Located off the coast of Chile, the remote, volcanic Easter Island is not the easiest destination to get to. Although it’s occasionally part of world cruise itineraries, even those excursions give just a small taste of what the destination is like, and it can otherwise be challenging to plan a trip here, as there is often limited flight availability.
In fact, LATAM Airlines is the only airline that flies to Easter Island, offering five-hour flights from Santiago, Chile, a few times per week (depending on the season) — which means exploring the island’s Polynesian roots, learning about Rapa Nui National Park’s moai statues and seeing the incredible scenery takes advance planning and expertise.
But booking an Easter Island getaway for clients through a tour operator such as SA Expeditions provides a more seamless, uncomplicated experience. The U.S.-based operator — known for its customized, private guided tours around the world, including luxury river cruises through the Amazon, tours through the Galapagos Islands, African safaris and more — can create a multiday itinerary for clients and assist with everything from flight bookings and hotels to restaurants and private guided tours.
SA Expeditions’ trips focus on exploration, life-changing experiences and conservation efforts, and the tour operator will craft the ideal itinerary for clients based on their interests, handling all the moving parts along the way
Easter Island trips generally begin with a flight from Santiago, Chile, and the capital city is worthy of exploration, too.
Credit: 2023 stock.adobe.comSantiago: The Easter Island Starting Point
Any trip to Easter Island essentially begins in Santiago, from which the flights to Easter Island originate. Clients can make the most of their time on mainland Chile by taking one of the many tours offered through Turistik, including a Hop On Hop Off bus pass. I recommend taking in the view from the top of the city’s Cerro San Cristobal hill via cable car, admiring the unique architecture of the Santiago Bahai House of Worship or tasting wine at the Cousino-Macul winery in the Maipo Valley.
Two great locations for accommodations include Sheraton Santiago Hotel & Convention Center or Santiago Marriott Hotel.
(Note: SA Expeditions can assist with planning the Santiago portion of an Easter Island trip if needed, but tours can be easily set up through hotel concierge).
Ahu Tongariki is Easter Island's largest ahu, or platform, with 15 moai statues.
Credit: 2023 Jessica KellyEaster Island: Activities and Accommodations
Upon arrival on Easter Island, clients will be met at the airport by their SA Expeditions guide. An expert in the destination, the guide will accompany clients throughout their journey, helping them connect with the community, showing them around the island and even providing dining recommendations.
I stayed at Altiplanico Easter Island Hotel, an affordable choice for lodging offering cottages with private terraces and canopy beds, and grounds that feature a swimming pool, beautiful gardens and views of the Pacific Ocean. After check-in, guides will bring clients around to popular sites on the island such as Ahu Akivi, where the moai statues are facing toward the ocean; the white coral sands of Anakena Beach, where there are more moai figures; and Rano Raraku, where about 20 of the statues are spread throughout the quarry.
The guide will also stop at Rano Kau crater, where guests can view the volcano, learn about the historical Birdman Competition and explore the ancient village. On the last day of my trip, my guide surprised me by picking me up before sunrise to watch the sun appear behind Ahu Tongariki, where 15 moai sit in a row with the ocean splashing in the background.
Where to Eat
In addition to showing clients the island’s sights, the SA Expeditions guide can make any recommendations when it comes to meals. My guide suggested the restaurant within my hotel — which I found delicious and convenient — along with plenty of cafes in town, such as Rano Cafe, which has fresh seafood and poke bowls. Panaderia Y Pasteleria Hitu, meanwhile, has incredible empanadas filled with everything from tender octopus to melted cheese.
