visiting easter island involves guided tours and higher fees to protect moai

Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is a remote Polynesian island famous for its numerous stone moai statues representing Polynesian ancestors, Conde Nast Traveler reported.

Visitors typically reach the island via Mataveri International Airport, served daily by LATAM flights from Santiago, Chile. Most stay in the town of Hanga Roa and take day trips to archeological sites within a half-hour drive.

Since 2017, the Ma'u Henua Indigenous Community has managed Rapa Nui National Park and recently increased entrance fees to about $100 USD to reduce overtourism and promote longer, culturally immersive stays.

A key new rule requires visitors to explore archeological sites outside Hanga Roa only with certified guides, making independent car or bike rentals less common.

The island also offers vibrant Polynesian culture, lively music and dance in Hanga Roa, and a food scene influenced by its maritime heritage, adding to the visitor experience beyond its historical monuments.