VIII. A "little" detour off the coast of Santiago

How to Easter Island it on a budget

Rapa Nui is one of this places that we could only dream of visiting. Given the high costs related to the plain ticket, accomodation, food and tourist attractions, we early on had to take it off our bucket list. But we didn't want to give up so easily. We chose instead to believe it would be possible! And within 24 hours we not only made up our minds as we arranged everything to make this dream come true and visit Rapa Nui for 4 days (3 nights) even though we would be doing it on the tightest budget in history!  And this is how we've done it:

1 .:Search for the cheapest airplane  tickets:.
We bought the tickets with LATAM, the only airline that flies to Rapa Nui, only one month and a half in advance for a total cost of €773/£689/US$883 for two people, to go and return. We searched for the cheapest days to fly on Google flights, and then we bought the tickets on LATAM's website. They allow 1 check-in bag plus 1 hand bag, both up to 23kg. The plain is very comfy and has a meal included (let the airline know in advance if you have any dietary requirements).

2 .:Buy your food in advance:.
Before we got there, we've heard that all the food and other goods are almost twice the price comparing to continental Chile (which tbh is already quite expensive). So, we took our reusable bags off to the supermarket while still at Santiago and got some provisions for us two in advance for €18/£16/$20. We do a vegan diet, so we got 0.5kg of oats, 6 pears, 1kg of carrots, 500g of spinach, 3 bean tins, instant pure, 1 pack instant soup, peanut butter, 590g of bread, a pack of dried plantain and salted peanuts.
Still at the Island we had to buy a 6l water bottle for €5.20/£4.60/$5.90, 650g of bread for €3,90/£3,50/$4,50 and lunch for the last day for €5/£4.50/$5.80 (one empanada, one bread, crisps and 1.6l of water).
We ate porridge and pears for breakfast, peanut butter sandwiches for lunch or whenever we were hungry and a cooked meal with the ingredients described above for dinner. Wasn't exactly a feast but it kept us going :-)

3 .:Airport transfer:.
We got from Santiago city centre (Los Héroes) to the airport in less than 40 minutes with Centropuerto bus. It runs every 15 minutes from 5:50am to 11:30pm everyday and it costs €2.35/£2.10/$2.68 each way.

4 .:Park entrance fee:.
In order to visit the archeological and nature sites you'll have to buy the Rapa Nui National Park ticket which costs €70/£62/$80 each person. There's quite no way around this I'm afraid but at least it gives you access to absolutely all the sites without any extra costs applied.

5 .:Sleep under the stars:.
Not exactly under the stars as we had a tent, but a camping park feels way more genuine than anything else while in a place like this, at least for us. And it's also much cheaper! We stayed at Mihinoa Camping Park (the cheapest option in the Island) and for a fully equipped 2 people tent for 3 nights we payed  €78/£70/$89. It get's even cheaper if you bring your own tent. Plus, you have a place to cook, have shower, and they even gave us upon arrival a flower necklace and a Moai necklace when we left.

6 .:Transportation inside the Island:.
You don't necessarily have to take a tour or a guide, although certainly it could be nice. Instead, we done our own research about the history of the Island and it's archeological sites and we simply rented a bike for 24h. It's good for you and for the environment. There's plenty places to do so and the cost is €31.36/£27.94/$35.83 for two bikes. There's also the option to rent a motorcycle for 24h for €32.67/£29.10/$37.33 or a car for €52.28/£46.57/$59.73.
WARNING: Easter Island has vulcanic origins and therefore is very hilly. We rode 50km in 24h and next day we were forced to take it easy due to the pain in our legs! Still worth it!

7 .:Souvenirs:. (optional)
We got a little Moai sculpture for €15/£13/$17 and 14 fridge magnets and keychains for €13/£11.60/$14.90. Go to the Mercado Artesanal and look for deals (we got 7 keychains and magnets for the price of 5).

Total cost of our "little" detour all inclusive for two people: €1,091/£971/$1,246. Considering this was Easter Island, one has to admit it was a bargain!

Every cent or penny was absolutely worth it! We both agree, this is our absolute favourite place we've ever visited! And of one thing we're sure: it's impossible to make it cheaper than this!

Thanks for reading!
Love,
Joana and Diogo