Easter Island holidays
Easter Island holidays at a glance
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is an incredible, one-of-a-kind place. Part of Easter Island Chile territory yet isolated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, this tiny volcanic isle was first settled by Polynesian voyagers sailing in from the west, and it’s their descendants’ Polynesian culture that shapes the island today.
Once densely forested and fertile, the rugged, hilly landscape supported a population that carved the island’s famous moai statues, among the world’s greatest archaeological mysteries. Today the terrain is rocky, treeless grassland, striking in its bare and haunting way, with a coastline of dark coves interrupted by the odd sparkling white beach.
Despite its small size, the island packs in a remarkable concentration of archaeological sites, cultural heritage and natural beauty, from volcanic craters to ancient ceremonial platforms lined with moai.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Easter Island
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
This volcanic island, isolated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, is best known for the enigmatic stone heads dotted across its grassy plains and white-sand coves.
When to visit Easter Island
Easter Island enjoys a balmy, temperate climate that makes it possible to visit for most of the year, so the best time to visit Easter Island really comes down to whether you’d rather have warmth or fewer crowds.
With soaring temperatures and little chance of rainfall, this is the most popular time to visit Easter Island. The clear skies are ideal for photographers wishing to capture the island’s enigmatic Maoi. The Tapati Rapa Nui festival in February draws large crowds from across the globe to watch the traditional competitions between local families.
Spring offers warm temperatures and lower humidity, with refreshing ocean breezes to cool you off while you hike alongside rugged cliffs and coastlines. The most iconic Moai sites will be less busy during this quieter shoulder season.
Temperatures are at their mildest, though it remains pleasantly warm. There is more chance of rainfall during these months, but with less visitors you’ll experience the island at its most peaceful.
The climate is warm but not stiflingly hot, with low humidity and cooler temperatures than summer. This is ideal hiking weather – visit the swaying palms and white sands of Anakena Beach, or the dramatic Rano Kau crater.
Top Things to do in Easter Island
Easter Island offers a fascinating mixture of archaeology, walking trails, volcanic landscapes and Polynesian culture.
Criss-cross Easter Island’s rugged expanse on a network of walking trails to really make the most of your stay.
Visit Tongariki at sunrise for one of Easter island’s most spellbinding iconic views.
Pay a visit to the enigmatic stone heads that stand guard over a breathtakingly remote territory.
Accommodation in Easter Island
After a day spent exploring, we hand-pick a small portfolio of comfortable places to stay across the island, from boutique lodges close to Hanga Roa to properties designed around the island’s volcanic scenery.
Secluded hotel overlooking the ocean, with boathouse-style cabins spread amongst beautiful tropical gardens.
Exceptional first-class hotel, with a focus on unique experiences and luxurious yet unassuming design, nestled in the stunning setting of Easter Island.
Taha Tai Hotel offers relaxed accommodation close to the Pacific shoreline in Easter Island.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Tailor-Made Easter Island Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Signature Peru and Chile: Machu Picchu and Easter Island
Places visited: Lima · Machu Picchu · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Santiago and the vineyards · Easter Island
15 days from £5,930
FAQs about visiting Easter Island
Easter Island is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit Easter island?
Easter Island has a balmy, temperate climate. The most popular season for visits is Sep – Apr.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken on Easter island?
The main language spoken on Easter Island is Spanish.
- What currency do I need on Easter island?
The Chilean Peso is the main currency used on Easter Island. Notes can be withdrawn from the ATM using a UK credit or debit card (NOT Visa). Limits may be lower than your UK bank allows. There are also many shops where you can exchange US dollars cash at a rate a little poorer than in Santiago.
- What is the time difference between Easter island and UK?
The time difference between Easter Island and the UK is GMT -6 hours. Sometimes daylight saving is observed in the summer, from Sep – Oct to early Mar.
- What places combine well with Easter island?
Santiago, vast multi-layered capital, 106 km (2 hours by road); a stay at one of the vineyards in the Colchagua, Maipo and Casablanca valleys, 177 km by road.
- How do I get to Easter island?
It’s a 5 hour flight direct from Santiago.
- What are the festivals and cultural events in Easter island?
New Year: Valparaiso; 3 days of festival attended by over a million visitors, with a firework display on the bay.
International Music Festival: Viña del Mar, a week in Feb. This event once attracted stars of international renown, nowadays it is more a showcase for aspiring Latin American pop stars.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
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