Welcome to your Rapa Nui - Easter Island Explorer
This, is Easter Island -- "Isla de Pascua" in Spanish and by indigenous title, "Rapa Nui." But to me, it will always be the "Holy Sh*t Island." – Joanna Zelman
Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is a quite unique speck situated in depths of the South Pacific.
Forged by volcanic fire, and carved over the millennia by the ocean and winds that buffet it from all directions, it is truly one of earths most remote human outposts.
On arrival, be immediately greeted by the island’s relaxed atmosphere and stunning surroundings.
The indigenous culture, Rapa Nui (hard to miss with the Moai ever present), is fascinating and steeped in mystery. Learn about the island’s history through oral traditions, archaeological sites, and local museums.
Be prepared to be amazed by this incredible little island!
Rapa Nui was first declared a National Park in 1935, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995.
Your Journey
Day 1: Arrive Easter Island & transfer to Hotel
Day 2: Visit the sites of Tongariki, te pito te kura and Anakena
Day 3: Rano Kao volcano and the ruined village of Orongo
Day 4: The enigmatic Ahu Akivi Moai, Vinapu and the famous Puna Pau quarry.
Day 5: Journey Onward
Guest Portal
You can update all your personal information directly in our Guest’s Portal. There, you can add your Insurance, Flight Details, and anything else we need for the trip. When you first click on the link you will be asked to reset your password. Please use the same email address you used for your booking.
GETTING THERE AND AWAY
Easter Island's Mataveri Airport was once designated as an abort site for the U.S. Space Shuttle when flights from southern California were planned (subsequently cancelled). The project undertaken by NASA to lengthen the runway was completed in 1987 and enabled wide-bodied jets to use the airport!
The major entry and entrance point into Chile by air, will be through Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) served by many direct services to and from Australia, Europe, North America and elsewhere in South America.
GETTING TO EASTER ISLAND (ISLA de PASCUA)
Getting to Easter Island requires a domestic flight, which only departs from Santiago (SCL).
This flight is NOT included in the cost of the trip.
Easter Islands Mataveri International Airport (IPC) is served by at least one flight daily, with the frequency increasing to 2 or 3 services during peak seasons.
Please do let us know if there are any last-minute changes to your arrival time!
If there’s anything specific you feel we need to know before departure, don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
The people of Easter Island celebrate their culture every year with the Tapati Rapa Nui Festival. Held during the first two weeks of February, traditional activities include wood carving and music played on unique eight-string flat ukuleles.
Visa Information
CHILE TOURIST VISA (As of 30th January 2023)
Australian visitors to Chile are required to obtain a tourist visa for entry (a reciprocity arrangement as a result of Australia charging Chilean nationals for entry into Australia) with a couple of options available depending on the details of your particular trip.
- Single Entry Visa
- Multi Entry Visa
For exact information, application submissions and all requirements, please consult the Chilean Consular website and Smart Traveller.
- To enter Chile, you must have either a valid international COVID-19 vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of your flight departure.
Travellers not travelling on an Australian passport, please consult your local governing body for up to date visa advice.
NOTE: As of January 2023, if you’ve been in China within the past 7 days, you’ll have additional requirements for entry, regardless of your age or nationality.
Chilean PDI (Policía de Investigaciones)
It is important you remember to retain the PDI (Policía de Investigaciones) form you receive upon your arrival in Chile.
This document is crucial for accessing tax exemptions, such as avoiding the 19% VAT on purchases and services, including hotels.
If travelers do not have this form, they are required to pay the VAT, which could cause unnecessary inconvenience and additional costs.
We've Got You Covered
GENERAL TRAVEL ADVICE
All No Roads staff and teams consider guest safety and wellbeing an absolute priority and always follow the travel advice and guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Smartraveller. To further maintain the safety of our travelers, we promote good personal and hand hygiene along with adherence to safe food preparation practices.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
We are able to cater to all common special dietary requirements.
Please advise us prior to your departure if you have any food allergies we should be aware of.
The No Roads team will do everything it can to support any trekkers with allergies that might require a special diet, by informing all in-country personnel and ensuring reasonable provisions are made for all meals. We do, however, suggest and encourage all affected guests to assist us by providing this information while travelling in situations or instances where it may be required.
WATER
Visitors should drink only bottled water, which is widely available. Do not drink tap water, even in major hotels, and try to avoid drinks with ice. Many hotels and guest houses will have a large jug (think office water cooler) from which you are able to fill your own bottle.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
Sanitary products are available in larger stores in Port Moresby, however, their availability and cost often means any such needs are brought with you from home.
Prescriptions can be filled at farmacias and boticas; it’s best to know the generic name of your drug, however, to save time and possible confusion, it is recommended you bring most of your medicinal and sanitary needs with you.
MEDICINES
Anyone using any prescription medicines regularly should carry a supply for the whole duration of your visit.
Please consult your doctor and include items and medicines that may be required for you or for the area you are traveling in.
No Roads does not supply any medicines and takes no legal responsibility for any medical treatment or professional medical support to our clients.
We will do everything we can to support guests that have disclosed a medical condition, allergy or anaphylaxis, by informing all in country personnel and ensuring reasonable provisions are made. We do however, suggest and encourage all guests in this situation to assist us by reconfirming this information in situations or instances where it may be required to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
*If you have something you are particularly prone to such as ear infections, sinus problems or mild asthma bring what you need with you.
INSURANCE
Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance is a requirement for all guests travelling on our expeditions. Once you have booked on an expedition we suggest booking your travel insurance as soon as possible to protect your investment. Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for any non-recoverable air or land expenses should you have to cancel your trip due to personal or family illness or leave the expedition early due to other reasons. For our Australian guests, we are offering policies from NIB Travel for adequate cover, and you can contact our office direct, via phone or email, to obtain an insurance quote from us.
For guests travelling with us from outside Australia, please check Travel Insurance options within your Country.
If you should receive an injury 12 months prior to your travel date, you must contact the Insurance Company with details to ensure you are covered for this injury whilst travelling. Should you not do this and require medical assistance for this injury whilst travelling you may not be covered by the insurance company.
In the event that an aircraft evacuation is required, No Roads Expeditions will undertake to arrange the evacuation on the condition that the expenses are reimbursed by the passenger before departing the Country.
Note: Accidents caused by the inappropriate consumption of alcohol or drugs may void your travel insurance.
Get a Quote
While we don’t anticipate any uninvited medical disruptions during your trek, No Roads wants to keep your mind at ease and help you get adequate assistance and cover for your well-earned time away. It is extremely important that we ensure you’re covered during your great alpine experience.
We are able to provide you with Travel Insurance for your trip, allowing you to tick this off your ‘To-Do List” as soon as possible. (We strongly recommend that you take out baggage loss and accident insurance)!
Already have a trusted insurance provider?
That’s no problem at all, our primary concern is that you have adequate cover.
Got a Pre-Existing Condition?
Simply call our Insurance Team and quote the reference number we provide you with and they’ll complete an assessment on your behalf. In many cases, there is no additional premium that needs to be paid! Many common conditions are also automatically covered.
In the event that an aircraft evacuation is required, No Roads Expeditions will undertake to arrange the evacuation on the condition that the expenses are reimbursed by the passenger before departing the Country.
Again, if you’ve any questions, don’t hesitate to ask info@noroads.com.au.
Things to Remember with Insurance
A Credit Card/Travel Card that can be used internationally. Often, any medical centre or hospital will require payment sooner than some insurance companies will have approved payment (meaning you need to be able to pay them, then seek reimbursement from your insurer).
The international emergency contact number for your insurance company. We will initiate emergency procedures for you, however, it is a far easier process for you to coordinate matters with the insurance company directly (most things we are unable to finalise on your behalf).
Documents to keep on your person, or obtain in event of emergency:
A copy of your flight itinerary with information including – Ticket Number, Airline Reference Number (PNR), Agency Flight Reference Number (if purchased via a travel agency/3rd party as well as contact information for them)
A copy of a Medical report (if you required treatment) and keep copies of all receipts for anything that you have been required to pay.
Remember t
o travel with a copy of your policy or at least your policy number and provider
Torres del Paine National Park covers approximately 242,242 hectares (that's 2,422 square km, or 2598,593 acres). It is one of the largest and most visited parks not only in Chile, but in all of Latin America.
IMMUNIZATION
In order to enter Chile, all travellers must follow the Health Protocol Requirements.
These requirements are fluid and are changing according to international COVID 19 developments. Please click here for more information about arrival requirements in Santiago.
COVID 19 – Recommended for Chile.
To enter Chile there are no other mandatory vaccinations. However, we suggest you do consult a doctor before you leave your country for vaccination against Hepatitis, Tetanus, and Typhoid.
We adhere to strict hygiene guidelines so all our food is hygienically prepared, cooked and served.
Typhoid: Recommended for Chile. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Hepatitis A: Recommended for Chile. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Tetanus: Recommended for Chile. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Hepatitis B: Recommended for Chile. Ideally 2 months before travel.
Influenza & Rabies are also considered risks in Chile. Please consult your travel doctor for the best means of immunization or risk prevention.
Plan ahead for getting your vaccinations (seriously, vaccinations are one thing that should NEVER be left until the last minute when TIME can truly be your enemy). Some of them require an initial shot followed by a booster, while some vaccinations should not be given together.
You do not need to carry an extensive medical kit as your Trekking Group Leader carries a comprehensive first aid kit for the group and staff. However, we do advise you to carry your personal medicine.
Insect-borne diseases
Outbreaks of Zika virus and Dengue have occurred on Easter Island.
If you’re pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends that you:
- discuss any travel plans with your doctor
- consider deferring non-essential travel to Zika virus affected areas
Accommodation
Within Torres del Paine National Park, you might encounter over 20 types of mammals, including the Patagonian Gray Fox, Chilean Huemul, Wild Horses, Puma and our favourite, the Guanaco!
ACCOMMODATION ON EASTER ISLAND
Our first option will be Hotel O’tai which means “In the Coast” in Rapa Nui language.
As its name implies, the hotel is just steps from the coastline and at the same time, in the heart of the village of Hanga Roa, near all the most important services.
If O’tai Hotel is not available, a similar option will be offered.
Staying Safe & Respectful
There are nearly 900 Moai dotted across the island!
It’s time for a confession.
We weren’t always this confident at what we do!
This was never through a lack of trying, but the reality is after 20 years sending people to remote parts of the world, we’ve picked up a thing or two…
TIPPING
Tipping in many countries can be a problem and can add a great deal of stress to your holiday. Remember Tipping is entirely voluntary and how much you give depends on how you feel about the service you have received, and also how much you can realistically afford.
For greater context for how much of a difference you may be making, Chile has a minimum salary just over US$400 a month. In many of the lower-paid jobs (eg waiters, porters etc) this is not always enforced.
POWER IN CHILE
For Chile, there are two associated plug types, types C and L. Plug type C is the plug that has two round pins and type L is the plug that has three round pins (type C is generally the most common, and 2 pin adaptors will often work in both socket types). Chile operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.
MONEY
In Chile, the official currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP).
If carrying funds from home, this money can be exchanged at banks or exchange vendors (look for Casa de Cambio).
Alternatively, you can use your ATM card to withdraw money in most large towns (research if your card type will function abroad, and be sure to alert your bank before you travel so they don’t flag your account for suspicious activity).
Prices in Chile, tend to by slightly higher than neighbouring countries Bolivia or Peru, however is generally cheaper when compared to Australia, North America and most Western European nations.
Note: Prices on remote Easter Island are much higher than continental Chile (being one of the most remote, inhabited places on Earth will do that)
CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards can be used to purchase goods at most major stores and hotels in Chile. Be aware, you may be charged a higher price than if you pay by cash.
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
Although attitudes are changing, Chile has traditionally been a conservative country, with the Roman Catholic church having a huge influence on daily life.
Non heterosexual travellers may find attitudes, less tolerant or accepting (there is an active gay population in Chile, especially in urban centres), so please be considerate of this.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Chile affords incredible opportunities for photography. Ensure that you are familiar with your camera well before your trek, and that your camera battery is strong (and bring a spare).
When taking photographs of local people, please ask their permission first and respect their wishes. This is normal courtesy. All you need to do is hold up your camera and wait for a response.
Know The Lingo
5 official Indigenous languages remain in Chile: Mapuche, Aymara, Chilean Quechua, Rapa Nui and the endangered Kawésqar (now spoken by only a dozen people on the island village of Puerto Eden).
A little effort to speak like a local can be a great icebreaker (as you stumble over the few words you remember) and is always appreciated by those whose homeland you are visiting.
SOME BASIC SPANISH TO GET YOU STARTED
Hello ~ Hola ~ o.la
Goodbye ~ Adios ~ a.dyos
How are you? ~ Que tal? ~ ke tal
Fine thanks~ Bien gracias ~ byen gra.syas
Excuse me ~ Perdon ~ per.don
Sorry ~ Lo siento ~ lo syen.to
Please ~ Por favor ~ por fa.vor
You are welcome ~ De nada ~ de na.da
Yes ~ Si ~ see
No ~ No ~ no
PHRASES
My name is ~ Me llamo ~ me ya.mo
Do you speak English? ~ Habla ingles? ~ a.bla een.gles
PHRASES (continued…)
I don’t understand ~ No entiendo ~ no en.tiyen.do
Where is..? ~ Donde esta..? ~ don.de es.ta
The bill please ~ La cuenta por favor ~ la kwen.ta por fa.vor
Cheers! (To your health) ~ Salud! ~ sa.loo
How much is it? ~ Cuanto cuesta? ~ kwan.to kews.ta
That’s too expensive ~ Es muy caro ~ es mooy ka.ro
SIGNS
Open ~ Abierto
Closed ~ Cerrado
Entrada ~ Entrance
Exit ~ Salida
Toilet ~ Banos
Give Us A Shout
NO ROADS EXPEDITIONS
Office: (03) 95988581
24 hrs Access:
Irene Miller + 61 430 705 222
Peter Miller + 61 425 726 623
Email: info@noroads.com.au
