Easter Island itinerary: 5 days of Moai, magic and wonders

Introduction

Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left. A tiny speck in the middle of the Pacific and part of Chile, it’s a destination where mystery, history, and raw natural beauty all meet. Most people first come for the Moai, but the island has so much more to offer — volcanic craters, coastal cliffs, hidden caves, wild landscapes, and a culture that feels incredibly alive.

Putting together an Easter Island itinerary can feel overwhelming at first, simply because every corner of the island has something special. But with five days, you can see the best of it without rushing: the sacred ahu, the trails around Rano Kau, the beaches of Anakena, the caves on the north coast, and the quiet sunsets around Hangaroa Easter Island.

This guide follows the rhythm of the island the way we experienced it — a mix of adventure and slow moments, the kind of trip that lets you actually connect with the place. Whether you’re planning trips to Easter Island, joining one of the many Rapa Nui tours, or exploring on your own with a scooter or a car, this itinerary covers all the essentials without feeling squeezed.

Years after our visit, we still catch ourselves thinking about the colours of the crater, the sound of the waves at Tongariki, and the calm mornings on the coast. Easter Island has that effect.

If you’re looking for more tips or want to read about trips to Easter Island in German, check out the Easter Island articles from VeganNomads — a great resource for anyone planning tours to Easter Island or diving deeper into the island’s culture.

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How to Get to Easter Island

Getting to our Easter Island itinerary is quite easy. To begin with, there’s only one airline that flies to Easter Island (Isla de Pascua / Rapa Nui): LATAM Airlines. It’s one of the biggest carriers in South America, and they operate two daily flights from Santiago (SCL) to Easter Island (IPC).

• Outbound flights: 6:30 am and 9:30 am
• Return flights: 11:45 am and 2:45 pm

The flight takes about 5 hours and 25 minutes, covering the 3,700 km stretch of ocean between Chile and Easter Island.

We flew on a brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, and the experience was surprisingly comfortable. Each seat had its own entertainment screen, reclining options, and two charging plugs for every three seats. Blankets and pillows were provided, and breakfast was served with a choice of omelet or sandwich, plus fruit, crackers, jam, and butter.

Moving Around

Moving around this Easter Island itinerary is simple, but you’ll need to plan ahead since public transport is practically non-existent. The island is small, but the main sites are spread out, so you’ll want some form of transport to make the most of your Easter Island itinerary.

• Car rental: The most flexible option. With a rental car, you can explore the island at your own pace and stop wherever you like. Roads are generally in good condition, though many are unpaved.
• Scooter or ATV rental: A fun and cheaper alternative if you’re comfortable on two wheels (or four). They’re ideal for shorter distances and give you a sense of freedom on the island.
• Bicycle: If you’re fit and don’t mind the heat or wind, renting a bike is another option. Just keep in mind that distances can be long, and shade is scarce.
• Tours: If you prefer not to drive, there are organized tours that cover the major archaeological sites. This can be a good option if you want a guide to explain the history and culture along the way.

We personally enjoyed the flexibility of having our own transport during our own Easter Island itinerary. It allowed us to time our visits to avoid the crowds and enjoy moments like watching the sunset at Ahu Tahai without feeling rushed.

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When to Visit

This Easter Island itinerary can be done year-round, but each season has its own mood. The weather changes fast here — sun, wind, and clouds often take turns in the same day — so the best approach is to embrace it and plan around the broader seasonal patterns.

• Summer (December to February): Temperatures range between 23–28°C (73–82°F). Days are long, warm, and often sunny. It’s high season, so expect more visitors at sunset spots and popular ahu, but the island still never feels crowded. Good for swimming and beach time at Anakena.
• Autumn (March to May): Expect 20–25°C (68–77°F). The weather becomes softer and more stable, with fewer people around the main sites. Landscapes stay green after the summer rains, and the light is beautiful for photos. This is one of the calmest and most comfortable times to visit.
• Winter (June to August): Temperatures drop to around 17–21°C (63–70°F). It’s cooler and windier, and rain can appear suddenly, but the island feels incredibly peaceful during this time. If you don’t mind clouds and a bit of wind, it’s a great season for hiking and visiting cultural sites without anyone around.
• Spring (September to November): Temperatures sit between 19–24°C (66–75°F). The weather is quite stable, flowers start appearing, and it’s generally a very easy time to plan a trip. Trails are dry, the views are clear, and the island feels relaxed before the summer season begins.

Tip: If you want the most balanced conditions during your Easter Island itinerary – good light, fewer visitors, and mild weather – plan your trip for late autumn or spring. These periods give you the best mix of comfort and quiet landscapes.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Where to Stay

Choosing the right place to stay in Hanga Roa makes your whole experience so much better. The town is small, so you’ll never be far from restaurants, shops, or the coastal sunset spots — but comfort, views, and style vary a lot.

Here are three great options depending on your travel style:

Cabaña del Mar Rapanui: A super charming, cozy stay right by the ocean. Perfect if you want your own space, a kitchen, and that easy “home on the island” feeling. Great for couples or slow travelers who want peace and privacy.

Hare Nua Hotel Boutique: A beautiful boutique hotel with a warm atmosphere and lovely décor. They have a wellness vibe, friendly staff, and one of the best breakfasts in town. Ideal if you want comfort without going full luxury.

Nayara Hangaroa: If you’re looking for a stunning, eco-luxury stay — this is the one. Gorgeous architecture, beautiful ocean views, spa services, and high-end comfort. A splurge, but absolutely memorable.

Here are all your accommodation options in Hanga Roa

What to Eat

Food on Easter Island is simple, fresh, and often centred around fish. Tuna is the star of the island and you’ll find it everywhere — raw, grilled, marinated, or inside empanadas. Ceviche is another must-try, usually served with plenty of lime and local vegetables. If you want something more traditional, look for po’e, a sweet cake made from pumpkin or banana, or dishes cooked in the umu, the underground oven still used during ceremonies and special events.

You’ll also see plenty of Chilean classics like empanadas, pastel de choclo, or completos, especially in the small cafés around town. Portions are usually big, and meals are often simple but satisfying — exactly what you want after a long day exploring moai sites or hiking up the crater.

Hanga Roa has a good mix of casual cafés, local restaurants, and a couple of places with really special settings. Here are a few places we liked and recommend trying during your stay:

• Tataku Vave: This restaurant sits right by the ocean, a little outside the centre, and the setting alone makes the meal worth it. Fresh tuna, ceviche, and grilled fish are the highlights here. If you come around sunset, the light on the rocks and waves is incredible.
• Te Ra’ai: A cultural experience as much as a meal. If you want to try traditional Rapa Nui dishes cooked in the umu, this is the place. It’s pricier than the average restaurant, but it’s a good way to connect with local food and traditions.
• MA’ARA Restobar & Coffee Shop Rapa Nui: A relaxed spot in the centre of Hanga Roa, perfect for breakfast or a simple lunch. Good coffee, sandwiches, smoothies, and light meals. It’s an easy choice when you want something quick and not too heavy.
• Makona Restaurant: A classic option in town with big portions and a varied menu. You’ll find tuna, pastas, salads, and a few local dishes. It’s a comfortable, no-pressure place to eat after exploring all day.
• Oheho Surf Café: Small and laid-back with a nice ocean vibe. Ideal for smoothies, sandwiches, and simple snacks. It’s the kind of place where you stop for a short break and end up staying a bit longer.
• Restaurante Hani-Hani: A friendly spot serving good local dishes without any fuss. Their fish plates are generous and tasty, and it’s a great place to try something traditional in a relaxed atmosphere.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Easter Island Itinerary – Overview

Here’s a quick look at what this 5-day Easter Island itinerary covers, perfect for planning your trips to Easter Island or joining tours to Easter Island while keeping plenty of free time to explore on your own.

• Day 1 – Arrival & Hanga Roa: Explore Hangaroa, visit the harbour and local market, spot sea turtles, see the Moai of Peace, and enjoy sunset at Ahu Tahai.
• Day 2 – Caves & Ahu Akivi: Visit Ana Kakenga, Ana Te Pora, and Ana Te Pahu, stop at small coastal ahu, explore Ahu Akivi, and end with a relaxed evening by the beach.
• Day 3 – Full Island Loop by Scooter: Discover Ahu Huri A Urenga, Ahu Akahanga, Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki, Papa Vaka, Ahu Te Pito Kura, Ovahe, Anakena, and finish at Puna Pau.
• Day 4 – Rano Kau & Orongo: Hike the Te Ara o Te Ao Trail, take in the Rano Kau crater, explore the sacred village of Orongo, and enjoy a calm afternoon in Hanga Roa.
• Day 5 – Slow Morning & Departure: Revisit your favourite places, stop at the cemetery or a local café, enjoy a last walk along the coast, and fly out of Mataveri Airport.

Read: 27 Best Things to do on Easter Island, Chile, in 4 to 5 days

Easter Island Itinerary – Day-by-day

One thing that really surprised us during our Easter Island itinerary was how late the sun rises and how early it sets. Days feel shorter than you expect, and the rhythm of the island forces you to slow down in the best way. Mornings never felt rushed for us. We’d wake up around 7:00 am, and it still looked like the middle of the night — especially in July, when the cloudy mornings kept everything grey until much later.

Instead of fighting it, we leaned into slow mornings: breakfast, coffee, and a bit of time on the terrace before getting ready. We often prepared simple sandwiches for lunch, because once you’re out exploring, shops are rare. On one of our days, we reached Ahu Akivi around 1:30 pm, and it was the only spot on that route where we even saw a small restaurant. Planning ahead makes a huge difference on Rapa Nui.

Most days, we set off around 9:30–10:00 am and stayed outside until the late afternoon. By 5:00 or 6:00 pm, we were usually already heading back to Hangaroa before sunset. It gave us all the time we needed to enjoy the island at a comfortable pace — no rushing, no need to wake up at sunrise, just following the natural rhythm of Rapa Nui.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Hanga Roa

After landing at Mataveri International Airport from Santiago, your Easter Island itinerary starts the moment you step onto the tarmac. The airport is tiny, and within minutes you’re already in the heart of Hangaroa Easter Island, the only town on the island and the perfect base for any trip.

Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, take the rest of the day to ease into island life. Start by exploring Hanga Roa at a slow pace — walk through the small streets, stop by the local market (Feria Artesanal Hare Umanga), and have a look at the handcrafted moai, jewellery, and wooden carvings. It’s one of the best places to get a feel for local crafts before the bigger sites steal the show.

From there, continue toward the harbour. This is where we saw sea turtles almost every day. If the water is clear, you can spot them gliding between the boats and the pier, coming up for air every few minutes. The harbour is also where many Rapa Nui tours and diving excursions leave from, so it’s a good place to ask questions if you’re planning any ocean activities.

A short walk away, you’ll find the Moai of Peace, a modern statue symbolising unity and cultural pride. It’s a simple stop, but it gives you a quiet introduction to the island’s ongoing traditions and how the community keeps its heritage alive.

In the late afternoon, make your way to Ahu Tahai. This restored complex, just north of the town centre, is one of the best spots on the island for sunset. Watching the sky change colours behind the moai is the perfect first impression of Rapa Nui — calm, beautiful, and a little surreal. We came here more than once during our stay.

On the way, be sure not to miss the Rapa Nui Cemetery, where the headstones reflect a blend of Polynesian and Christian traditions, giving you an immediate sense of the island’s unique cultural heritage.

If there’s live music in town, don’t skip it. One evening, the local authorities closed the street near the market for a small outdoor concert, and a band called Tumu Tapu was playing reggae. People danced in the street, and the whole place felt warm and spontaneous. It’s the kind of moment we always remember from our trips to Easter Island, the kind you don’t plan but somehow becomes part of the trip.

By the end of the day, you’ll already feel connected to the rhythm of the island — and ready for the adventures ahead in this five-day tours to Easter Island itinerary.

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Day 2: Exploring National Park Trails and Terevaka Volcano

Your second day on this Easter Island itinerary dives deeper into the island’s landscapes, lava tubes, and quiet archaeological sites. Start the morning by heading north out of Hanga Roa and stopping at smaller ahu along the way, like Ahu Hanga Kioe and Ahu Vai Ure. These platforms sit close to the coast and make a gentle introduction before you reach the wilder side of Rapa Nui.

From there, continue into the national park to explore some of the most fascinating caves on the island. The trail network here is calm, exposed, and full of that rugged volcanic scenery that makes trips to Easter Island feel so unique.

Begin with Ana Kakenga, better known as the “Two Windows Cave.” The entrance is small, but once inside, the lava tube opens into a long corridor that leads to two natural openings carved by the ocean. The view of the Pacific framed by black volcanic rock is something you won’t forget.

Next, walk or drive to Ana Te Pora, a quieter cave with a wide entrance and a chamber believed to have been used as a shelter. Continue to Ana Te Pahu, the largest lava tube on the island. With its greenery and natural light filtering through the ceiling, it’s often called the Banana Cave. Each cave has its own character, and we loved how the landscape changed from one stop to the next.

In the afternoon, head inland to Ahu Akivi, where seven moai stand on a perfectly aligned inland platform. This is the only place on the island where moai face the ocean, and local legends connect the statues to early Polynesian explorers. The setting is peaceful, and it’s a great place to pause before the final hike of the day.

If you still have energy, continue toward Terevaka, the highest point on Rapa Nui. You can hike or drive part of the way, depending on how much time you have left. From the summit, the island stretches in every direction with nothing but water beyond it — a perfect 360° view that really shows how isolated Rapa Nui is. It’s a simple trail but incredibly rewarding.

After a full day of walking and exploring, return to Hangaroa Easter Island and relax on one of the town’s little beaches. The light gets softer, the waves calm down, and it’s the ideal slow ending to a day filled with caves, coastal paths, and volcanic ridges.

Read: Easter Island National Park: Best 1-Day Hiking Adventure

Day 3: A Scooter Adventure Around the Island

Day three of your Easter Island itinerary is all about enjoying the open road. Renting a scooter is one of the best decisions you can make on the island — it gives you the freedom to stop whenever you feel like it, take photos, and explore places tours often skip. The coastal views alone make the ride unforgettable.

Start your loop at Ahu Huri A Urenga, a single moai standing in an open field and known for its astronomical alignment. Its position is linked to the winter solstice, and once you’re there, you quickly understand how the Rapa Nui people paid attention to the sun and the seasons.

Continue along the coast to Ahu Akahanga, a raw and powerful site where the moai remain exactly as they were found — fallen, untouched, and surrounded by the remains of traditional Rapa Nui houses. This area is believed to be connected to Hotu Matu’a, the island’s first king, and it gives you a sense of how life once looked before the big ceremonial platforms were restored.

From here, the road naturally leads you to one of the most important stops of any trip to Rapa Nui: Rano Raraku, the quarry where nearly all the moai were carved. Walking the loop trail feels like stepping into an open-air museum. Dozens of statues lie scattered across the slopes — some upright, others half-buried, and several still attached to the bedrock. It’s one of the places where you really understand the scale of the work that went into shaping the island.

Just a few minutes down the road, the landscape opens up to the iconic Ahu Tongariki. Fifteen massive moai stand on a long platform facing inland with the Pacific behind them. The setting is dramatic, and even if you’ve seen countless photos, seeing it in person is completely different. Take your time to walk along the platform — each statue has its own shape and character.

Continue your scooter loop toward the petroglyphs at Papa Vaka, where ancient rock carvings depict fishing tools, fish, and long canoes. The engravings are subtle and easier to see when the light hits them at an angle, so walk slowly and let your eyes adjust — it’s a beautiful glimpse into daily life and traditions that go beyond the moai.

Your next stop is Ahu Te Pito Kura, home to the largest moai ever transported and raised on the island. It now lies face down, but its size still impresses you. Right next to it is Te Pito o Te Henua, the “navel of the world,” a legendary round stone said to hold a strong magnetic energy.

From there, head to Ovahe, a small wild beach tucked beneath red cliffs. It’s quiet, beautiful, and feels like a secret corner of the island. The water is clear on calm days, and even a short stop here adds a nice break to the loop.

For the late afternoon, drive to Anakena Beach, one of the most beautiful spots on Easter Island. White sand, palm trees, calm turquoise water, and the moai of Ahu Nau Nau overlooking the beach — it’s the perfect mix of archaeology and relaxation. Take a swim, rest in the shade, or grab something to eat at the small beach cafés.

End your day at Puna Pau, the quarry where the red pukao (the topknots placed on the moai) were carved. The rock here has a deep red colour that stands out from the rest of the island, and the gentle walk to the top of the crater gives you a peaceful final view before heading back to Hanga Roa.

Read: Easter Island Road Trip: A Perfect 1-Day Adventure

Day 4: The Volcano Trail and Sacred Village

Your fourth day on this Easter Island itinerary blends culture, nature, and one of the most beautiful hikes on the island. If you’re staying in Hangaroa Easter Island, start the morning slowly and see if the town has any live music or cultural events happening. We were lucky one day — the local authorities closed a street near the market and a band called Tumu Tapu played reggae while people danced outside. It’s the kind of moment that makes trips like this feel special.

When you’re ready, head toward the start of the Te Ara o Te Ao Trail, one of our favourite walks on the island. The path begins just outside town and slowly climbs toward Rano Kau, a massive volcanic crater that dominates the southwest corner of Rapa Nui. The hike takes you through gardens, open fields, and a quiet stretch of forest before the landscape suddenly opens up. As soon as you reach the rim, the view of the crater hits you — a huge freshwater lake covered with floating totora reeds, surrounded by steep green walls that catch the light beautifully throughout the day.

After taking your time at the viewpoint, follow the ridge trail to Orongo, the ceremonial village that once served as the centre of the Birdman Cult. The stone houses here are low and narrow, built to withstand the strong winds that hit this part of the island. The setting is incredible — the crater on one side and the Pacific on the other, with the small islets of Motu Nui and Motu Iti just off the coast.

Orongo is one of the most culturally important sites on the island. This is where clan representatives gathered every year for the Tangata Manu competition, a ritual that decided leadership for the coming season. As you walk through the village and see the petroglyphs carved into the rocks, it becomes easier to imagine how significant this place once was.

After exploring the site, take a slow walk back down toward Hanga Roa or drive if you came with a scooter. The light in the late afternoon makes the coastline look incredible, and it’s a peaceful way to wrap up a day filled with history, legends, and volcanic landscapes.

Read: Te Ara o Te Ao Trail: Hike to Rano Kau and Orongo, Easter Island

Day 5: Farewell Easter Island itinerary

Your final day on this Easter Island itinerary is all about slowing down and enjoying the calm atmosphere of Hangaroa Easter Island before flying back to the mainland. There’s no need to rush today — just let the morning unfold naturally.

Start with an easy walk through town. Hanga Roa is small, but every corner has something that reminds you of the island’s unique blend of Polynesian and Chilean culture. If you haven’t bought souvenirs yet, stop by the local shops or the craft market for handmade moai carvings, jewellery, or small Rapa Nui art pieces. A cozy café is also a nice place to sit down, have a last coffee, and reflect on the past few days.

If you have extra time, revisit one of your favourite spots from the week — Ahu Tahai for a quiet moment near the statues, Anakena Beach if you feel like one last swim, or one of Hanga Roa’s small beaches if you just want to sit by the water. The light in the morning is soft, and it’s the perfect way to take in the island one last time.

If you missed it earlier in the trip, visit the Hanga Roa cemetery. It’s unlike any other, with colourful tombs decorated with moai and symbols blending Christian and Polynesian traditions.

Before heading to the airport, grab a final meal in town — fresh tuna, ceviche, or a simple dish at one of the local restaurants. The food here always tastes better when you know it’s your last one on Rapa Nui.

When it’s finally time, make your way to Mataveri International Airport and say goodbye to the island. Leaving Easter Island always feels a bit emotional — the landscapes, the history, and the atmosphere stay with you long after your plane takes off.

Our Favorite Hotels in Hanga Roa

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Cabaña del mar Rapanui

Hare Nua Hotel Boutique

Nayara Hangaroa

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