise, when the light creates a stunning silhouette of the mountain. The site is free to visit with the national park entrance ticket, which costs $80 USD and is valid for 10 days.
Rano Raraku: Known as the quarry where the moai were carved, Rano Raraku is filled with partially completed statues still embedded in the volcanic rock. It’s a fascinating place to visit for history lovers. Admission is included in the national park ticket.
Anakena Beach: This beautiful white-sand beach is perfect for a day of relaxation after exploring the island. There are moai nearby, so you can enjoy both beach time and cultural sightseeing in one spot. Admission is free.

Budget-Friendly Activities

Hiking to Terevaka Volcano: If you love hiking, consider trekking to the highest point on the island, Terevaka Volcano. The trail is free and offers stunning panoramic views of the island.
Cultural Dance Shows – Kari Kari cultural group performs traditional Rapa Nui dances, and tickets are around $20 USD per person. It’s an affordable and fun way to learn about local traditions.
Snorkeling and Diving: Easter Island is surrounded by clear waters, perfect for snorkeling or diving. Equipment rental starts at $10 to $15 USD, while guided diving trips cost about $50 to $100 USD.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is Easter Island expensive to visit?
A: It can be, but with proper planning, it’s possible to visit Easter Island on a budget by booking flights early, staying in affordable accommodations, and cooking some of your meals.

Q: How many days should I spend on Easter Island?
A: Most visitors find that 4 to 5 days is enough to explore the island’s main attractions and enjoy its beaches and culture.

Q: Can I visit Easter Island as part of a South America trip?
Yes, many travelers include Easter Island as a side trip from Santiago, Chile, or Lima, Peru. Make sure to account for the additional travel costs and time.

Q: Do I need a guide to explore Easter Island?
A: No, but hiring a guide or joining a tour can enhance your experience, as they offer in-depth knowledge about the island’s history and culture.

Follow this guide to enjoy Easter Island’s magic on a budget. With a little planning, any traveler can access the island’s beauty and cultural significance.

Guide to Visiting Easter Island Without Overspending