Mataveri Airport, the gateway to Easter Island

Mataveri International Airport (IPC) is how nearly every visitor reaches Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, the Chilean island in the South Pacific famous for its moai statues. The island lies thousands of kilometres from the nearest other airports, so the flight itself is part of the adventure. It remains the island's main point of entry.

Where Mataveri Airport is on Easter Island

The airport is right beside Hanga Roa, the island's main town. Most hotels and guesthouses are only a few kilometres away, and the drive into town takes just a few minutes. Many hosts meet their guests at arrivals and include the transfer.

The runway and terminal at Mataveri Airport

Mataveri has a single runway of about 3.3 km, which stretches almost from coast to coast at the southwestern end of the island near the Rano Kau volcano. It was extended with United States support and was once designated as an emergency landing site for the Space Shuttle, though it was never needed for that purpose. The long runway allows wide-body jets to land. By contrast, the terminal is small and relaxed, with one baggage belt, a café and a few shops selling local crafts.

Flights to and from Mataveri Airport

LATAM Airlines operates the scheduled flights, connecting Easter Island with Santiago de Chile. Flights run most days, with extra frequencies during busier periods. Since the island is served by a single carrier on a long-haul route, seats can fill up early, so check the latest schedule and plan ahead.

Getting from Mataveri Airport to Hanga Roa

• Hotel transfer: most accommodation arranges a pickup, often greeting guests with a flower necklace.
• Taxi: taxis are available for the short ride into Hanga Roa.
• On foot: Hanga Roa is close enough to walk if you travel light, though most visitors take a transfer.

What to see on Easter Island

Easter Island is protected as Rapa Nui National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the moai platforms at Ahu Tongariki, the quarry at Rano Raraku where the statues were carved, and the ceremonial village of Orongo on the rim of Rano Kau, just above the airport.

Tips for arriving at Mataveri Airport

Entry to Rapa Nui National Park requires a ticket, which is now sold online rather than at the airport, so arrange it before you travel. Arriving bags pass through an agricultural inspection, and fresh fruit, vegetables and similar items are not allowed in. On departure, allow at least two hours for inspection, passport control and security.

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