Easter Island Travel Forum

We're looking at Easter Island in early June, I know that's fall/beginning of winter...would this be the worst time to go?

Also, we'd be on the island for four days, is that too much???

Thanks!

Four days sounds about right. We were there for five days and that wasn't too long. It's a fabulous place!

We also have been for four days on Easter Island and it is enough for a good impression of this fantastic island.

For the weather (we have been there in December) take alook at:
http://islandheritage.org/vg/vg06.html

happy travels
jaap

I agree. 4 days is just about right. Hire a guide at least on day 1 to get an understanding of the history and facts/myths about the Moai you will see. After the tour you will understand what you are seeing a lot better than without a tour. We used Bill, the owner of the Tauraa Hotel who is very very good.

Gottagocit

Thanks everyone! It's so hard to nail down "The Trip" to celebrate our 10 year anniversary...I just want to go somewhere exotic, magical, historical, unique and fun. :)

I was thinking of using miles to fly to Santiago, spent a few days there (not sure what to see/do yet) then head to Easter Island for four days. I found airfare from Santiago to Easter Island on Lan Chile for only $376 per person (tax included) during the week we'd go, is that a deal? It seems like a deal to me....?

Yes- the fare you picked up for easter isl. is cheap- i paid around 425.$ -going there in april 2008, 10 days total. If you have time -can you point out which is a good place to stay at -on a budget 35-50.$ at most. thanks

The answer to your first Question is yes: The roads can be horrible with mud up to your ears. The best time is Oct to Nov, Mar to Apr, during these periods there are very few tourists and you will find yourself alone at some of the most amazing places on this planet.
The answer to your second question is no: If you do your homework research the culture read the theories and take the time to adsorb the magic, majesty and mystery of this amazing place I would stay much longer.
If you are the kind of person that is satisfied with "been there done that" four days would be just about right. We are all different

Oh no! Really? Mud up to my ears!?! Gasp, I thought the beginning of June was the end of Easter Island's fall, not quite winter yet but darn near close. :( Hmmmm.....

Hello again,

I had to add a little more info after reading some of the replies you are getting.

We were there in April/May time frame and found the weather to be excellent. There were light showers on two of the 4 days/5 nights we were there but they only lasted a few minutes. The road across the island is bumpy and a little slippery when wet but there was no mud as described above. The road is made of crushed volcanic rock and is very hard. You will not have problems with deep mud if you stay on the road/streets and travel slow when conditions dictate. Don't let other concern you.

While it is true that folks have different opinions about how long is long enough on Easter Island, or anywhere for that matter, 4 days will be long enough for anyone except someone who either wants to get away from everything for a longer period or is writing a book. Those who wish to say "been there....." will only stay 1 night or maybe 2 and you will meet them on your trip.

If you are looking for a unique destination as it sounds like you are, Easter Island is a great place. While in the neighborhood you might add the Galapagos Islands. We combined these two places last year and made an amazing 17 day trip.

We bought air tickets to E.I. from Santiago through expedia.com or travelocity.com (I forget which) and found first class was only about $150 more each r/t. The flight is about 5 hours each way and the service in Lan airlines in first class was the best we've had on any flight to anywhere. The seats were much better than any first class we've had also. With first class you can check in via a quite private area in Santiago and avoid the crazy long lines. Also once through security you have access to their VIP lounge with food, drinks and several computers available at not additional cost. You will arrive late evening (8:30 pm I believe) and first class luggage is the first to come off the belt so you are on the way to your hotel before the others even have their luggage.

Read my travelogues on the G's and E.I here on V.T and send me a message if you have any questions.

Have a great trip,
Gottagocit

Oh yeah I forgot to answer your last question. We paid about $520 each r/t for first class and the coach would have been about $150 less so the price you found is not bad. Still I would look at 1st class.

Gottagocit

We flew, as part of our RTW trip from/to Santiago, so can not tell you about the rates. We had coach class and were very satisfied with the services of LAN. And yes we had to wait 'a couple of minutes' for oud luggage, but does it matter if you are picked up by the owner of your guesthouse, get a flower necklace and the first information of this fantastic destination ??

I also recommend to have at least one guided tour. We had a great guy, Patricio from AO Tour (www.aotour.cl). But you could start reading at home about the history and culture of Easter Island with the book 'The Complete Guide to Easter Island' of the Easter Island Foundation.

I still think 4/5 days is enough to get a first impression of this island 'in the middle of nowhere'.

happy travels
jaap

to 'Keanz':
For your budget of 30 - 50 USD you will have to find accommodation in one of the guesthouses on Ester Island. We stayed in one of them - Residencial Tahai - and were very satisfied.
See for more info and some pics: http://members.virtualtourist.com/vt/tfr/1/946/3/16dde9/

I disagree with the person who recommends staying at TAHAI Residencial. Teresa, the owner's daughter, who runs the place, is a nasty scam artist. For further info, see my review in Accomodations.
YES YES...Patricio is a gracious host and excellent guide...the best on the island...Take his one day tour.
3-4 nights is good, weather permitting, for a whirl wind experience. Easter Island is magical. I was there recently for a LONG time. ENJOY.