Things To Do in Easter Island & Easter Island Airport Layover Ideas
Things to do in Easter Island if you have a Easter Island Airport Layover or Extended Easter Island Airport Stopover
The Soren Larsen Tall Ship
Not a layover (!), but a great option for the intrepid traveller, if you have time. Once a year, the "tall ship" Soren Larsen sails to Easter Island from New Zealand. The voyage takes 35 days (it crosses the point on Earth furthest from land).
Take a Multi-Day Tour
An ideal way to see Easter Island and all it has to offer, is to take an organized tour. To make the most of your time, you probably don't want to just "see" the iconic moai statues (the "heads"), you want to understand them too. A tour will help you do that. As well, instead of using precious time arranging transport to the most famous archaeological sites, it's all done for you, probably with time to see some extras others miss, such as temple ruins and volcanoes.
IHateTaxis offers a 4-day Easter Island Tour that will let you arrive stress free on the island, knowing your sightseeing and accomodations are all arranged.
The Magnificent Moai
The biggest Easter Island attractions, of course, are the Moai (the iconic "head" statues). The sites can be visited for free, and are mostly found along the coastline.
While you are out exploring, remember that the Moai are archaeological artifacts: admire, but don't touch; The Moai are far more fragile than they seem. Never walk on the Abu, the ceremonial platforms the Moai are often placed upon Ahu - it is considered extremely disrespectful.
Rano Kau and Rano Rarak
Two exceptional sites are Rano Kau and Rano Raraku, the volcanic craters and quarries.
Not only a volcanic crater, the quarry at Rano Raraku is where the moai carvings were born, cut out of the hillside of the volcanic rock. Hundreds of labourers must have carved full-time. Here you can see the various stages of the carving. You can also see some scattered, partially-finished figures (climb the left side of the crater, go over the top, and into the bowl, is well worth it). The hike to the opposite lip of the crater, where the most moai are situated, is one of the most dramatic sites on Easter Island.
The remains of a volcanic cinder cone, Rano Kau, is filled with fresh rainwater. Its mottled, unearthly appearance is breathtaking.
The entry fee is USD 60, total, for the two sites. Make sure you keep your ticket.
The Caves
Often overlooked, but fascinating, are the "other-wordly" Easter Island cave systems. There are a couple of "official" caves that are very interesting in their own right.
Some find great adventure in exploring the numerous unofficial caves, most of which are found near Ana Kakenga. While the openings to most of these caves are small (some barely big enough to crawl through) and hidden, many open up into large, deep and extensive cave systems. Be aware that these caves can be extremely dangerous (the caves are extremely damp and slippery; some also run extremely deep). A person left without a flashlight, or exploring alone with a torch that fails, will be immersed in such utter blackness that they will have little hope of finding their way out, ever.
IHT can't endorse visiting the unofficial caves, but as we know some will, we recommend you get local advice, and perhaps a local guide, if you go (and don't go alone!).
Hit the Beach
Easter Island features 2 lovely white sand beaches.
Anakena, can be found on the north side of the island. It is an excellent shorebreak bodysurfing location with a bit of north swell.
Ovahe, a hidden gem, can be found along the southern shore of the island near Ahu Vaihu. This desolate beach is much larger and is surrounded by breathtaking cliffs. Be careful: the path leading down to the beach is rather treacherous and unstable (it's best reached by foot - driving off-road is illegal anyway).
Go Snorkelling or Diving
You can go snorkelling and scuba diving near the islets Motu Nui and Motu Iti (well known for "The bird man culture"). The islets are located about 1 kilometre south of Easter Island. There are 3 dive shops where you can rent the equipment and arrange to get on a guided tour to the islets.
More Easter Island Airport Transfer & Airport Connection Options
- Easter Island Airport Information
- Easter Island Airport Distance to City Centre
- Easter Island Airport Currency Exchange
- Easter Island Airport ATM & Cash Machines
- Easter Island Airport Wireless Internet Access
- Easter Island Airport Maps
- Easter Island Airport Flights, Arrivals, & Airlines
- Easter Island Airport Taxi Service
- Easter Island Airport Onsite Hotels
- Easter Island Airport Private Transfer Services
- Easter Island Airport Shared Shuttle Transfers
- Easter Island Airport Location & Address
- Easter Island Airport Train & Subway
- Easter Island Airport Hotel Shuttle Transfers
- Easter Island Airport Shuttle
- Easter Island Airport Buses & Coaches
- Easter Island Airport Limo & Private Car Transfers
- Easter Island Airport Car Hire/Car Rental
- Easter Island Airport Other Ground Transportation
- Easter Island Airport Parking & Passenger Pickup
- Easter Island Airport Stopover & Layovers
- Closest Airports to IPC Easter Island Airport
- Easter Island Airport Services & Amenities