Is it possible?
Easter Island, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and a part of Chile, is not the typical backpacking destination. Firstly, it can be quite expensive and outside of a normal backpacking budget. It’s also a 5-hour flight from Santiago, which might not appeal to everyone. Nonetheless, it can be done on a budget and it’s one of the most unique places on earth! In this guide to Easter Island on a budget I will show you how to do it on a budget giving you a memory of a lifetime. Let’s get started!
History
The history of this island is truly fascinating. Located in the middle of nowhere in the Pacific Ocean, it is hard to imagine that any human would even find this place, but that’s they did. Most likely the first settlements started in the 12th century by the Polynesians arriving in their canoes and catamarans. An amazing feature!
For about 500 years an important part of their culture was the carving of Moai, the famous stone statues that draws many tourists to the island each year. These were moved to various positions on the Island and always with their back towards the sea, looking inward to protect and watch over the people.
How these massive and heavy statues were moved no one really knows, but the theories are many. Some locals say it was moved with the mind of the Polynesians, like a Jedi. More reliable sources say they moved them using massive wooden logs or by rocking them. Since they were always transported upright this led to the legend of the Moai “walking” to their final destinations.
So what was the meaning behind all of this? The Moai represented the ancestors, and important people in the history of the Island. A representation of the past or God, that were placed on Ahu’s, the stone platforms that served as a grave site with important artefacts from the life of the kings.
From the arrival of Europeans on Easter Sunday (hence the name Easter Island) in 1722, the already declining population lost their influence and diseases from the Europeans took its toll. In the mid 20th century several expeditions to preserve the history and the Moai started, which was the beginning of tourism and a new way of survival for the remaining locals.
How much time do I need
To visit Easter Island I think five days is the perfect amount of time, and four being the absolute minimum. This takes into account that you will have two travel days, so having two or three full days is optimal.
Although the island is small there is so much to see. With at least four days you have one day for the southern part and one day for the northern part. By staying longer you can enjoy local shows and explore the island and its people more as well.
Things to do
The main things to do is of course seeing the Moai, but there are also some other cool stuff to do while you’re there to get the most out of your visit. Here are my top activities.
Upper Circuit
The Upper Circuit of the island consists of the eastern and northern coast. It is here you will see the most famous points of the island like the Ahu Tongariki. A long the coast you can see small houses and how they used to grow crops and set up their villages close to the ocean.
You also get to head up to the mountain from which the Moai was carved at Rano Raraku. It’s incredibly fascinating to imagine how they were able to carve them out of the mountain, and see how far they had to move them out to the sea!
At the end you also get to experience som nice beaches on the Northern coast of the island to finish off a long they of exploring.
Lower Circuit
The Lower Circuit consists mostly of the Southern part of the island, with Orongo being the most important stop. Next to the volcano Rano Kau, this place was a village with stone houses where they also used to perform ceremonies. From here you have a great view of the ocean, and the crater of this dormant volcano.
The lower circuit also includes a visit to the place where the “hair” of the Moai was built. These stones were place on top of the heads of the Moai and symbolised where the people kept is mana in relation to Polynesian beliefs. This place is full of rounded stones on the ground in beautiful surroundings on the hillsides.
To finish off the Lower Circuit you can explore the city of Hanga Roa, and watch the sunset at Ahu Tahai, a short walk from the centre.
Beaches
If you have an extra day or at the end of a long one seeing the Moai, head over to one of the many beaches if the weather allows it. Lay down and go for a swim in the Pacific Ocean while you reflect on what you have seen and learned about human history on this amazing island!
Budget
Visiting Easter Island is not cheap, but it is possible to do it on somewhat of a budget. The main cost will be getting there, but once you are there you can survive on a little more than mainland Chile. Here is a quick overview of how much I spent there:
Flights: $350
Accommodation (four nights): $100
Food: $100
Guides: $70 + $80 entrance fee to the National Parks
Total: $700
Based on what I’ve read and heard this is a super affordable way to see one of the most unique places on earth! Flights can be as high as $1000+ if you’re unlucky, so be on the lookout for cheaper flights as this will be the big difference for you.
Food
There are a few restaurants around the main town on the island. They serve good food but are a little bit expensive and you can expect to pay $15-20 for a meal. There are also a few supermarkets in town, including new ones with good options, and plenty of wine!
If you choose to make your own food at your accommodation you can spend even less than I did! I ate at restaurant for lunch and dinner, and making a quick breakfast and snack at the kitchen of my hostel.
Accommodation
There are plenty of accommodation on the island, and doesn’t have to cost too much. All accommodation has to be registered and approved by the government, and you have to fill in the name of your accommodation when registering your visit. Make sure of this beforehand.
It’s common to be picked up at the airport and taken to where you’ll be staying, so talk to your host beforehand.
If you are travelling in a group it might be cheaper to look at Airbnbs, since you can split the costs and get a more comfortable stay. That way you might also save even more on food if you buy everything at the supermarket and make your meals together and sharing the costs!
Getting there
The biggest problem for backpackers is getting there, and by getting there I mean paying for flights. They can be above $1000 for a round trip which will be too much for most backpackers. Luckily if you start looking about a month or two before going you can find flights as low as $320. I was able to get this price about six weeks before I went.
LATAM is the only airline that operates this route, and making sure you are on the Chilean site you can usually get lower prices. This does mean you need to understand some Spanish or use a translator. Checked in luggage and meals on the plane is always included!
When to go
Easter Island can be visited all year but between September and March will give you a little warmer weather and less rain. You should always back sufficient clothing as the island can be very windy.
In February there is the famous festival called The Tapati Rapa Nui with songs, dances and traditions. This might be the optimal time to visit and learn about the ancient past of the island, but keep in mind it might also be the most crowded.
So what are you waiting for?
Getting flights as cheap as possible is the key to visit Easter Island on a budget. By making your own food or choosing the cheapest restaurants and accommodation you can get by for a few days spending a little more than you would on mainland Chile. Overall the experience will be once in a lifetime and you will remember your visit to this incredible place forever! What are you waiting for?
Resources
So, are you ready for an adventure to Easter Island? Here are some of the resources I personally use when I travel. Great value and support, in addition to the best deals out there!
BOOKING – The best place to book accommodation. In my experience the site with the best prices, deals and selection. Perfect for a budget traveller.
HOSTELWORLD – The best place to find hostels, and also has group chats for all your bookings and places you’re going to make it easier to meet people. Perfect for solo travellers!
SKYSCANNER – When I need to find the cheapest days and ways to fly somewhere, Skyscanner is always the first place I go.
GET YOUR GUIDE – A massive marketplace for inspiration and booking of tours and activities for each place you visit.
AIRALO – What I use to stay connected on the road. A slightly more expensive option than buying local sim cards, but nothing beats having e-sim installed and ready to go as soon as you cross the border.
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