Post #799781 by bamalamalu on Sun, Jan 5, 2020 9:15 AM

It's great you're staying a full week. So many people go for only a couple days. I did a week and loved it.

I stayed at Taura'a Hotel. It was great - walking distance to town and the waterfront Moai. Not fancy, but clean with friendly staff and lots of Moai art around the property. I took a quick look online and it looks like there are a lot more options of places to stay now - It's been 10 years since I went, so I'm sure there have been changes. But as long as you stay at a regular place and have a vehicle, you'll be good. I remember one of the fancy/expensive places wouldn't let guests go out on their own, they had to be taken on tours. Crazy. We did do a couple tours with local guides set up through the hotel that were excellent, but you'll also love exploring on your own.

Ask about upgrading to Business Class on the flight from Santiago when you check in. If there are unsold seats left, they'd let you upgrade for a fairly low price. I did it on the way over and it was really nice. But even in coach, it's nicer than being on a cramped US flight.

Gotta run, but will try to think of any other tips!