Renting a car on Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is straightforward, but planning ahead is crucial due to limited vehicle availability, especially during peak season. You must book online weeks or months in advance through one of the few local agencies. To rent, you need a valid driver's license from your home country, a passport, and a credit card for the security deposit. A car is the best way to explore the island's remote archaeological sites at your own pace.
Booking Your Rental Car
There are no international rental chains on Easter Island. You must book directly with a local company. The main options include Insular Rent A Car, Kia Rapa Nui, and Oceanic Rent A Car. Their fleets consist mainly of small SUVs, jeeps, and compact cars, which are suitable for the island's unpaved roads. Booking is done via their websites or email. You will receive a voucher to present upon arrival.
Required Documents and Process
Upon landing at Mataveri International Airport (IPC), you'll find the rental desks in the arrivals hall. You need to present your driver's license, passport, and the credit card used for the booking. The rental agent will inspect the vehicle with you before you drive off. It is highly recommended to take photos or a video of any existing scratches or dents.
Costs, Insurance, and Driving Tips
Daily rental rates typically range from $50 to $100 USD, depending on the vehicle type and season. Mandatory third-party liability insurance is included, but you should strongly consider purchasing full coverage to avoid high deductibles for any damage. The island has one main paved road connecting Hanga Roa to Anakena Beach; most other roads leading to moai sites are gravel or dirt. Drive cautiously, especially at dawn and dusk, as horses and livestock roam freely.
| Rental Consideration | Details & Data |
|---|
| Advance Booking | Recommended 2-3 months prior for high season (Dec-Feb). |
| Average Daily Cost | $60 - $80 USD for a standard 4x4 SUV. |
| Security Deposit | Typically $500 - $1000 USD hold on a credit card. |
| Fuel Cost | Approximately $1.5 - $1.7 USD per liter; only two gas stations on island. |
| Recommended Vehicle | Suzuki Jimny, Nissan Qashqai, or similar compact SUV for rough terrain. |
| Main Road Condition | Paved road from Hanga Roa to Anakena (approx. 20 km). |
| Unpaved Roads | Access to Orongo, Akahanga, and other key sites requires gravel road driving. |
| Rental Company Options | Insular, Kia Rapa Nui, Oceanic, and a few other local operators. |
| Peak Season Demand | Vehicle availability is extremely limited during Easter week and summer. |
