Easter Island is one of those places that tops many travellers’ bucket lists, but its remote position and its appeal as an exotic tourist destination really drive up the prices of accommodations, meals, and tours. The big question for anyone travelling this way is:
Can you do Easter Island on a budget?
The answer to that is YES!
There are ways to plan a trip to Easter Island so that it won’t cost you a fortune, but at the same time you shouldn’t come here expecting the dirt cheap prices you might find in Southeast Asia or Central America.
Travel in Easter Island comes with a certain price tag, but here are some ways you can keep costs within a reasonable budget:
Book flights in advance
The main reason we ended up in Easter Island is because we found cheap airfare. Regular priced tickets can cost upwards of $1250 USD, however, if you book up to 6 months in advance you can find deals for $550 USD.
I randomly came across these prices when I was daydreaming about Easter Island last year, and since we already had plans to travel in Chile, we just booked those flights the same day. We weren’t going to pass ’em up!
When it comes to flying to Easter Island, LAN has a monopoly since they are the only airline that travels here, but you can save money by planning your trip well in advance. You can read some more tips on how to book cheap flights in this article.
Keep your stay short (if you must!)
I don’t like to tell you to keep your stay short (this is a place that gets under your skin and is really hard to leave!), but the easiest way to keep your budget within check is by having a shorter stay on Easter Island.
I spent a full week there, but if I’m being honest, you don’t need that long to see everything. A full week is great if you want to relax and enjoy some chill island time, however, most visitors come for 3-4 days and you can easily cover the entire island in that amount of time.
FYI – Easter Island is only twice the size of Manhattan and there is only one town centre.
Choose your accommodations wisely
Aside from flights, accommodations are likely to be your biggest expense. Since we were travelling as a group of 4, what made the most sense for us was to rent a cottage. This was cheaper than getting 2 hotel rooms and it also meant we had a kitchen to cook in. We paid $830 USD for 7 nights in a 2-bedroom cottage (this one here), and though those rates may seem high, they’re pretty standard across the island.
Now, if you’re travelling solo or as a couple, an entire cottage may not be the most budget-friendly option. In that case, you may want to look at guesthouses or hostels (some do have shared kitchens), or for the hardcore backpacker, there are camp sites available in the outskirts of town and near Anakena Beach.
Another thing I’ll mention is that you’ll want to get your accommodations sorted well in advance . We booked our cottage months ahead on Booking.com and I was surprised by how many of the properties were already booked solid. This is one destination where you don’t want to just ‘show up and wing it’.
Cut down your meal costs
Restaurant meals in Easter Island are pricey since the majority of their food products have to be brought in by ship or by plane, so we tried to eat out only once a day. We usually had breakfast at the cottage, lunch at a restaurant or little bakery, and then we prepared our dinners at the cottage.
Restaurant meals can cost anywhere between $8,000 – 20,000 CLP ($12-30 USD) per person depending on the restaurant, however, snack-type meals and baked goods can be more affordable. As an example, we had lunch a little bakery one day and paid $1,500 CLP ($2.25 USD) for a cheese and ham empanada and $2,000 CLP ($3 USD) for a beef empanada. Then for desert we got an alfajor for $1,000 CLP ($1.50 USD).
While doing some research about Easter Island, I came across a Lonely Planet forum where someone recommended bringing dry goods in their luggage since it’s cheaper than buying them on the island, so we did just that. The night before flying to Easter Island, we hit up a supermarket in Santiago and bought things like noodle cups, pasta, granola bars, cereal, and little snacks. Once on the island we still went to the market and bought things like fruits, vegetables, and other snacks, so this helped supplement the food we had brought over.
Rent a car to see the island
Another way to save money if you’re travelling as a group is by renting a car to get around the island. Car rentals start out at $40,000 CLP ($60 USD) for a 2-door hatchback with manual transmission, which is the same price as many of the full-day tours around the island.
Automatic transmission costs a bit more, however, most rental companies offer a discount if you rent a car for more than a day. We ended up renting a 4-door automatic Suzuki Jimny with automatic transmission for $50,000 CLP ($75 USD).
I should also mention that there is no such thing as car insurance on Easter Island. The roads do have quite a few potholes and there are lots of wild horses, so you’ll want to take it easy.
Another way to explore the island is by bike. Bicycles rentals start at $12,000 ($18 USD) for 24 hours. I came across bikers who made it to the top of the Rano Kau Crater (you’d need some solid leg muscles for that) and I also saw bikers going to Anakena which is 18 kilometers from Hanga Roa. If you’re a strong biker and you can tackle a few hills, this may be a good option for you.
Budget Builder for Rapa Nui (Easter Island): Planner, Cheat-Sheets & Do-It-Smart Tips
3–4 Day Plug-and-Play Itinerary
Day 1 — Sunrise Stones & Quarry Stories
| Time | Focus | Where | Tiny Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05:15–07:00 | Sunrise with moai | Ahu Tongariki | Arrive 40–50 min before dawn; bring a thermos + headlamp. Stay behind ropes; the ahu (platform) is sacred. |
| 07:15–09:00 | Lava-carved giants | Rano Raraku (moai quarry) | Do the upper loop first before buses arrive; your Park Pass is scanned at the gate. |
| 09:15–10:00 | Cliff views | Ahu Te Pito Kura / the “navel stone” area | Good quick stop en route north. Respect signage; don’t touch stones. |
| 10:30–13:00 | Swim + picnic | Anakena Beach | Best budget lunch is a DIY picnic under palms. If eating out, compare prices at the stalls. |
| 14:30–16:00 | Topknot origins | Puna Pau (red scoria quarry) | Short, quiet stroll and great photo angles. |
| 17:30–Sunset | Golden-hour moai | Tahai Complex (walkable from town) | Free, easy sunset every night. Bring a light jacket; winds pick up. |
Day 2 — Volcano Rim, Birdmen & the Two Windows
| Time | Focus | Where | Tiny Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00–11:00 | Crater & village | Rano Kau + Orongo | Read the panels; Orongo tells the Tangata Manu (birdman) story that binds the island’s later history. |
| 11:30–13:00 | Budget lunch | Hanga Roa | Grab empanadas/bakery items and fruit; refill water bottles. |
| 13:30–15:30 | Lava tubes | Ana Te Pahu (banana cave) | Wear closed shoes; watch your head and bring a real headlamp (streams can be seasonal). |
| 16:00–17:30 | Two ocean windows | Ana Kakenga (“Cave of Two Windows”) | Stay behind safety lines; squalls roll in fast. The ocean drop is no joke. |
| 18:00–19:30 | Sunset alt | Ahu Akivi (seven moai) | Calmer than Tahai; bring a snack and listen to the wind. |
Day 3 — Hills, Horses & Free Time
| Time | Focus | Where | Tiny Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00–12:00 | Highest point hike | Mt. Terevaka (from Ahu Akivi) | 3–4 hr out-and-back; sun hat mandatory. Offline maps help at forks. |
| 12:30–14:00 | Lunch & gelato | Hanga Roa | Treat yourself—your legs earned it. |
| 14:30–16:00 | Snorkel or surf check | Pea Beach (in town) | Mask/snorkel rentals are cheaper than tours; ask about currents. |
| 19:30–21:00 | Stargazing | Outside Hanga Roa (dark stretch) | Zero light pollution = mind-blowing Milky Way. Keep lights off around sites. |
Optional Day 4 — Slow Island Day
- Repeat your favourite spot at a different time of day (Anakena morning swim, Tongariki on a moody day).
- Join one small-group archaeology tour for context (worth the splurge once), then DIY the rest.
Quick Cost Planner (Approximate Ranges)
Prices on Rapa Nui swing with season, cargo arrivals, and exchange rates. Treat these as ballparks to help you plan.
| Expense | Shoestring | Savvy-Comfort | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (return from mainland) | Deal hunters score $550–$800 USD | Usual fares $900–$1,250+ USD | Book early; mid-week departures help. |
| Lodging (per night, 2 ppl) | Hostel bed $25–$40 pp | Guesthouse/apt $70–$140 | Kitchens save big over 3–4 days. |
| Park Pass (foreign visitor) | Check current fee (buy online/airport) | same | Needed for sites like Orongo, Rano Raraku; carry ID. |
| Car hire (per day) | Manual hatch $60–$75 | Auto/SUV $75–$100 | 24–48 hr rental covers all driving sites. |
| Fuel (full island lap) | $20–$35 | same | Only station is in Hanga Roa; hours vary. |
| Bike (24 hr) | $18–$25 | E-bike $35–$50 | Hills + wind are real; plan routes. |
| Meals (per person, per day) | Groceries + 1 snack out $12–$20 | 1 meal out + self-cater $25–$40 | Restaurants typically $12–$30 mains. |
| Tours (group, full day) | $60–$90 | $90–$150 | Take one for storytelling; DIY the rest. |
Two-night shoestring (sample): Hostel bed (2×$30) + e-bike (1 day $40) + Park Pass + groceries ($35) + 1 eat-out meal ($18) ≈ $183 + flights/pass.
Three-night savvy-comfort: Apt (3×$95) + car (1.5 days $120) + fuel ($30) + Park Pass + groceries ($60) + 2 meals out ($70) ≈ $515 + flights/pass (for two, split the car—much cheaper per person).
Getting Around: What to Pick (and When)
| Mode | Best For | Budget | Reality Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk | Town + Tahai sunset | Free | Great in Hanga Roa; not for distant sites. |
| Bike | Anakena day, Ahu Akivi, coastal rambles | $ | Heat/wind/hills—bring water & start early. |
| Scooter | Confident riders, flexible routes | $$ | Watch potholes, stray horses, sudden squalls. |
| Car | 1–2 full days covering the island | $$–$$$ | No local insurance; drive slow, expect gravel. |
| Taxi | Select hops | $$–$$$ | Get quotes first; not cheap for full touring. |
| Tour | Deep history day | $$ | Do one, then DIY the second day to balance cost/context. |
Self-Catering Starter Kit (Pack/Buy This)
| Item | Why it helps | Where to sort it |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta + sauce pouches | Quick, filling, shelf-stable | Bring from mainland; top up locally. |
| Instant oats + nuts | Cheap breakfasts for early starts | Supermarkets in Hanga Roa. |
| Snack pack | Granola bars, dried fruit, peanut butter | Mainland buys are cheaper. |
| Fresh bits | Eggs, tomatoes, onions, bananas, bread | Island shops; go early after cargo days. |
| Coffee/tea & thermos | Sunrise/sunset comfort | Bring your favourite; kettles in many stays. |
| Reusable bags | Shops may be short | Pack two; plastic is discouraged. |
Free (or Almost Free) Experiences
- Tahai sunset nightly ritual—zero cost, maximum feels.
- Stargazing just outside town—free planetarium sky.
- Terevaka hike—highest point, 360° ocean.
- Anakena beach day—palms, soft sand, picnic heaven.
- Harbour wander in Hanga Roa—watch surfers at Pea, fisherman chats, lazy dogs, and horses trot by.
Sunrise/Sunset Cheat-Sheet
| Moment | Spot | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise | Ahu Tongariki | Silhouettes of 15 moai against pink-orange sky = goosebumps. |
| Sunset | Tahai | Walkable, wide lawns, three ceremonial platforms—bring a blanket. |
| Golden Hour | Ahu Akivi | West-facing moai and soft side-light; fewer crowds than town. |
Respect & Rules (Short, Clear, Important)
- Don’t touch, climb, or sit on moai or platforms (ahu). They are sacred and irreplaceable.
- Stay on marked paths—erosion damages sites.
- Pack it out—bins can be scarce; carry your litter.
- Ask before photographing people—courtesy first.
- Park Pass—carry it; sites may scan QR codes on entry; ID sometimes requested.
- Tapu areas—if signed, it’s off-limits. No exceptions.
Connectivity, Cash & Little Logistics
| Thing | What to know |
|---|---|
| ATMs | Machines exist but can run out. Bring backup CLP and a card with no foreign fees. Many small vendors are cash-only. |
| SIM & Wi-Fi | Coverage is improving but still spotty; expect slow hotel Wi-Fi. Download offline maps and translations in Santiago. |
| Fuel | Single station in Hanga Roa; hours vary (especially Sundays). Top up when you can. |
| Groceries | Stock ebbs/flows with cargo ships; shop early. Prices higher than mainland—your pre-shop pays off. |
| Sunday rhythm | Quiet; confirm opening hours for tours/shops the day before. |
| Weather | Four seasons in a day. Pack a light waterproof and sun protection together. |
Pack Smarter (Budget Edition)
- Soft-shell + light rain jacket (wind is real)
- Sun hat & SPF 50 (nowhere to hide on crater rims)
- Closed shoes (lava tubes, uneven trails)
- Swim gear + quick-dry towel (beach breaks)
- Headlamp (caves, pre-dawn starts)
- Reusable bottle + filter
- Daypack & dry bag (squalls pass quickly but soak thoroughly)
- Copies of documents (Park Pass, ID, booking printouts)
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) FAQ — Fast, Practical, Budget-Smart
Need-to-Know at a Glance
| Topic | TL;DR |
|---|---|
| How many days? | 3–4 days is perfect: 1–2 car days for far sites + walkable sunsets + one big hike. |
| Do I need a guide? | Not required. Do one guided day for context, then DIY the rest to save $$ and revisit at your pace. |
| Park Pass | Buy before first entry (airport/town office—check current). Carry it + photo ID. Some sites scan QR. |
| Driving | Go slow. No local insurance. Horses, potholes, sudden squalls. Fuel in Hanga Roa only. |
| Cash vs. cards | Bring some cash (CLP). Cards accepted widely but not everywhere; ATMs can run dry. |
| Water/food | Self-cater 2 meals/day to cut costs. Groceries ebb/flow with cargo—shop early. Filter/boil water if in doubt. |
| Connectivity | Patchy. Download maps, translations, and e-tickets offline before you land. |
| Respect | Never touch/climb moai or platforms. Stay behind ropes. Drones: permit only—assume “no.” |
Getting There & Timing
Q: When should I book flights?
A: As early as you can. The best deals pop up months out and vanish fast. Mid-week returns often price better.
Q: How long is enough?
A: You can “see it all” in 3–4 days without rushing if you compress your driving into 24–36 hours and sprinkle walkable sunsets + one hike.
Q: Best season?
A: It’s temperate year-round. Expect “four seasons in a day”. Summer = sunnier, busier; shoulder months = fewer crowds, occasional squalls.
Money, Costs & Booking
Q: Do I need loads of cash?
A: Not loads, but don’t rely solely on cards. Keep cash for small eateries, bakeries, produce stalls, taxis, and tips.
Q: ATMs reliable?
A: There are ATMs, but they can run out near weekends/holidays. Withdraw early in your stay.
Q: Are prices fixed or negotiable?
A: Park/tour prices are fixed. You can politely ask car/bike shops about multi-day discounts—often they’ll shave a bit off.
Q: Should I pre-book lodging/tours?
A: Yes. Rapa Nui has limited beds and vehicles. Book stays and any must-do tour weeks to months in advance.
Park Pass & Sites
Q: Where do I buy the Park Pass and how long is it valid?
A: Buy at the airport or designated office in town (process can change; ask your host). Carry ID; some gates scan your pass. Validity and pricing update—check current before you fly.
Q: Can I visit any site at sunrise/sunset?
A: Not all. Tongariki is the sunrise star; Tahai and Ahu Akivi shine at sunset. Respect posted opening hours and closures.
Q: Can I climb on platforms or touch moai?
A: Never. They’re sacred and fragile. Fines aside, it’s deeply disrespectful.
Q: Drones?
A: Assume no. Permits are limited and enforcement is strict—gear can be confiscated.
Getting Around
Q: Car or bike?
A: For a budget-smart plan: rent a car for 24–36 hours to hit far sites; walk/bike the rest. E-bikes help with wind/hills.
Q: Is there car insurance?
A: No local insurance. Drive like you’re paying for the axle. Photograph the car on pickup, including tires.
Q: Fuel stops?
A: One main station in Hanga Roa. Refill when you pass it; hours vary on Sundays.
Q: Are taxis viable for touring?
A: For hops, yes. For full-day touring they’re pricey vs. a day’s car hire split among 2–4 people.
Q: Hitchhiking?
A: You’ll see it and locals can be kind, but don’t plan your schedule around it. Daylight only, common-sense precautions.
Food, Water & Self-Catering
Q: Can I bring food in my luggage?
A: Pack sealed dry goods (pasta, oats, snacks) on the mainland shop run. Declare produce if asked; buy fresh items on island.
Q: Is tap water drinkable?
A: Many travellers boil/filter. A bottle filter saves $$ and plastic.
Q: Vegan/vegetarian friendly?
A: Possible, but choice is limited. Self-catering + fruit/veg shops make it easy enough.
Q: Cheap eats ideas?
A: Bakeries (empanadas), set lunches, food trucks (when open), and produce stalls. Aim for DIY breakfast/dinner, eat out at lunch.
Lodging & Services
Q: Best area to stay?
A: Hanga Roa (the only town). You’ll walk to Tahai, shops, bakeries, and the harbour.
Q: Kitchen access worth it?
A: Yes. Kitchens slash your daily spend. Even hostels often have shared kitchens.
Q: Laundry?
A: Many stays offer paid laundry; otherwise, sink-wash essentials with a tiny packet of detergent.
Safety & Health
Q: Is Rapa Nui safe?
A: Generally very safe. Usual travel sense applies (don’t leave valuables in cars; walk lit streets at night).
Q: Animals on roads?
A: Yes—horses and dogs. Slow down; never swerve sharply on gravel.
Q: Ocean conditions?
A: Can be rough with rip currents. Ask locals about Pea, Anakena, and especially Ovahe before swimming.
Q: Medical care?
A: There’s a clinic in town; serious issues require evacuation. Travel insurance is a must, especially if you’re renting wheels.
Q: Sun/bugs?
A: High UV even on cloudy days—SPF 50, hat, long sleeves. Mosquitoes can appear after rains—pack repellent.
Q: Earthquake/tsunami?
A: Heed signage. If you feel strong, long shaking, move to higher ground briskly and follow local instructions.
Culture & Etiquette
Q: What do locals prefer the island be called?
A: Rapa Nui (Polynesian name) and Isla de Pascua (Spanish) are both used; “Easter Island” is understood. Lead with Rapa Nui when speaking with locals.
Q: Any useful phrases?
A: Try “Iorana” (hello) and “Mauruuru” (thank you). Spanish goes a long way; smiles go further.
Q: Tipping?
A: Not mandatory; ~10% appreciated for good service. Round up on small tabs.
Q: Photography etiquette?
A: People first—ask. At sites, respect ropes; no tripods on platforms; don’t block paths for long shots.
Packing & Gear
Q: What’s the one thing most visitors forget?
A: A headlamp (caves, pre-dawn), and a light rain shell for squalls.
Q: Footwear?
A: Closed shoes for quarry paths/lava tubes; sandals for beaches only.
Q: Do I need a paper map?
A: Offline app maps are fine. Screenshot the island map and your day’s route anyway—battery insurance.
Photography & Stargazing
Q: Best sunrise/sunset?
A: Sunrise: Tongariki. Sunset: Tahai (walkable) or Ahu Akivi (quieter). Arrive early; respect boundaries.
Q: Night sky tips?
A: Step outside town lights, turn all lights off, use red-light mode on headlamps. The Milky Way is wild here.
Families, Solo & Accessibility
Q: Good with kids?
A: Yes—beach time at Anakena, easy walks, open lawns at sunset. Keep little feet off platforms, watch drop-offs near cliffs/caves.
Q: Solo traveller safety?
A: Comfortable. Tell your host your day plan; avoid remote cliff edges in high winds; carry a whistle/headlamp.
Q: Accessibility?
A: Terrain is uneven at many sites. Some viewpoints have flatter access (Tahai, Tongariki roadside views). Confirm with your host about step-free lodging.
Tours, Guides & Activities
Q: Which tour is worth paying for?
A: A full-day archaeology/history circuit. You’ll get the big myths, migration stories, and site context you can’t glean from signs alone.
Q: Can I dive/snorkel on a budget?
A: Snorkel sets are cheap to rent near Pea. Dive shops exist—shop around for a reputable operator and fair weather.
Q: Surfing?
A: Yes—rent gear/lessons around the harbour. Always ask about reefs/currents that day.
Do you have any other suggestions for visiting Easter Island on a budget?
Renting a car was by far the best thing I did on the island (money wise of course). I and another woman who was staying at the same hostel went in on one together to save even more. It allowed us to take our time at all the different sights and wait out the buses of tour groups that passed through. Can’t recommend it enough.
Renting a car really is the way to go. Also, I found that most car rental agencies were willing to come down on the price, so a little bargaining never hurts.
Easter Island is definitely on my bucket list! Great tips 🙂
Thanks Francesca! I hope you get to visit soon!
I’ve always put off Easter Island because of the price so it’s great to know that you can visit on a budget! I’d probably end up renting a car like you guys; road trips are such fun 🙂
Sounds like a real hardcore bucket list destination!
3 days seem enough to get a good grasp of the island, but at the same time it’s so remote you want to spend more time there!
Good to know that Easter Island doesn’t *have* to be super expensive – it’s definitely on my must-visit list!
Great tips Audrey – I didn’t realize Easter Island was that small… I’ve been keeping watch on deals here for the longest time and they are always for 5 nights or longer. From what you’re saying, that might be overkill. I’ll narrow my search for something a little shorter.
Sounds like I need to add this to my list as well. Sounds super do-able.
We loved Easter Island but I think 3 days is a good duration, maybe 4 if you want to do one of the big hikes.
It us worth exploring the extras that your accommodation might offer before booking instead of just looking at the price per night. Our accommodation included pick up and drop off at the airport, rental bikes but most helpfully the owner had a vehicle he would rent to guests which only cost about $30 per day.
In respect of eating out we found that if you went to the restaurants a little further from the centre (which isn’t very far given the size of the place) that prices especially for drinks dropped sizeably.
Finally check the national park prices before you go as when we went in December you would pay twice as much if you paid in USD instead of CLP
Hi. Is it possible to rent mopeds on the island? I’m planning on going at the end of the year and I don’t have a drivers licence! Thanks!
Yes, you can rent scooters on the island. I don’t know if you’ll need to show a driver’s license for that, but I remember renting a car on the island was a super relaxed process. Just be aware that there is no such thing as vehicle insurance on the island, so any damages are your responsibility. I’m assuming you have experience riding, so I’m just mentioning it as a heads up.
Hey, thanks for the advice! We are heading to Easter Island in a few days and I was reading about the costs. We actually got our ticket for $450 thanks to Edreams. Hate booking on third party sites but hey. For accommodation, AirBnB is definitely the way to go… for the same price as a tent rental, you can get a private room in someone’s house. We are paying about $30 per night for that. Definitely bringing our own food. In Santiago now and was told to stock up on fruits and veggies even! Thanks again 🙂
Tam @ http://freshcoffeestains.com
Great tips! Easter Island is definitely on my bucket list. Now I know book months in advance. And I’ll definitely be bringing in some of my own food.