Echo wrote:Spice & I are planning a trip to Easter island via Santiago next year and we were wondering if anyone else has been there and wants to pass on any tips?
Also, if there are any TBs or geocoins that want a lift??
![Whistle :-"](./images/smilies/eusa_whistle.gif)
Yes I've been to both Easter Island and Santiago. What do you want to know? This was the year before I started geocaching so haven't cached there but have travelled extensively over the whole island and through Chile.
I suggest flying to Easter Island enroute to Santiago instead of flying to Santiago and then trying to buy a domestic ticket back. This is a very expensive way of doing it. I was on a round the world ticket and flew to Easter Island directly from Tahiti then onto Santiago. This way the trip was included as part of the ticket and not added on as an extra cost.
Being able to speak Spanish will make your trip much easier, I have enough intermediate Spanish and I found it easy to get around and talk to the locals. I didn't find many people who spoke English. I stayed at the YHA, the owners didn't speak any English but because I could speak Spanish they ended up driving me to the beach and some of the interesting places on the other side of the island when I told them where I wanted to go.
Instead of using taxis and having them wait I also hired a bike and cycled around the island, that way I could take as long as I wanted at the moai sites.
PM me if you want more info on specific things.