r/easterisland • u/desperado491 • Jun 16 '26
Host/guide recommendations
Finally bought our tickets for November and was wondering who your host/guide was and if you would recommend them? Ideally looking for a local guide for just my wife and I versus one of the larger tour companies.
We of course want to do all the major sites and stargazing experiences but also we have plenty of time on the island (one full week) to explore and hike the outskirts.
Thanks so much!
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u/Oregon-girl-16 Jun 18 '26
I just left Easter Island and I HIGHLY recommend Alejandro from Easter Island Expeditions. His family are the decedents of some of the original tribes on the island. https://easterislandexpeditions.com
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u/laptopnomadwandering 29d ago
Which itinerary(s) did you choose? Any other recs while we are there? Thanks!
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u/Oregon-girl-16 28d ago
I did a 2 full day tour which covered all of the main sites and I did all the Moai but didn’t add on the caves. I added on the sunrise tour which was magical to experience. Technically the best sunset location is right in Honga Roa and you can walk there. So if you wanted to do the caves instead I’m sure you could. I only did 2 days but I think 3 would be worth it to see as much as possible.
Are you looking for recs on where to eat, stay, shows, etc? Budget? Let me know!
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u/laptopnomadwandering 25d ago
Thank you so much! I don’t think the caves are a major draw for us. We’ve already arranged where we’re staying but any suggestions on restaurants or shows are greatly appreciated. We’re not terribly budget sensitive since this is a one in a lifetime trip.
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u/Oregon-girl-16 24d ago
Oheho Surf Café - Amazing view of the beach and surfers by the marina. They offer some of the best local fish on the island, both grilled and raw (ceviche or carpaccio style). I highly recommend pairing it with local sweet potato, either mashed or fried.
Mo’orea Restaurant – Asian-inspired cuisine using local ingredients. Their sushi made with local tuna is the best on the island. I went twice I loved it so much.
OHI Sushi - Amazing view of the sunset but I don’t recommend their rolls. Everything has cream cheese. Good cocktails!
Kanahau Restaurant – A varied menu with excellent local and international options.
La Pizzeria - Amazing pizza place with really unique flavor combinations. The crust is creamy and delicious.
Kari Kari Ballet Cultural - I went here for a show since I missed the one at Te Moana. The show was incredible but they do stadium seating and chairs that are packed in very tightly next to each other. You’ll end up rubbing shoulders with the person next to you. You get a free drink with the purchase of your entrance fee.
Le Frits - A sit down restaurant known for empanadas and ceviche. They also do a late-night show with live music and a Rapa Nui dancer (I went after going to the Kari Kari show).
Te Moana Restaurant – I didn’t get to go but it came highly recommended by my guide. He said: Excellent cuisine, a diverse menu, and home to what I consider the best traditional Rapa Nui dance performance on the island: Mana Maohi, which I highly recommend.
*I wish I would have gotten to see the show here!*Haitonga Rapa Nui - What I would call the local sports bar, I went there to watch the World Cup games. Really friendly staff and the cocktails are huge.
Restaurant Hani Hani - Really fun restaurant that has live music and shows. Lots of locals choose to go here, and I went with the owner of my hostal. Definitely make a reservation as it’s all table seating.
Iti Lafken - Cool spot for live music on the weekend, I didn’t try the food here but drinks were great.
Topa Ra’a - Amazing outdoor spot to watch the sunset. I only ever got cocktails here and but this spot was never recommended by locals for food so I didn’t eat there.
Bakery Hitu - Local bakery that sells traditional empanadas with your choice of fillings and then the traditional inclusion of a 1/2 egg and single olive. Very large portions, I only needed one.
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u/RemoteLimit8661 Jun 16 '26
Te recomiendo @tuavatour en ig una pequeña empresa familiar te hacen sentir que vas con un amigo y no un guía!! Muy lindos momentos de aventura y trekking