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Mataveri International Airport (IPC/SCIP) is the only commercial airport serving Easter Island (Rapa Nui), one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth. Located just outside Hanga Roa, its runway was extended in the 1980s with NASA funding to serve as an emergency landing site for the Space Shuttle. Today it is the island's sole gateway, primarily served by LATAM flights from Santiago and Lima.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors bring Chilean pesos in cash for taxi fares and park fees, since card acceptance is spotty and the airport ATM can run out—especially after the Santiago flight lands.
🚖 Getting There
Taxis and pre-arranged hotel transfers meet most arrivals outside the small terminal; there is no ride-hailing or public bus service on the island. Fares to Hanga Roa are short and often fixed, but confirm the price before departing. Rental cars and scooters can be booked in town, though availability is limited in high season.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which airlines fly to Mataveri International Airport?
A: LATAM Airlines is the main carrier, with regular flights from Santiago (SCL) and seasonal or connecting service from Lima (LIM). There are no other commercial airlines serving Easter Island.
Q: How far is the airport from Hanga Roa?
A: The airport is adjacent to Hanga Roa, about 1.5–2 km (1–1.2 mi) from the town center. Taxis and hotel transfers take 5–10 minutes; walking is possible but often hot and windy.
Q: How long is the flight from Santiago to Easter Island?
A: The nonstop flight from Santiago usually takes about 5.5 to 6.5 hours, depending on winds. It is one of the longest domestic flights in Chile.
Q: Do I need special entry documents for Easter Island?
A: Yes. Chilean authorities require visitors to complete an entry form or online declaration and show proof of accommodation and a return ticket. You also need a ticket for Rapa Nui National Park, which is often checked on arrival or at sites.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 28, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash