How it works
Six steps, one of which is us saying no
One guide can only guide one group at a time, so there is no instant confirmation here. If your dates are already taken we will tell you straight away rather than quietly juggling them.
From first message to arrival day
- 01
Submit the planning request
Five steps covering timing, party size, interests, and what you have already booked. Progress saves as you go, so you can stop and come back.
- 02
We reply within 24 hours
Raghav reads it properly and comes back with questions or a first draft itinerary. We reply within 24 hours, Monday to Saturday.
- 03
The guide confirms your dates
Tavake Rapu guides one group at a time, so we never quote dates without checking his calendar first. Peak season fills four to eight weeks ahead.
- 04
You get a written quote
A plain-English quote with the day-by-day plan, the total, and exactly what is excluded. Payment is arranged directly, not through this site.
- 05
Pre-trip checklist
We send a dated checklist for your FUI form, return ticket, accredited accommodation, and park ticket, so nothing is left to the airport.
- 06
Arrival day
Tavake Rapu meets you at your accommodation. You already know where you are going each day and why it is in that order.
Who does what
What stays your job, and why we prefer it that way
We deliberately do not sell flights or accommodation. You book those yourself, at the price you find, with no commission added by us. Here is your side of the list.
| When | What you do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| As early as possible | Book the Santiago–Easter Island flight | One airline flies this route, roughly 5–11 times a week. Seats and fares get worse the longer you wait. |
| Before you can board | Book a SERNATUR-accredited place to stay | Chile will not let you fly without a reservation at an accredited property, or an invitation letter from a resident. |
| Before you fly | Complete the FUI entry form online | Presented to the police at the departure airport along with your passport and non-transferable return ticket. |
| Before or on arrival | Buy the national park ticket (USD 100) | Buying online in advance avoids a queue in Hanga Roa. We will tell you which day to start it on. |
We send a dated checklist covering all four items once your guiding days are confirmed, so none of this is left for you to remember alone.
Changes and cancellations
Plain terms
Rescheduling. If your flight moves, we move your guiding days at no charge wherever the calendar allows. This is common on this route and we plan for it.
Cancelling. Full terms are confirmed in writing with your quote before you pay anything. We would rather agree them with you than bury them in a footer.
Weather. Rapa Nui weather turns quickly. We build a buffer day before your single quarry entry precisely so rain does not cost you Rano Raraku.
Questions
Before you write to us
- Can I pay for Easter Island guiding on the website?
- No. We send a written quote after confirming the guide's availability, and payment is arranged directly with us after you approve it. Nothing is charged through this site.
- How quickly will I get a reply?
- Within 24 hours, Monday to Saturday. Raghav handles correspondence and Tavake Rapu confirms the calendar, so occasionally a date check adds a few hours.
- How far ahead should I book a guide for Easter Island?
- Four to eight weeks ahead for peak season (January to March, including the Tapati festival). Outside those months two to three weeks is usually enough, though flights should still be booked much earlier.
- What if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
- Flights to Rapa Nui are occasionally disrupted. Because we hold no deposit against your flights, we simply reshuffle your guiding days around the new arrival where the guide's calendar allows.