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- Aku Aku Turismo ☎ +56 32 2100 770. Tour operator mainly providing Spanish group tours. Their office is located next to the reception of Hotel Manutara.
- Easter Island Travel ☎ +56 32 2100 510. Specialized in small group tours and private tours, custom adventure experiences and independent cruise ship shore excursions. English and Spanish speaking guides.
- Green Island Tours Tour company providing private and group tours.
- Kia Koe Tour, Atamu Tekena s/n, Hanga Roa, ☎ +56 32 2100 282. The major tour operator on Easter Island has an office on the main street. Tours are available with a group or with a private guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Japanese. They also provide charter and cruiser service. The company was founded in 1984.
- Mahinatur ☎ +56 32 2100 635. One of the oldest tour operators, their specialty are tours in French.
- Maururu Travel ☎ +56 2 29 846 608 +56 32 255 0059. Tour company providing private and regulars tours in Spanish, English, Japanese, and French. They also operate a Hop-On Hop-Off bus (Ara Moai) that does not have a tour guide but a recording, instead (in Spanish, English, French, and German).
- Rapa Nui Travel ☎ +56 32 2100 548. Tour operator providing especially German group tours.
- Terevaka, the highest point of the island, is an easy route. It takes c. 1.5h to reach the top of the hill and approx. 1h for return (from and to Ahu Akivi). Another option is to start from Vaitea (approx. halfway to main beach Anakena). You might get there with a horseback riding operator, as well (generally there's tour every morning, depending on the weather).
- Rano Kau can be easily reached by foot. When you'll reach the volcanic crater, just take the path on the east side of the crater to see some scenery not accessible with vehicles. Since there's also a road to Orongo, you might reach Rano Kau with a bike or simply attend a tour.
- North-West coast is a route that takes approx. 5-7 hours and requires some planning and preparations ahead. You might just take a taxi to main beach Anakena and move along the coast all the way back to Hanga Roa. Horseback riding is also possible, even there's less availability (the route is not as popular and it's more expensive, as well). While there are several archaeological sites, not many are of great interest. Among them, a cave filled with petroglyphs.
- Poike is an isolated northeaster peninsula with high cliffs falling away to the ocean below. Some of it is now used as a cattle station. It takes c. 1.5h to climb to the top. Along the way, you might see some interesting details including the infamous "cave of the virgin."
- Te Moana. Quite possibly the best restaurant on the island. The tuna sandwich is particularly good. A live band is often playing on Wednesdays and the weekends. Get to Te Moana early or it is likely that you will not get a table.
- La Taverne du Pêcheur. A small restaurant in the port section of the village held by a resident of Rapa Nui who lived for some time in French Polynesia. Very good seafood, the most expensive restaurant on the island. Some consider it to be a lot of money for not much of value.
- Varua, Atamu Takena. A new restaurant with all the classics to be found on the island at good prices, plus an excellent value Menu del dia. Service and food both excellent.
- Au bout du Monde. A nice Belgian restaurant overlooking the sea. Pretty expensive but the seafood is really good. During certain nights, you can also watch a Polynesian dance for an hour or so.
- Hetu u, ☎ +56 39 552163. 10:00-23:00. Great food and staff. Try the shrimp, tuna, and sopaipillas.
- Aringa Ora. This restaurant, one of the largest, is easily recognized because of the two Moai facsimiles that stand either side of its front door. Its location at the southern end of the main road and its simple and low-price dishes mean its often quite busy.
- BonBon Chinois, Avenida Pont. Small place that does both Thai, Peruvian and Polynesian dishes in addition to the local fare.
- next to the main Kai Nene supermarket is an empanada shop, where a variety of cheap and tasty made-to-order on the spot empanadas can be had.
- at the end of the main street walking towards the east, are several food stands, which prepare hot dogs with many toppings, chicken sandwiches, to slightly more elaborate meals such as mashed potatoes and steak, in a pleasant outdoor seating area.
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Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island (Spanish: Isla de Pascua, Polynesian: Rapa Nui) is one of the most isolated islands on Earth. Early settlers called the island "Te Pito O Te Henua" (Navel of The World). Officially a territory of Chile, it lies far off in the Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway to Tahiti. Known as one of the world's sacred sites, it is most famous for its enigmatic giant stone statues or Moai whose oversized heads, carved centuries ago, reflect the history of the dramatic rise and fall of the most isolated Polynesian culture.
The English name of the island commemorates its European discovery by a Dutch exploration vessel on Easter Sunday in 1722.
Ever since Thor Heyerdahl and a small party of adventurers sailed their raft from South America to the Tuamotu islands, far to the north of Easter Island, a controversy has raged over the origin of the Islanders. Today DNA testing has proved... Read more
Easter Island, Chile
Destination:
Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island (Spanish: Isla de Pascua, Polynesian: Rapa Nui) is one of the most isolated islands on Earth. Early settlers called the island "Te Pito O Te Henua" (Navel of The World). Officially a territory of Chile, it lies far off in the Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway to Tahiti. Known as one of the world's sacred sites, it is most famous for its enigmatic giant stone statues or Moai whose oversized heads, carved centuries ago, reflect the history of the dramatic rise and fall of the most isolated Polynesian culture.
The English name of the island commemorates its European discovery by a Dutch exploration vessel on Easter Sunday in 1722.
Ever since Thor Heyerdahl and a small party of adventurers sailed their raft from South America to the Tuamotu islands, far to the north of Easter Island, a controversy has raged over the origin of the Islanders. Today DNA testing has proved conclusively that the Polynesians arrived from the west rather than the east, and that the people of Easter Island are descendants of intrepid voyagers who set out from another island thousands of years ago. Legend says that the people left for Easter Island because their own island was slowly being swallowed by the sea.
In brief, the prehistory of Easter Island is one of supreme accomplishment, flourishing and civilization, followed by environmental devastation and decline. Although it is not agreed when people first arrived on Easter Island (with estimates ranging from several hundred to more than one thousand years ago), a consensus seems to be that the first peoples arrived from Polynesia. Rather than being inhabited by mistake or chance, evidence has suggested that Easter Island was colonized deliberately by large boats with many settlers—a remarkable feat given the distance of Easter Island from any other land in the Pacific Ocean.
The first islanders found a land of undoubted paradise—archaeological evidence shows that the island was covered in trees of various sorts, including the largest palm tree species in the world, whose bark and wood furnished the natives with cloth, rope, and canoes. Birds were abundant as well and provided food for them. A mild climate favored an easy life, and abundant waters yielded fish and oysters.
The islanders prospered due to these advantages, and a reflection of this is the religion which sprouted in their leisure, which had at its centerpiece the giant moai statues, that are the island's most distinctive feature today. These moai, which the island is littered with, are supposed to have been depictions of ancestors, whose presence likely was considered a blessing or watchful safekeeping eye over each small village. The ruins of Rano Raraku crater, the stone quarry where most of the Moai were carved and outside which many still sit today, is a testament to how central these figures were to the Islanders, and how their life revolved around these creations. It has been suggested that their isolation from all other peoples fueled this outlet of trade and creativity—lacking any other significant way to direct their skills and resources. The bird-man culture (seen in petroglyphs), is an obvious testament to the islanders' fascination with the ability to leave their island for distant lands.
However, as the population grew, so did pressures on the island's environment. Deforestation of the island's trees gradually increased, and as this main resource was depleted, the Islanders would find it hard to continue making rope, canoes, and all the necessities to hunt and fish, and ultimately, support the culture that produced the giant stone figureheads. Apparently, disagreements began to break out (with some violence) as confidence in the old religion was lost, and is reflected partly in the ruins of moai which were deliberately toppled by human hands. By the end of the glory of the Easter Island culture, the population had crashed in numbers, and the residents—with little food or other ways to obtain sustenance—resorted sometimes to cannibalism and a bare subsistence. Subsequent slave raids by powers such as Peru and Bolivia devastated the population even more, as did epidemics of western diseases until barely a hundred native Rapa Nui were left by the late nineteenth century.
Today, Rapa Nui National Park is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its residents rely much on the tourism and economic links to Chile and daily flights to Santiago. As with many native peoples, the Rapa Nui seek a link to their past and how to integrate their culture with the political, economic, and social realities of today.
Source:
https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/
Easter_Island
Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0
Easter Island, Chile: Port Information
Cruise ships anchor offshore, and passengers are transported ashore by tender boats.
It is about 1.5 miles to the center of Hanga Roa. Taxis are available.
It is about 1.5 miles to the center of Hanga Roa. Taxis are available.
Get around Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island is relatively small, so it is possible to get around fairly easily, even though public transportation is not available. That, of course, is except for taxis, which are plentiful and very cheap. In fact, the flat rate pricing makes taxis a great island bargain. Taxis come in minutes and are fast and accurate. Meters are not used. The flat rate applies to a pickup and a delivery so if you say you want to go to Restaurant X and when you get there it is closed it is still assumed you will pay the 2000 pesos and again after the driver takes you to your new destination. Taxis can take you to further out destinations, but this is not recommended as a one way trip to a popular moai site outside of town could easily run you a lot of money. Moreover, cell phone coverage is only in Hanga Roa, so you would, in fact, be stranded unless you make expensive arrangements for the taxi to wait for you, or to return at a specified time. Taxis are a mix of vehicles ranging from new vehicles to old beaters, all at the same price.
The cheapest option is a Hop on - Hop off "Ara Moai" bus. It’s an open bus with the shape of a Moai laying in its back, with the “hop on, hop off” system, from where you will be able to enjoy beautiful sights of the island while riding comfortably on it. Also, you have the chance to go on and off as much as you like during the day. On the bus, you will find a Multilanguage self-guided record (Spanish, English, French, and German). Throughout this task, you will hear a brief review of each point of the route. The tour is all around the island, covering the most important places in Hanga Roa (The Catholic church, cemetery, Hanga Roa’s harbor, Taha Tai Hotel, Ara Moai Office and the Airport). From there it follows the road through the East coast passing by Vaihu, Akahanga, Te Ara o te Moai, Rano Raraku quarry, Ahu Tongariki, all across Poike, passing by Pu o Hiro, Papa Vaka, Te Pito Kura, Ovahe and Anakena Beach. Taking the interior road back to Hanga Roa. It finishes the tour back at the Catholic Church. They offer three tours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
The most popular option is to visit archaeological sites with a tour company.
There are also plenty of rental cars, generally 4x4s with manual transmission, available by rental agencies in Hanga Roa, as well as other vehicles. However, it should be noted that vehicles of the island are not insured since mainland insurance companies do not offer any insurances for the island even for residents. Thus, you cannot rent a vehicle without a guarantee (your credit card).
Bicycles are also available, but you should be well-prepared since summer months can be exhausting due to the combination of heat and humidity. Some protection against wind and rain is highly recommended between June and August. The road to Anakena is paved but most of the dirt roads are challenging (quite uneven and potholed). However, an experienced biker will be perfectly fine everywhere on the island. The roads to all major sites are paved at least to their parking areas. Most places will require a passport to hire a bike as a guarantee.
A valid driver's license specifically for motor scooters and motorbikes is required. Otherwise, driver's licenses for cars will allow the use of cars or 4x4 quad bikes.
There are no street lights outside of Hanga Roa. Driving in Hanga Roa is part art as well as science since the roads are quite narrow, the drivers very speedy and the streets poorly signed, if at all. The downtown is quite compact, however. Once in town, it is walkable, but relying on walking everywhere might not work out for you since the town is spread out generally, and hilly in parts with poor sidewalks. There are no traffic lights in Hanga Roa.
There are plenty of stray dogs but since they're not aggressive, a strict voice with a gesture should shoo them away. They want a handout but mostly do not growl or bark and are approachable and receive human contact well. They don't fear humans but usually will go away when you ask loudly. The stray animal problem is something of a shame about the island. Dogs are sometimes found lying dead in parks, etc.
What to see in Easter Island, Chile
The biggest tourist attractions on Easter Island are the Moai standing upon ceremonial platforms called Ahu.
Please note that the Moai and their platforms are protected by law and should not be approached under any circumstances. Do not walk on the Ahu. It would be an extremely disrespectful gesture and in case you damage the sites, even accidentally, the punishment is severe. Recently a German tourist who broke the ear off a moai was criminally charged and punished with a fine of USD100,000.
Rano Raraku and Orongo require entrance to the national park that can be bought at the CONAF office. The same entrance is valid in both locations so make sure you keep your ticket safe. The rest of the island can be visited without an entrance.
Ahus are mostly located along the coastline of the island. First-time visitors may be struck by how many archaeological sites there are around the island, where you can be virtually alone depending the season and time of the day.
Each clan typically had an ahu, although not all of them had Moais, so as you drive around the south coast of the island every mile will contain sites with ruins.
Two exceptional sites are the volcanic craters of Rano Kau and Rano Raraku. The slightly inland quarry at "Rano Raraku" is where the majority of Moais were created, on a hillside. This 300-foot volcano remnant provided the stones for the great figures and is where a visitor can see various stages of the carving, as well as partially-finished figures scattered around. A climb to the left side of the crater, over the top, and into the bowl, is well worth it. The opposite lip of the crater, where some of the moai were carved, is one of the most dramatic sites on the island but, unfortunately, currently off-limits.
Similarly, Rano Kau is the remains of a volcanic cinder cone which, like Rano Raraku, is filled with fresh rainwater and has a mottled unearthly appearance that is breathtaking. Nearby are other viewpoints of Hanga Roa.
Easter Island features two white sand beaches. Anakena, on the north side of the island, is an excellent shorebreak bodysurfing location with a bit of north swell. Even the 1-inch waves barrel (it's also possible to surf in the harbor at Hanga Roa and many of the locals do so). There's a small parking lot, a restroom/changing facility, several small BBQ joints with cold drinks, and a shaded picnic area. The waving palm trees imported from Tahiti complete the calming effect. Anakena includes 2 ahus with the Moai. Be careful walking under the trees, as coconuts can fall. Anakena is believed to be the place where colonizing tribes first arrived on Easter Island and is considered Easter Island's societal birthplace.
The second beach is a hidden gem called Ovahe, east from Anakena. This beautiful and desolate beach is surrounded by breathtaking cliffs. Caution: the path leading down to the beach is somewhat treacherous and unstable and best reached by foot - driving off-road (contrary to the misguided and somewhat callous actions of some tourists) on most of the island is illegal anyway.
Occasionally, great waves wash away all the sand from Ovahe that slowly returns along with waves. This last occurred in 2012.
Some areas are recuperation zones (Poike peninsula and Terevaka) where trees are planted. These areas can be accessed only by feet or horseback riding. Accessing recuperation zones with a vehicle is strictly forbidden.
Most of the west coast cannot be accessed with a vehicle and, thus, hiking or horseback riding (limited availability) are options.
Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular, even it's now restricted in some areas (near the islets Motu Nui and Motu Iti). There are diving centers that rent the equipment and organize boat tours for diving: Atariki Rapa Nui, Orca and Mike Rapu Diving.
An often overlooked but particularly fascinating and "other-worldly" aspect of Easter Island is its extensive cave systems. While there are a couple of "official" caves that are quite interesting in their own right, there is also real adventure to be had in exploring all of the numerous unofficial caves on the island, most of which are found near Ana Kakenga.
CONAF (the organization maintaining the national park) has classified caves as dangerous and park rangers have been regulating access to caves since March 2014. According to park rangers, there's a danger of collapse, especially in the case of Ana Te Pahu which runs under a road. Consequently, tour operators will no longer lead their clients to the caves (cave visits are now replaced with other archaeological sites). At the moment, there are no fences that prevent access and local guides can visit the caves with individual clients even though certain precautions and limitations are applied.
While the openings to most of these caves are small (some barely large enough to crawl through) and hidden (amid a rather surreal lava strewn field that has been likened to the surface of Mars), many of them open up into prohibitively deep and extensive cave systems. Note of caution: these caves can be dangerous in that quite a few run extremely deep. A person left without a torch will be immersed in utter blackness with little hope of finding their way out soon... if ever. The caves are also extremely damp and slippery (some ceilings have collapsed over time from water erosion). Additionally, subtropical rain should not be underestimated. Climate changes very rapidly and there is a risk of getting surprised by rainwater suddenly flooding into caves with only limited space to move.
Big sea turtles can also be seen near fishing boats.
Please note that the Moai and their platforms are protected by law and should not be approached under any circumstances. Do not walk on the Ahu. It would be an extremely disrespectful gesture and in case you damage the sites, even accidentally, the punishment is severe. Recently a German tourist who broke the ear off a moai was criminally charged and punished with a fine of USD100,000.
Rano Raraku and Orongo require entrance to the national park that can be bought at the CONAF office. The same entrance is valid in both locations so make sure you keep your ticket safe. The rest of the island can be visited without an entrance.
Ahus are mostly located along the coastline of the island. First-time visitors may be struck by how many archaeological sites there are around the island, where you can be virtually alone depending the season and time of the day.
Each clan typically had an ahu, although not all of them had Moais, so as you drive around the south coast of the island every mile will contain sites with ruins.
Two exceptional sites are the volcanic craters of Rano Kau and Rano Raraku. The slightly inland quarry at "Rano Raraku" is where the majority of Moais were created, on a hillside. This 300-foot volcano remnant provided the stones for the great figures and is where a visitor can see various stages of the carving, as well as partially-finished figures scattered around. A climb to the left side of the crater, over the top, and into the bowl, is well worth it. The opposite lip of the crater, where some of the moai were carved, is one of the most dramatic sites on the island but, unfortunately, currently off-limits.
Similarly, Rano Kau is the remains of a volcanic cinder cone which, like Rano Raraku, is filled with fresh rainwater and has a mottled unearthly appearance that is breathtaking. Nearby are other viewpoints of Hanga Roa.
Easter Island features two white sand beaches. Anakena, on the north side of the island, is an excellent shorebreak bodysurfing location with a bit of north swell. Even the 1-inch waves barrel (it's also possible to surf in the harbor at Hanga Roa and many of the locals do so). There's a small parking lot, a restroom/changing facility, several small BBQ joints with cold drinks, and a shaded picnic area. The waving palm trees imported from Tahiti complete the calming effect. Anakena includes 2 ahus with the Moai. Be careful walking under the trees, as coconuts can fall. Anakena is believed to be the place where colonizing tribes first arrived on Easter Island and is considered Easter Island's societal birthplace.
The second beach is a hidden gem called Ovahe, east from Anakena. This beautiful and desolate beach is surrounded by breathtaking cliffs. Caution: the path leading down to the beach is somewhat treacherous and unstable and best reached by foot - driving off-road (contrary to the misguided and somewhat callous actions of some tourists) on most of the island is illegal anyway.
Occasionally, great waves wash away all the sand from Ovahe that slowly returns along with waves. This last occurred in 2012.
Some areas are recuperation zones (Poike peninsula and Terevaka) where trees are planted. These areas can be accessed only by feet or horseback riding. Accessing recuperation zones with a vehicle is strictly forbidden.
Most of the west coast cannot be accessed with a vehicle and, thus, hiking or horseback riding (limited availability) are options.
Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular, even it's now restricted in some areas (near the islets Motu Nui and Motu Iti). There are diving centers that rent the equipment and organize boat tours for diving: Atariki Rapa Nui, Orca and Mike Rapu Diving.
An often overlooked but particularly fascinating and "other-worldly" aspect of Easter Island is its extensive cave systems. While there are a couple of "official" caves that are quite interesting in their own right, there is also real adventure to be had in exploring all of the numerous unofficial caves on the island, most of which are found near Ana Kakenga.
CONAF (the organization maintaining the national park) has classified caves as dangerous and park rangers have been regulating access to caves since March 2014. According to park rangers, there's a danger of collapse, especially in the case of Ana Te Pahu which runs under a road. Consequently, tour operators will no longer lead their clients to the caves (cave visits are now replaced with other archaeological sites). At the moment, there are no fences that prevent access and local guides can visit the caves with individual clients even though certain precautions and limitations are applied.
While the openings to most of these caves are small (some barely large enough to crawl through) and hidden (amid a rather surreal lava strewn field that has been likened to the surface of Mars), many of them open up into prohibitively deep and extensive cave systems. Note of caution: these caves can be dangerous in that quite a few run extremely deep. A person left without a torch will be immersed in utter blackness with little hope of finding their way out soon... if ever. The caves are also extremely damp and slippery (some ceilings have collapsed over time from water erosion). Additionally, subtropical rain should not be underestimated. Climate changes very rapidly and there is a risk of getting surprised by rainwater suddenly flooding into caves with only limited space to move.
Big sea turtles can also be seen near fishing boats.
What to do in Easter Island, Chile
Tours
Group tours are the most common way to explore the island. Considering the lack of public transportation, sharing a tour with a group of travelers is an efficient way of reducing environmental stress. Tour companies provide private tours, as well.Local, native, tour guides can also show you aspects that you might otherwise never see or hear.
Travel agencies sell vacation packages that include accommodation and tours. However, only locally owned companies can legally provide their services tax-free (invoices they give you refer to law 16.441) meaning that you'll avoid VAT and other taxes when you contact operators directly.
There are a few local tour operators, each of them having at least a decade of experience each.
The tourist information office might also get you connected with a freelancer but professional guides work mainly for the major tour operators.
Some guidebooks refer to operators that do not exist anymore. Some of the companies are small and, typically, a guide might work on his/her own, depending the season. While marketing names for tours, as well as tour routes, might be slightly different, there's hardly any real difference between them.
When dealing with a minor company or individual freelancer, you should always have a service description and total cost in written form just to be on a safe side. Additionally, legal companies in Chile, including Easter Island, have a RUT (9 digit code).
Trekking
Trekking is fairly easy on Easter Island. It's not necessary to hire a guide for this activity, although to see some of the hidden archeological treasures along these routes it may be advisable. If you choose to do so without a guide you'll only need a simple map and some advice from hotel reception or park rangers (especially considering the local laws and regulations).In most cases, trekking can be considered as a complementary way of seeing (the rest of) the island after visiting the most famous archaeological sites.
The most popular trekking options are recuperation zones and, thus, cannot be accessed with any kind of vehicle (even the old paths are still partially visible, it's forbidden to access those areas):
What to eat and drink in Easter Island, Chile
Eat
There are around 25 restaurants catering to tourists on the island. A few can be found close to the dock in Hanga Roa, with a few others scattered in the surrounding areas. Menus tend to be limited, as most of the food on the island needs to be imported. The range of fish, though, is considerable - as is true for most of Chile. There are also a few "supermarkets" where visitors can pick up snacks, limited sundries, booze, etc.
Like the souvenir vendors on the island, many restaurants do not accept credit cards or will have a high minimum charge. Also tipping is appreciated but should be done in moderation, usually spare change or less than 10% works.
As a result of the increased amount of tourists, some of the restaurants may be a kind of "tourist trap," so don't hesitate to ask your guide or your host for advice where to go.
Those on a backpacker's budget or seeking simple food can try the following two options:
Drink
Chilean specialty, pisco, made from fermented grapes is the unofficial drink of the island, as well.
However, pisco sour, which is pisco mixed with lemon juice and egg whites might be a better option unless you're used to whisky or rum. Drinking pisco straight has less of a kick than Vodka, although Chileans would not advise it.
On the island, you might also try papaya sour, mango sour or guave sour depending on the season. All of these are natural juice mixed with pisco.
Another common cocktail is the piscola - pisco with coke.
There's a local brewery called Mahina producing both artesanal pale ale and stout. It's sometimes out of production due to limited capacity. Yummy and bottles make super island souvenirs. Despite of its name and local owner, brand Akivi is produced in mainland Chile (brewery is located in Quilpué). The same goes with wine brand Anakena.
Shopping in Easter Island, Chile
Since there's only one village, Hanga Roa, on the island, artisan markets and shops are mostly located on the main street, church street or nearby.
Many small local vendors set up their own tables at the big sites where the tourist buses stop and are worth a look if you want local crafts or souvenirs not clearly mass produced elsewhere.
The official currency is the Chilean peso (CLP) but, unlike in mainland Chile, you might pay in cash using US dollars (USD). Almost all businesses accept USD, but do the math to check which one is better for you. Taxi drivers accept only small USD bills but might have no change.
Some guidebooks refer that you can use euros (EUR) but that information is false even though some souvenir shops readily take your cash. However, the gas station will change euros using a reasonable exchange rate (and is more convenient than banks).
When buying souvenirs it's best to use cash. Often the vendors will have a very high minimum charge or will tack on a service fee for using a credit card (about 10-20%). This is only if the vendor accepts credit cards at all; many small vendors will only accept cash.
The local bank can do cash advances against a Visa card, but the bank opening times are limited (Monday to Friday, 08:00-13:00) and the lines can be long, especially at the end of the month.
One of the most peculiar things on the island is that banks (and, thus, CONAF and almost all businesses) are very picky when it comes to the condition of USD bills. Bills are not considered valid in case of rips, tears, markings or otherwise old and weary. Those bills you might save for some other destination. However, when you accept USD yourself (or exchange money before visiting the island), you should keep this in mind.
There is no 19% VAT on Easter Island unlike in mainland Chile.
Many small local vendors set up their own tables at the big sites where the tourist buses stop and are worth a look if you want local crafts or souvenirs not clearly mass produced elsewhere.
The official currency is the Chilean peso (CLP) but, unlike in mainland Chile, you might pay in cash using US dollars (USD). Almost all businesses accept USD, but do the math to check which one is better for you. Taxi drivers accept only small USD bills but might have no change.
Some guidebooks refer that you can use euros (EUR) but that information is false even though some souvenir shops readily take your cash. However, the gas station will change euros using a reasonable exchange rate (and is more convenient than banks).
When buying souvenirs it's best to use cash. Often the vendors will have a very high minimum charge or will tack on a service fee for using a credit card (about 10-20%). This is only if the vendor accepts credit cards at all; many small vendors will only accept cash.
The local bank can do cash advances against a Visa card, but the bank opening times are limited (Monday to Friday, 08:00-13:00) and the lines can be long, especially at the end of the month.
One of the most peculiar things on the island is that banks (and, thus, CONAF and almost all businesses) are very picky when it comes to the condition of USD bills. Bills are not considered valid in case of rips, tears, markings or otherwise old and weary. Those bills you might save for some other destination. However, when you accept USD yourself (or exchange money before visiting the island), you should keep this in mind.
There is no 19% VAT on Easter Island unlike in mainland Chile.
Safety in Easter Island, Chile
In practice, there are no street crimes in Hanga Roa. Thus, well-behaved tourists have nothing to fear. Tourists who need police help can contact the local office of the PDI (Chilean Federal Police) just outside of town by a short taxi ride, open until 6 pm. However, be warned the officers tend to speak only Spanish.
It's dark in the morning during winter months (June-August) and it might be chilly at nights until spring (September-October). Sun protection and something against wind should be taken into account, depending the season.
Hepatitis shots are suggested by the CDC for Easter Island visitors, mainly due to street food vendors and tropical water supply. Easter Island officials insist the water is safe, but some say it has a funny taste and therefore could upset your stomach. Best avoid tap water and street food until you know how it will affect you. Better hotels will prepare all foods and beverages with the tourists' stomachs in mind and therefore will be safe as will most restaurants. Day trips by organized tour companies often include a prepared lunch. These too should be safe as many tour companies are associated with hotels and get their foods from the tourist hotel kitchens, but if in doubt, ask.
Easter Island has lots of stray dogs. It is advisable not to let them get close since some of the dogs are unpredictable. Get rid of stray dogs with a combination of a commanding voice and a strict gesture. If you get bitten by a dog, get to the hospital for a rabies shot.
Visitors to Anakena beach should be cautious walking under the palm trees. It can be breezy and coconuts can fall and hit you. Furthermore, Anakena beach has a number of very exotic looking food and drink vendors that would be fun to patronize, but always keep in mind there is no running water in that part of the island, so hygiene and food safety should be a particular interest to you in choosing what to buy. If you have decided to get the hepatitis shots before coming to the island, keep in mind they take three shots and several months before full protection can be claimed.
Be aware that some of the island sites are reached only after long walks, sometimes steep and potholed. Always get the opinion of your guide. Too many 700 meter walks will tire you quickly. Visitors will enjoy their visit more, especially to key sites, if some degree of physical exertion does not present a problem. Visitors who have trouble walking, using stairs, or use wheelchairs will have their visit considerably curtailed. The trails and accesses just do not support wheeled transportation. Stairs can be very steep and fairly narrow, with people going up and down on the same set. Steep overlooks sometimes do not have safety rails. Most trails are not paved and can be narrow. Walking off trails is not permitted and will attract complaints from your tour guide as well as being against park rules.
It's dark in the morning during winter months (June-August) and it might be chilly at nights until spring (September-October). Sun protection and something against wind should be taken into account, depending the season.
Hepatitis shots are suggested by the CDC for Easter Island visitors, mainly due to street food vendors and tropical water supply. Easter Island officials insist the water is safe, but some say it has a funny taste and therefore could upset your stomach. Best avoid tap water and street food until you know how it will affect you. Better hotels will prepare all foods and beverages with the tourists' stomachs in mind and therefore will be safe as will most restaurants. Day trips by organized tour companies often include a prepared lunch. These too should be safe as many tour companies are associated with hotels and get their foods from the tourist hotel kitchens, but if in doubt, ask.
Easter Island has lots of stray dogs. It is advisable not to let them get close since some of the dogs are unpredictable. Get rid of stray dogs with a combination of a commanding voice and a strict gesture. If you get bitten by a dog, get to the hospital for a rabies shot.
Visitors to Anakena beach should be cautious walking under the palm trees. It can be breezy and coconuts can fall and hit you. Furthermore, Anakena beach has a number of very exotic looking food and drink vendors that would be fun to patronize, but always keep in mind there is no running water in that part of the island, so hygiene and food safety should be a particular interest to you in choosing what to buy. If you have decided to get the hepatitis shots before coming to the island, keep in mind they take three shots and several months before full protection can be claimed.
Be aware that some of the island sites are reached only after long walks, sometimes steep and potholed. Always get the opinion of your guide. Too many 700 meter walks will tire you quickly. Visitors will enjoy their visit more, especially to key sites, if some degree of physical exertion does not present a problem. Visitors who have trouble walking, using stairs, or use wheelchairs will have their visit considerably curtailed. The trails and accesses just do not support wheeled transportation. Stairs can be very steep and fairly narrow, with people going up and down on the same set. Steep overlooks sometimes do not have safety rails. Most trails are not paved and can be narrow. Walking off trails is not permitted and will attract complaints from your tour guide as well as being against park rules.
Language spoken in Easter Island, Chile
As the island is part of Chile, the government language is Spanish. The indigenous people speak the Rapa Nui language.
Basic English is widely understood in tourist places.
Basic English is widely understood in tourist places.
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LOCAL TIME
6:26 pm
June 25, 2019
Pacific/Easter
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LOCAL CURRENCY
CLP
 1 USD = 0
CLP
 1 EUR = 0
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 1 GBP = 0
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 1 AUD = 0
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 1 CAD = 0
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Travelers recommend visiting the following places of interests
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Latest travel blogs about Easter Island, Chile
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I'm going to tell you about one strange place. You can clearly see in the title picture that we are talking about Easter Island . The island is not very large. It is home to the inactive volcano called Terevaka , two craters of which are located at opposite ends of the... |
 According to the legend of the islanders, this is the
Bay of Anakena
, where the first leader of the Rapa Nui Hotu-Matua landed.
At the entrance to the
beach
, there's free parking and a toilet for $1, and a few souvenir shops. Among the palm grove, there are wooden tables with... |
 There are 3 beaches on
Easter Island
. One of them is a city beach, but in this review, I'm going to show you a hidden and remote beach on the island, called Ovahe Beach.
A small cove is hidden from the eyes of tourists, and it is impossible to see it from the road, passing by. The scenic... |
 One of the volcanoes on
Easter Island
is
Rano Raraku
. This is an extinct volcano that is up to 492 feet (150 meters) tall, with a freshwater lake inside the crater. This place is known by the fact that, earlier, there was a quarry where the statues were made over 500 years ago,... |
 Tongariki
is the largest ceremonial complex on
Easter Island
! Here, there are 15 moai statues set on the ahu platform.
Ahu is a ceremonial platform, which (according to beliefs of the indigenous people) formed a spiritual link between this world and the next. However, their... |
 We came to
Easter Island
to see the mysterious statues!
At the airport, you take a map of the island with a detailed locations of all the moai.
Moai are monolithic stone statues, which were made by Polynesian natives between 1250 and 1500.
Today, there are 887 statues, and 834 statues... |
 The harbor in
Hanga Roa
(
Easter Island
) is located not far from the post office, fire station and stadium. One can go down this way to reach the ocean.
It is impossible to get close to the waterfront, as there was a barrier near the road, but we were lucky because it was... |