The island offers a number of choices in accommodations, many very affordable. As of December 2010, the price range for a double at a typical guesthouse ranged from $20 to $120. While most lodging is simple and clean, including a private bath and complimentary breakfast, some hotels have a few more amenities. Surprisingly, lodging on Rapa Nui need not be booked in advance. When you arrive at the airport, look for one of the many guesthouse reservation counters. Once you book, you'll be given complimentary transportation to the lodge. Because there are so many more rooms than visitors, bargaining for rooms is sometimes possible. Book one night at a time to make sure you like your accommodations.
Sightseeing on Easter Island of course involves excursions to the famous moai sites. Many tours begin at the airport with a lei greeting reception. Choose a full-day or half-day tour. Beginning at Tahai's Archaeological Complex, a ceremonial center, you'll visit three sites known as Ahu -- Ahu Vai Uri with five moais, Ahu Tahai with one moai and Ahu Lo Te Riku with one moai -- set against beautiful landscapes. In Orongo's ancient ceremonial city, located at the summit of the volcano Rano Kau, visitors can see 53 elliptically shaped houses built with flagstone walls. Other sites on the tours include excursions to the volcano and quarry called Rano Raraku, where the majority of the moais were carved using the available volcanic rock of its hillsides. You'll see about 400 moais in different stages of creation.
Getting to Easter Island is somewhat involved because of its remote location. LanChile Airlines operates flights from Tahiti and Santiago twice a week. During the high season, December through March, more flights from Santiago are added. Be sure to reconfirm your flights constantly during your trip, as the planes to Rapa Nui from Santiago are frequently overbooked. From North America, direct flights to Santiago are usually available from Los Angeles, New York and Miami.
