Chile’s Rapa Nui welcomes back visitors for the first time since the pandemic began
Better known as Easter Island, this mystical Polynesian land has finally reopened its borders to international arrivals after more than two years of closure…
After more than two-and-a-half years of border closure, the first travellers have returned to one of the most remote corners of the world.
Rapa Nui – better known as Easter Island – is most famed for its mysteries ancient moai statues carved centuries ago by the island’s inhabitants.
The Chilean-owned island, located in Polynesia, reopened to visitors on the 4 August after the government and the island’s local communities agreed it was safe to do so. This was the first time Rapa Nui has allowed international arrivals since the pandemic hit in March 2020.
Ahu Tongariki, Easter Island (Shutterstock)
Anakena beach, Easter Island (Shutterstock)
More than 230 people were among the first international arrivals to step off the plane at Mataveri International Airport this August.
There are still entry requirements in place. All visitors must be fully vaccinated, have a negative PCR test taken less than 24 hours before boarding the plane, and also undergo rapid antigen testing upon arrival.
Veronica Kunze, the Undersecretary of Tourism said: “We are very happy that the island is starting this new stage of reopening.
“Most tourist services are ready to welcome visitors, maintaining appropriate hygiene protocols and with the hope of reactivating their businesses.”
The Mayor of Rapa Nui also commented: “Expectations are high, people are happy and pleased to finally have their bridge open, not only to welcome guests, which is necessary for the economy, but also to have that sense of freedom to be able to leave and return from the island.”
Those who make the trip to Easter Island can enjoy watching the sun rise at Ahu Tongariki – the largest moai site on the island, visit the volcanic crater quarry where many of the moai were carved, and admire the white paradise sands, palm trees and blues seas at Akena beach, where Polynesian explorers first landed around 1,000 years ago.
See more highlights or listen to our Easter Island podcast episode.
