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More Things to do in Easter Island, including Tours, Layover, and Overnight Ideas


Stuff to do in Easter Island



Home > Destinations >Country flagChile > Valparaíso > Easter Island


Things To Do in Easter Island & Easter Island Airport Layover Ideas


Easter Island things to do

Things to do in Easter Island if you have a Easter Island Airport Layover or Extended Easter Island Airport Stopover


If you have an extended layover at the Easter Island Airport or staying in town, why not consider getting out with some fun activities? We list a few here and there are many more on Easter-Island.LayoverIdeas.com.


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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.

As always, make sure you leave plenty of time to get back to the Easter Island Airport in time for your connection and enjoy your layover city rather than whiling away the time leaning up against your luggage in the departures lounge.



 More Easter Island Airport Transfer & Airport Connection Options



Last Updated: 28 Dec 2023