Easter Island Recommendations
 

Traveling to Chile in February 2019, starting with the W trek in Torres del Paine for 7 days, then a couple of days R&R in Valpariso, then 4 nights/3 full days on Easter Island. Looking for a relatively inexpensive hotel/inn ($125/night). Suggestions? There seem to be tons of accommodations on the island! Thinking about doing a guided tour one day so we know what we're looking at, then possibly renting bikes for a day. I read about that somewhere but wonder if the roads are ride-able. We are experienced bikers, although not 'kids.' The size of the Island seems perfect for bike exploration. Any and all recommendations for our time on the island would be appreciated!

The size of the island and the conditions of the roads (mostly paved) make for easy biking. Do make sure you have adequate lighting as most of the roads will be dark after nightfall. We spent 5 nights on Easter Island last August and did a lot of walking. I would recommend the main highlights, which include Rano Raraku (the quarry), Ahu Tongariki, the Tahai complex, Rano Kau and Orongo, and Anakena Beach. You may be interested in obtaining the guidebook published by the Easter Island Foundation; we found it to be the one and only useful guidebook for the island. As for accommodations, you are correct that there are many including along the main roads in Hanga Roa, the town. Couldn't tell you the prices though as we stayed at a higher-end place outside of town.

Thanks, tripplanner001! I'm just curious, where did you stay and how did you like it?

We stayed at the Altiplanico. It is located about a 30-45 minute walk from town - very bikable though. In the times we didn’t walk, we called for a taxi which cost about $3-4. I really enjoyed the property - nice, spacious room and bathrooms. There are only 18 units, spread out over nice grounds. Restaurant onsite, with breakfast included.

Did you do a guided tour at all, or just rely on the guidebook? And thanks for the hotel info.

We did it all on our own, although we did take a few taxi rides over longer distances.

Tripplanner001, finally someone as enthused as I am over the information provided by the Easter Island Foundation! They also have a suggested 5 day itinerary for a visit which is worth looking at. Start with Day 1 as some of the "getting there" info is very out of date. There are no longer flights from Lima, the airline is called LATAM now not LAN etc.

Hi there Huentetu. We largely followed our 5 day itinerary closely to what is suggested in the book with a few modifications.