How to Travel to Easter Island (Rapa Nui) on a Budget
All our friends and family were thrilled – and even a bit jealous when we told them we were going to Easter Island.
We made it right after our visit to Patagonia-Puerto Natales. Our decision to visit was actually quite last minute. As an airline employee, I am lucky enough to take last minute flights – if there is space available at a very cheap fare.
I’ll admit, I initially underestimated the cost of visiting Easter Island. After a quick online search, I assumed we could explore this bucket-list destination on a tight travel budget. There’s no entry tax to Easter Island, and the accommodation prices seemed fairly affordable.
However, once we arrived, we realized the real expenses came from essential extras—like guided tours, entrance to archaeological sites, and vehicle rentals to explore the island properly. By that point, it was luckily too late to cancel. If we had known the true cost of traveling to Rapa Nui, we might have hesitated, especially after already visiting Santiago de Chile, Valparaíso, the Wine Valleys, the Atacama Desert, and Patagonia, including Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park.
We put in a lot of effort to research and find budget-friendly solutions for almost everything. On this page I am excited to share all the budget tips and money saving advice we discovered for visiting Easter Island, or with its real name, RAPA NUI!
Table of Contents
When is the Best Time to Visit Easter Island
We visited Rapa Nui at the beginning of January, which is summer there. The weather was pleasant, never too hot or muggy, with a light breeze throughout the day. Daytime temperatures were around 25–26°C, dropping slightly to 23–24°C at night.
We swam in the sea once or twice, and the water felt like the cool Mediterranean due to the ocean currents. When I asked the locals about winter weather, they mentioned it’s almost the same but 2–3 degrees cooler, with the possibility of rain.
Since the main attraction of Rapa Nui isn’t its beaches but rather its intriguing mysteries, any time is a great time to visit this magical island! But if you hate rain, then you should be avoiding April and May.
How Many Days Are Enough to Visit Rapa Nui (Easter Island)?
You would need to stay at least 2 days to see the major archaeological sites and relax on the beach. Trust me, after dealing with the guided tour requirements and costs (which I’ll tell you all about!), you’ll want to make every moment count on this mystical island.
The Perfect 2-Day Rapa Nui Itinerary
Two days is plenty of time to experience the key highlights of Rapa Nui without feeling rushed. Here are the must-see attractions in Rapa Nui you shouldn’t miss:
1- Rano Raraku
Rano Raraku is one of the top things to see in Rapa Nui, as this is where the moai creation took place! The moai statues were carved directly from the vulcanic stone of this mountain. The responsible groups for the construction and movement of the moai statues used to work here, and you can still see the impressive gigantic moai statue. It was the last moai they were building before the rebellion that threw the island into chaos and ended this incredible tradition. You can only visit Rano Raraku once, so take your time to absorb this power.
2- Orongo Ceremonial Village
Orongo Ceremonial Village is another site that is not to be missed in Rapa Nui. It is fascinating site which hosted the legendary Tangata Manu (Birdman) competition. In this competition the warriors used to swim to offshore islets to collect the first “sooty tern” (a nice little migratory bird) egg of the season. From Orongo, you’ll also see the little islands where they fought and witness the entire route they used to follow during this dangerous competition. The winner’s sponsor became the island’s spiritual leader for the year. If you’ve seen the 1994 film “Rapa Nui” starring Kevin Costner as producer, you’ll recognize this dramatic competition that was beautifully depicted in the movie! Remember, you can only visit Orongo once with your park ticket – so make it count! While you’re at Orongo, don’t miss the Rano Kau Crater. This stunning volcanic crater isn’t just a natural wonder – it’s also where scientists made an incredible discovery. They found soil bacteria here that led to the development of rapamycin, a powerful compound now used for immune system regulation, preventing organ transplant rejection, and longevity research.
3. Ahu Tongariki
Ahu Tongariki is absolutely unmissable. This massive ceremonial platform features 15 towering moai statues (not 5 as often misreported) and holds the distinction of being the largest ahu ever constructed on the island. These magnificent statues have quite a story – they were all toppled by a devastating tsunami in the 1960s, but thanks to Japanese funding and expertise, they were carefully restored to their current awe-inspiring formation.
4. Beach Time at Anakena Bay
No visit to Rapa Nui is complete without relaxing at Anakena Beach – the island’s only real sandy beach! This palm-fringed paradise has soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. What makes it extra special? The beach is home to the beautiful Ahu Nau Nau with moai statues standing guard over this tropical paradise. Plus, there are restaurants, kiosks, and even restroom facilities here – it’s the perfect blend of culture and relaxation.
5- Sunset at the Ahu Tahai – Tahai Ceremonial Complex
One of my favorite moments on Rapa Nui was watching the sunset at Ahu Tahai. It’s a peaceful place with ancient Moai statues standing quietly as the sky turns orange and pink. It’s free to visit and only about a 15-minute walk from the center of Hanga Roa. It’s a great spot to sit, take photos, or just enjoy the view as the day ends.
Step-by-Step: How to Plan a Trip to Easter Island on a Budget
1. Book Your Flight Ticket First
Being the biggest expense, first thing you should find your flight ticket. Set your VPN to Chile to get domestic flight fares online! Read below section for more tips to save on flights!
2. Secure Your Accommodation
You must show you accommodation reservation at the immigration once you arrive to Rapa Nui. Since the restaurants could be quite expensive, if you do not mind to cook during your holidays, better to rent a house with a kitchen or microwave.
3. Get Entry Permission
You will be asked to fill an online form and demonstrate the QR code before and after your flight to Rapa Nui. You will find yourself looking for and then double checking for the region that Rapa Nui belongs, which is unbelievably Valparaiso!
4. Purchase Rapa Nui National Park Ticket
You must purchase ticket to enter the Rapa Nui National Park. 76.000 CLP per person (76 EUR or USD) allows you 10 days access to the sites multiple times. The exception is Rano Raraku and Orono Village where you can only enter once.
5. Find a Guide or Guided Tour
You cannot enter Rapa Nui National Park without a credited guide. For a budget option, better to organize your excursion once you arrive to Rapa Nui. You should calculate at least 100 USD per person to visit the essentials of Rapa Nui National Park.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Easter Island? – Complete Cost Breakdown
Apart from the flight cost and the Rapa Nui National Park entrance ticket, prepare to spend min. 110 EUR/USD per day per person. This includes accommodation, food and guided tour.
You find below the breakdown of all costs you will encounter during your Easter Island trip. If you are on a budget do not forget to read how to save on guided tours section. Guides are the second biggest expense you will encounter in Rapa Nui.
Easter Island Cost Summary (Per Person)
| EXPENSE | COST | MONEY SAVING TIPS |
|---|---|---|
| Flight (Round Trip) | $280–$1,200 | Book your flight in advance! |
| Accommodation | $60 – $500 /night | Rent houses from locals |
| Rapa Nui National Park Ticket | $72–$76 | You can either purchase online or at the ticket office. No ticket sales at the entrance of the sites. |
| Guided Tours – Mandatory | $50–$500 | You cannot visit the park by yourself independently! Find local guides to save money. |
| Transportation | $45/day for a scooter $90/day for a car | Rentals are only available for full 24-hours. |
| Food/Dining | $20–$35/meal | Cook your own meals or find a budget place |
Flight Cost to Easter Island: Tips and Tricks to Save Money
Thanks to my staff flight tickets, we were lucky enough to save on the enormous flight cost to Easter Island. The cost was around 1,200 USD per person just two days before departure. It was also New Year’s Eve, and the flight was almost full, so that must have been the maximum price per person.
However, after a quick search for flights to Easter Island on different dates, I discovered tickets as low as 281 EUR per person for flights in June. So, if you check flight fares attentively and in advance, you can find some great deals to this mysterious island.
Flight Details
The unique scheduled flight is from Santiago de Chile with Latam Airlines. They operate twice a day on wide-body aircraft—in peak season the new Dreamliner. The flight duration is 5.5 hours to reach Easter Island and 4.4 hours on the return.
Remember that Easter Island is one hour behind mainland Chile.
Important Budget Tip for Flights
Change the VPN on your device to Chile to appear as a Chilean customer purchasing a domestic ticket from the airline. Airlines often offer different rates in various markets. I know because I work for one!
They provide significantly lower prices and special offers available to their domestic market. To take advantage of these deals, set your country to Chile while browsing the airline’s website. This simple adjustment will help you discover much better rates for your flights.
Entry Costs to Easter Island
There is no entry tax for Easter Island. You will be asked to fill an online form and demonstrate the QR. You will find yourself looking for and then double checking for the region that Rapa Nui belongs, which is unbelievably Valparaiso!
However, visiting Rapa Nui National Park requires a ticket costing $72 USD per person. This ticket gives multiple access to all archaeological sites except for the most important ones. Rano Raraku and Orongo Village can only be visited once. You should show your ticket each time you enter to the sites, therefore prefer an online ticket as it will not be flown away by the Rapa Nui breeze.
Important: The park must be visited with a licensed guide or as part of a tour. Guided tours can even cost up to €500 per person, making it the second-largest expense after flights.
Budget Tip for Entry Costs
Some moai statues and archaeological sites are free to visit. You can also view sites like Ahu Akivi from public areas or parking lots without needing a ticket. Keep reading to discover how to save on guided tours in Rapa Nui.
Cost of Getting Around in Rapa Nui – Rental Prices
There is no public transport on the island. However, taxi services are available in Hanga Roa and to/from the airport. It is most common to be picked up and dropped by your host as a sign of hospitality.
Since the island is relatively large, exploring it on a bicycle or on foot can be very challenging. To discover the island and enjoy free and independent activities of Rapa Nui, it’s essential to rent a vehicle or join a guided tour.
You will easily find both tour operators and car agencies on the main street of Hanga Roa, the island’s only town.
Transportation Rental Prices (Current Rates)
- 🚴♀️ Bicycle Rental: 35 EUR/USD per day
- 🛵 Scooter Rental: 45 EUR/USD per day
- 🚗 Car Rental: 90 EUR/USD per day
Important Transportation Notes
Unfortunately rental agencies do not offer half-day rental discounts. They only operate on a 24-hour rental period for daily bookings or offer expensive hourly renting options.
On the high season it may be difficult to find the exact choice of vehicle. Book your vehicle as soon as you get to Rapa Nui.
Transportation Money-Saving Tips
- Check bicycle rental cost with your accommodation first
- Many tours include transportation, so before renting a vehicle, consider whether it’s more cost-effective to book a tour instead
- Learn more in our “HOW TO SAVE ON GUIDED TOURS” section
Accommodation Costs on Easter Island
Accommodation on Easter Island is surprisingly affordable compared to other Chilean destinations like Patagonia. You can rent an entire house from private hosts near Hanga Roa for as low as 60 EUR/USD per night for 2-4 people.
Accommodation Price Ranges
- Budget option: 60 EUR/USD per night (entire house for 2-4 people)
- Mid-range hotel: minimum of 150 EUR/USD per night
- Boutique accommodation: around 300 EUR/USD per night
Important: Camping is only permitted at the hotels with camping space and prohibited in open areas for tourists.
Locals love to camp on the beach for days or weeks during their summer holidays. We enjoyed encountering them during our trip, barbequing and listening Latin American music.
Accommodation Booking Tip: As accommodation choices are limited and fill up really quickly, Book early! This is especially important during the high season (from December to February).
Dining and Food Costs on Easter Island
Dining Out in Rapa Nui
The average cost of a main dish in a restaurant is around 20–25 USD.
If you’re looking for something more romantic, the fine dining restaurants along the seaside, near the hotel area and the port, are excellent options. Some of these places also offer dinner with traditional dance shows. These cost around 70 USD per person at a minimum, depending on your table’s location.
We tried to save money on dinner by eating noodles at the house we rented, but it was too sad an experience to repeat. Fortunately, we discovered an incredible restaurant that I cannot recommend enough: OHI SUSHI.
It’s located just on the way to the must-visit sunset spot with the moai statues at Tahai. They offer big sushi platters at very affordable prices compared to Europe.
For a budget-friendly dinner, there are several pubs and small eateries in the center of Hanga Roa, close to the stadium.
Grocery Costs in Rapa Nui
We expected higher grocery costs based on what we read online. While imported food costs more compared to the mainland, it’s not as expensive as what you’d find in Patagonia or on a French Polynesian island. However, the selection is quite limited.
Our Grocery Shopping Experience
We mostly purchased:
- Water: 2000 CLP/2 EUR
- Beer: 4000 CLP/4 USD
- Fruits (cherries and bananas): 10 USD
- Biscuits: 2 USD
- Chips and noodles
Packing Food Tips
Most blog posts recommend packing food in your luggage allowance on the LATAM flight, but be mindful of what you bring. Upon arrival, there may be checks, as it is forbidden to bring fresh fruits, vegetables, and raw meat products. Processed or canned foods are safe to bring.
Breakfast/Coffee Costs in Rapa Nui
Our favorite coffee cost 4 EUR, which seemed like good value compared to the lower-quality, slightly cheaper coffee available elsewhere. Once we got our coffee and banana cakes (a typical Rapa Nui treat) from a pastry shop on the main street. Other times we enjoyed our breakfast by the ocean shore at the Nená’s Specialty Coffee
How to Save on Guided Tours in Rapa Nui – Easter Island
The obligation to hire a guide or participate in a guided tour is the second biggest cost of visiting Rapa Nui. Tour operators can be easily found on the main road. Local guides can be encountered around the ticket office area, via the internet on the website of the Rapa Nui National Park, or through your accommodation or acquaintances you make on the island.
Here are all the options, from the most expensive to the least, along with the pros and cons of guided tours in Rapa Nui:
1. Private Tours with a Tour Operator (Most Expensive)
This is a luxury experience: private tours organized by licensed tour operators, guided by professional guides, with a personalized itinerary. The price for a half-day tour can go up to €500.
Pros: You’ll have a private guide and almost complete control over the itinerary. Cons: This is the most expensive option.
2. Group Tours with a Tour Operator
This is a more traditional tourist experience, organized by local tour operators on a bus or minibus with other fellow travelers. They follow a set itinerary and are guided by professionals.
Short tours (visiting only two minor sites) are priced around €100 per person. Full-day packages can cost up to €500 per person. If you value quality and don’t mind spending more, this option might suit your needs.
Pros: This option provides a structured itinerary and expert guidance. It’s often recommended by the ticketing office for high-quality service. Cons: Tour operator group tours can be an expensive choice. Additionally, you will be with a larger number of tourists, so you’ll need to keep pace, and taking a solo photo of yourself can be challenging.
3. Rent a Vehicle and Hire a Local Guide
One of the most flexible and cost-effective ways to explore Rapa Nui is by renting a car and taking a local guide with you. Local guides refer to Rapa Nui people authorized to take tourists to the archaeological sites. They typically have extensive knowledge of the island’s history.
Pros: This option allows you to set your own pace and avoid tour groups. It’s especially suitable for half-day tours, leaving time to explore Rapa Nui’s free attractions on your own with your vehicle. Cons: You’ll need to rent a car (min.€90/day) with enough space for your guide. You also have to negotiate the tour and price with the local guide.
4. Local Guides Organizing Tours and Transportation (Best Budget Option)
Instead of renting your car, your local guide can give you a private tour using their own vehicle. The price should not exceed 250,000 CLP (250 USD/EUR) for 1 to 2 people for a full-day tour, including the sunrise tour.
This option becomes more affordable if more tourists join together. The local guides who offer this kind of service have stalls outside the ticket office in the center.
Pros: Tours are conducted in small groups. Since local guides do not use buses, they take you around in 2-3 cars, creating a more intimate experience compared to bus tours. Cons: The quality of the guide’s service and foreign language skills may vary.
Our Experience: Budget-Friendly Local Guide Tour
We opted for the last and the most budget-friendly option. We were part of a small group of eight people across three vehicles. The tour felt almost private due to the small group size, and the cost was just €50 per person for a full-day tour (excluding sunrise tour and lunch).
What to See for Free in Rapa Nui
Visiting Free Moai Statues
Some Moai statues and ahu (ceremonial platforms) can be seen from public areas without the need for a park ticket.
Anakena Bay – Ahu Nau Nau
This is the most not only the most beautiful beach on Rapa Nui but also has important Moai statues and the entrance is free. The Anakena Beach is the only one on island having soft white sand.
Ahu Tahai – Tahai Ceremonial Complex
This historic site is famous for its Moai statues and stunning sunsets. You can visit it free of charge, and it’s just a 15-minute scenic walk from the town of Hanga Roa. The site is easily accessible and offers a great opportunity for photography, especially at sunset.
Other Solitary Moai Statues
There are many solitary Moai statues scattered across the island. One of the easiest to spot is Ahu Hotake, located at the Hanga Roa Harbour. It’s on the way from the town center to the ocean. This spot provides a quick and easy opportunity to see a Moai statue up close while exploring the area.
Beach Relaxation
Rapa Nui is not famous for its swimming opportunities; in fact, there are few of them. However, as a tropical island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it still offers plenty of charm for relaxation and enjoyment of its natural beauty.
Some beaches require a vehicle to reach, while others are within walking distance from your accommodation. Fortunately, most options are free of charge. Keep reading for detailed guidance on swimming in Rapa Nui in the “Where to Swim in Rapa Nui” section below.
Driving Around the Island
Renting a car or scooter is one of the best ways to explore Rapa Nui at your own pace. You have the flexibility to stop wherever you like.
The island is relatively small, and a drive around the coast will let you experience many hidden gems. These include secluded beaches to small free entrance archaeological sites.
Driving Safety Tips
The roads are in decent condition but you should be careful to the holes occurred due to rain. There are also many free ranch horses and cows so you should be driving 40 km/max.
Where to Swim in Rapa Nui
As a volcanic island, Rapa Nui does not offer a great variety of beach experiences. Additionally, the lack of a coral barrier makes swimming dangerous for non-experts due to strong currents and the presence of sharks.
However, it is a tropical island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and of course there are some excellent places to relax and swim:
Anakena Beach: The Best Swimming Spot
The best and only sandy beach on the island. It also features a ceremonial moai site just behind the beach. Restaurants, kiosks, and free restroom and changing room facilities are available. This makes it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the day.
Ovahe Beach: Wild and Secluded
While Anakena Beach is officially considered the only sandy beach, the wild and secluded Ovahe Beach is also sandy. However, the touists has not yet discovered it, yes it’s a Hidden Gem 🙂 This beach has a separate entrance on the road and parking area north of Anakena Beach. It is accessible by foot via a challenging path, that’s why it is less accessabile and much more quieter.
Playa Poko Poko: Walking Distance Option
Poko Poko in Italian means “a little.” This is a little beach, reached with a little walk from the center of Hanga Roa on Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile).
If you don’t have a vehicle, this is the best swimming option. You can reach it on foot by walking toward Ahu Tahai, the famous site of free moai statues at sunset.
It’s a little natural swimming pool, formed by volcanic rocks, and even has stairs for easy access. A perfect, simple spot to enjoy the water without going far.
Pea Beach: Turtle Watching
Another beach within walking distance from Hanga Roa. It is mostly rocky but occasionally offers the chance to spot sea turtles. There is a nice but costly restaurant nearby. Surfers prefer this beach to get easily to the waves as 2 different waves break before the beach.
