Premium account Joined: Jan 08 Points: 57198 Posts: 120
Posted: 2009-02-09 11:44:00
Yes. What information are you after?
Have you seen a report I posted? The island is tiny. There are a few really fascinating spots to see on Rapa Nui, but it also depends on what your interests are, what your budget is, etc.
Kind regards
Krys
--- Exaggeration is a truth that has lost its temper... Travel! You will see the world and discover who you are.
Premium account Joined: Jan 08 Points: 57198 Posts: 120
Posted: 2009-02-09 11:44:00
By they way, have you realised that my profile picture was taken on Rapa Nui. In a higher resolution, you should be able to see the moai reflected in my sun glasses...
--- Exaggeration is a truth that has lost its temper... Travel! You will see the world and discover who you are.
yes, i've read your report. it sounds beautiful in Easter Island, plus the mystery to top it up. hmm reminds me of my trip to Angkor Wat, with the temples and all.
As for budget, still have no idea on expenses on that one. i tried browsing net, and just to have a rough estimate of how much the plane tickets are.... but life on the island would be another story.
how many days would be recommended to stay there?
i guess half of me is magnetized by the fact that it's one of the most difficult places to go to....but then another question is, woudl it be worth the trip though
Premium account Joined: Jan 08 Points: 57198 Posts: 120
Posted: 2009-02-09 11:44:00
Hi.
It is definitely worth the trip! The island is tiny, and I think three days would be sufficient. One day, in the morning, you could do a round trip around the island to see almost everything at the glance and then decide, which temples and sights you would like to see again in the evening by bike or on foot (or even horseback). The same day, in the afternoon, you could do Orongo and the ancient village on the top of the volcano, where the reliefs of the birdman can be found. I would recommend that on foot (it is an easy climb, but take water as it may get hot). For sunset, I would head for Tahai.
The other morning, I would recommend a sunrise for Rano Raraku, where the moai were carvout and to see the Tongariki temple. Then go breakfast and relax. Maybe some shopping in the capital. In the afternoon, you could do the only beach, Anakena, complete with three temples and palmtrees clusters.
On the third day, I would do some trekking on the tallest of the volcanoes and visit the Navel of the World, and see some of the temples in the different light.
The airfares can be steep, as LAN Chile has been the only airline. They do not fly daily. So, either you go for a 2, 3 or 5 day trip, or something - check the schedules. Often, they offer good deals over the internet. I paid about $450, but I know that a regular price may be higher than $800.
There a few hotels in the capital. I did not book in advance. Locals met the aircraft inviting to go and stay at their guesthouses. I stayed at Orongo Hotel, as you know, which was rather good option, clean (if a bit tacky) and the restaurant was superb. I think it was about $50 or so per night, including fabulous breakfast.
In general, Rapa Nui is about 3 times as expensive as Chile - this is what the taxi drivers would claim - and for taxis on the island you would pay about three times as much as in Santiago, but the distances are very short!
Please let me know if you need more information.
Kind regards
Krys
[edited by krisek at 2009-02-09 11:44]
--- Exaggeration is a truth that has lost its temper... Travel! You will see the world and discover who you are.
