Planning a Trip

Getting There

Easter Island's Mataveri International Airport in Hanga Roa is served by LAN Airlines only (tel. 866/435-9526 in the U.S., or 600/526-2000 in Chile; www.lan.com), with daily flights (except Mon) and two flights on Wednesday. This flight carries on to Papeete, Tahiti, twice a week on Wednesday and Sunday.

Most hotels pick you up at the airport and greet you with a garland of flowers.

Visitor Information

The Sernatur office is at Avenida Policarpo Toro at Tuu Maheke (tel. 32/210-0255); it's open weekdays from 8:30am to 1:30pm and 2:30 to 5:30pm. They also have an information desk at the airport that is open daily when flights arrive. You'll find information galore here, plus maps.

Orientation

Easter Island measures just 168 sq. km (65 sq. miles), and there is only one village, Hanga Roa. The island is roughly triangular in shape, with each point dominated by an extinct volcano: Maunga Terevaka in at the northern point, Maunga Pu A Katiki on the eastern edge at the Poike Peninsula, and Rano Kau, a vast crater on the southern edge next to Hanga Roa. The island is principally composed of wide, grassy expanse and about 70 smaller volcanic craters and cones, as well as lava beds peppered with so many volcanic chunks of rock that it is said that certain areas "bloom" stones. Most of the island's roads are paved, with the exception of the western coast and the road to Ahu Akivi. Given the island's relative lack of coral reef, the pounding ocean has created towering, sheer sea cliffs in some areas. The island's two beaches, Anakena and Ovahe, are located on the northeast coast.

Getting Around

By Foot -- Hanga Roa is small enough to be seen on foot. Throughout the island, there are walking trails (not very well marked, however) that can be found principally in flatter areas, providing easy to moderate treks. It is possible to visit archaeological sites on the west coast or the Rano Kau volcano on foot, but you'll have to hoof it a bit.

By Car -- Renting a vehicle is a great way to get out and explore the island at your own pace. Rental agencies ask that you keep your speed down to 30kph (19 mph) outside of Hanga Roa, which is a smart idea considering that animals are often found on or near the island's roads. Also, rental agencies do not offer insurance.

The following car rental agencies can deliver a vehicle to the airport for your arrival, or you can pick up a rental in town: Rent a Car Insular (tel. 32/210-0480; www.rentainsular.com) and Oceanic Rent a Car (tel. 32/210-0985; www.ceanicrapanui.cl), which also rents 4X4s, motorcycles, and ATVs. Book a reservation in advance or race to rent a vehicle upon arrival as they do sell out.

By Taxi -- Taxis charge about $3 (£1.50) for local destinations. Call Radiotaxi Avareipua (tel. 32/210-0700).