Tapati Rapa Nui 2027: Dates, Tickets & Backpacking Guide

Backpacking in Tapati Rapa Nui
🏆 Top pickfestival ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

The festival’s most telling ritual is the Haka Pei, held on the steep slope of Maunga Pu’i, where young men slide down a banana-trunk sled at highway speeds on bare skin. Tapati Rapa Nui takes over Hanga Roa, the only town on Rapa Nui, a Pacific island that is part of Chile, for about two weeks in early February. Events run from the harbor to the Hanga Vare Vare stage, and distances are walkable, so you follow the action on foot. Two clans field candidates for queen and compete in carving, body painting, singing and canoe racing, which is why every night has a crowd with a stake in the result. I made the mistake of showing up late to a morning event and stood behind three rows of families who had claimed shade hours earlier. Arrive early. Flights and rooms sell out months ahead, so book both before anything else.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Chile Travel Guide.

Organized yearly: in February
Daily cost: US$125 to 135 [chile.travel]
Duration: 2 weeks

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 festival in ChileWhat sets this place apart

Tapati Rapa Nui is the one time the island performs for itself first and visitors second. Two rival clans compete for the crown of queen, and every event scores points: Haka Pei sledding, Tau’a Rapa Nui triathlon, costume parades, and nightly song and dance contests. Because the audience is mostly islanders cheering relatives, you sit among families, not a tour group, and you learn quickly who is related to whom.

That local stake makes it a smarter cultural experience than a standard island tour. You see living Rapa Nui language, tattooing, and weaving used for something other than a souvenir stand. Most events are free or cost little, so the main spend is getting here and sleeping on the island, where rooms are scarce.

It also anchors a longer Pacific route. Most people connect through … read more 👉

Tapati Rapa Nui is the one time the island performs for itself first and visitors second. Two rival clans compete for the crown of queen, and every event scores points: Haka Pei sledding, Tau’a Rapa Nui triathlon, costume parades, and nightly song and dance contests. Because the audience is mostly islanders cheering relatives, you sit among families, not a tour group, and you learn quickly who is related to whom.

That local stake makes it a smarter cultural experience than a standard island tour. You see living Rapa Nui language, tattooing, and weaving used for something other than a souvenir stand. Most events are free or cost little, so the main spend is getting here and sleeping on the island, where rooms are scarce.

It also anchors a longer Pacific route. Most people connect through Santiago and add a week on the mainland or onward to Tahiti, since the flights make the island worth a proper stay. The moai are there year-round, but the two-week February program is when the island is loudest.

💡 HighlightsWhat this place is best known for

Haka Pei at Maunga Pu’i: Riders launch themselves down a steep hillside on sleds made of banana trunks, reaching alarming speed. It is the festival’s signature spectacle and it draws the biggest crowds.
Coronation and Opening Parade: The queen candidates arrive by sea and land with their clans, in feathered headdresses and body paint. It sets the rivalry that runs through every contest.
Tau’a Rapa Nui Triathlon: Competitors race with traditional gear, including reed floats on the water and carrying bunches of bananas on the run. It is physical, funny, and fiercely competitive.
Nightly Song and Dance Contests: Held at the Hanga Vare Vare stage, the clans perform sung stories, with groups competing in choreography and costume. The voices and drumming are the best way to hear Rapa Nui language live.

… read more 👉

Haka Pei at Maunga Pu’i: Riders launch themselves down a steep hillside on sleds made of banana trunks, reaching alarming speed. It is the festival’s signature spectacle and it draws the biggest crowds.
Coronation and Opening Parade: The queen candidates arrive by sea and land with their clans, in feathered headdresses and body paint. It sets the rivalry that runs through every contest.
Tau’a Rapa Nui Triathlon: Competitors race with traditional gear, including reed floats on the water and carrying bunches of bananas on the run. It is physical, funny, and fiercely competitive.
Nightly Song and Dance Contests: Held at the Hanga Vare Vare stage, the clans perform sung stories, with groups competing in choreography and costume. The voices and drumming are the best way to hear Rapa Nui language live.
Body Painting and Craft Events: Artists paint designs with natural pigments, and carvers and weavers show their skills. Watching the work being judged tells you what these patterns actually mean.

Seeing the headline events takes about four to five days, though the full program fills two weeks.

Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🌤️ When to go?When is the celebration of Tapati Rapa Nui?

Tapati Rapa Nui runs for about two weeks from late January into mid-February, with dates set each year by the local organizing committee, and the events take place around Hanga Roa on Easter Island (Rapa Nui), including the Hanga Vare Vare cultural center and the Tapati seafront.

Best days: The opening parade and the first weekend set the tone, and the closing parade with the coronation of the winning queen is the loudest night. Weekdays are the best time for the haka pei (banana-trunk sledding) down Maunga Pu’i and for the Tau’a Rapa Nui triathlon.
Weather: Expect warm, humid days of about 25 to 28°C (77 to 82°F), with short tropical showers and long daylight. Bring a light rain shell, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sandals you can get muddy.
Booking: Flights from Santiago and rooms fill months

… read more 👉

Tapati Rapa Nui runs for about two weeks from late January into mid-February, with dates set each year by the local organizing committee, and the events take place around Hanga Roa on Easter Island (Rapa Nui), including the Hanga Vare Vare cultural center and the Tapati seafront.

Best days: The opening parade and the first weekend set the tone, and the closing parade with the coronation of the winning queen is the loudest night. Weekdays are the best time for the haka pei (banana-trunk sledding) down Maunga Pu’i and for the Tau’a Rapa Nui triathlon.
Weather: Expect warm, humid days of about 25 to 28°C (77 to 82°F), with short tropical showers and long daylight. Bring a light rain shell, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sandals you can get muddy.
Booking: Flights from Santiago and rooms fill months ahead, so book both by October or November. Lodging prices rise roughly 20 to 40 percent during the festival.
Crowds: Everything is within a short walk or ride of Hanga Roa, so arrive a day before the opening and leave a day after the closing to avoid the busy airport.

Arrive two nights before the opening parade to claim a room and see the teams rehearsing.

source: climatestotravel.comJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

Hanga Roa is the only town on the island, so the best place for backpackers to stay is within a few streets of the harbor and main road, Atamu Tekena. This area puts you near the seafront stages, the Hanga Vare Vare cultural center, the craft market and most restaurants, so you can walk to nearly every event and back after dark without needing a ride.

The streets just inland from Caleta Hanga Roa and around the church are the most social. Hostels and guesthouses here attract solo travelers, and the shared kitchens and garden terraces make it easy to meet people and to arrange rides to events … read more 👉

Hanga Roa is the only town on the island, so the best place for backpackers to stay is within a few streets of the harbor and main road, Atamu Tekena. This area puts you near the seafront stages, the Hanga Vare Vare cultural center, the craft market and most restaurants, so you can walk to nearly every event and back after dark without needing a ride.

The streets just inland from Caleta Hanga Roa and around the church are the most social. Hostels and guesthouses here attract solo travelers, and the shared kitchens and garden terraces make it easy to meet people and to arrange rides to events held farther out. Campgrounds and basic family-run guesthouses cluster on the quieter edges of town, a 10 to 15 minute walk from the center. They are cheaper and calm, though a late walk back means unlit roads, so bring a headlamp.

The area near the airport is quiet but a bit far from the evening action and the music. Staying outside Hanga Roa is not practical, since there are few beds elsewhere on the island. During the festival, rooms in the central streets go first, so settle for a family guesthouse rather than waiting for a hostel dorm. Many hosts rent bikes, scooters and cars, which helps you reach Tapati events at Tahai and Anakena.

Best hostels in Chile

Best quality hotels in Chile

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)Typical daily expenses

A realistic daily budget for Tapati Rapa Nui is about US$125 to 135 per person, with high-season accommodation making up the largest share.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Festival tickets	US$0 to 15	Most parades and street events are free. Seats at the main stage events, such as the closing night, may cost a few dollars, and the national park entry for Rapa Nui (US$80 for foreigners, paid once) is separate.
Accommodation	US$50 to 80	Hostel dorms and camping are the cheapest. Private guesthouse rooms cost more, and prices rise during the festival weeks.
Local transport	US$5 to 25	Hanga Roa is walkable. Bike or scooter rentals run about US$20 to 40 a day, and taxis within town cost about US$5 to 8.
Food & drinks	US$25 to 40	Prices are high because most goods are imported. Empanadas cost US$4 to 7

… read more 👉

A realistic daily budget for Tapati Rapa Nui is about US$125 to 135 per person, with high-season accommodation making up the largest share.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Festival tickets	US$0 to 15	Most parades and street events are free. Seats at the main stage events, such as the closing night, may cost a few dollars, and the national park entry for Rapa Nui (US$80 for foreigners, paid once) is separate.
Accommodation	US$50 to 80	Hostel dorms and camping are the cheapest. Private guesthouse rooms cost more, and prices rise during the festival weeks.
Local transport	US$5 to 25	Hanga Roa is walkable. Bike or scooter rentals run about US$20 to 40 a day, and taxis within town cost about US$5 to 8.
Food & drinks	US$25 to 40	Prices are high because most goods are imported. Empanadas cost US$4 to 7 and a sit-down fish meal US$15 to 25.
Miscellaneous	US$5 to 15	Sunscreen, souvenirs from the craft market, a tip, or a round of beers at evening events.
Total Daily Budget	US$125 to 135	Per person, per day, in high season.

source: chile.travel

⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🍲 FoodLocal Flavors for Backpackers

Food at Tapati Rapa Nui starts with the umu, the underground earth oven, where chicken, fish, sweet potato, taro and banana are steamed over hot volcanic stones. Teams and families cook it at festival events, and the smoky, soft sweetness of the sweet potato is worth the line.

Around the seafront and cultural stages, stalls sell empanadas de atún, a fried tuna pastry that has become the island’s signature snack, along with grilled fish, ceviche and po’e, a sticky pudding of banana and pumpkin baked in a leaf. Fresh tuna and mahi-mahi are the best bets, since most other food is flown or shipped in and costs more. Drinks include fruit juices from papaya, guava and passion fruit, Chilean beer such as Escudo and Cristal, and pisco sour at the evening events.

Carry cash in Chilean pesos or US … read more 👉

Food at Tapati Rapa Nui starts with the umu, the underground earth oven, where chicken, fish, sweet potato, taro and banana are steamed over hot volcanic stones. Teams and families cook it at festival events, and the smoky, soft sweetness of the sweet potato is worth the line.

Around the seafront and cultural stages, stalls sell empanadas de atún, a fried tuna pastry that has become the island’s signature snack, along with grilled fish, ceviche and po’e, a sticky pudding of banana and pumpkin baked in a leaf. Fresh tuna and mahi-mahi are the best bets, since most other food is flown or shipped in and costs more. Drinks include fruit juices from papaya, guava and passion fruit, Chilean beer such as Escudo and Cristal, and pisco sour at the evening events.

Carry cash in Chilean pesos or US dollars to be converted, as small stalls often do not take cards and ATMs in Hanga Roa can run dry during the festival. Portions are generous, so share a plate and sample more. Expect lines at midday, and eat early before a popular dish sells out. Tip around ten percent at sit-down places, and keep water with you in the heat.

FAQTraveler FAQ

Tapati Rapa Nui takes place over about two weeks from late January into mid-February each year, with exact dates set by the local organizing committee. Events are held around Hanga Roa on Easter Island, including the opening parade and the closing coronation of the queen. Check the schedule in the autumn before you book, since the dates can shift by a few days.

Attending Tapati Rapa Nui costs about US$125 to 135 per person per day once you count a bed, food and local transport. Many parades and street events are free, while seats at the main stage events may cost a few US dollars. The national park ticket, which is separate, costs around US$80 for foreigners and covers your whole stay.

Most Tapati Rapa Nui events do not need tickets, and you can watch the parades, body-painting and sports along the seafront for free. Seats at stage events like the closing night can sell out, so buy them locally when the sale opens. What you do need to book early is the flight to Easter Island and a bed in Hanga Roa, ideally by October or November.

⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Chilean festivals near Tapati Rapa Nui

Explore more nearby:

Bierfest Kunstmann—Barrel tapping, Isla Teja park, German-Chilean stalls, firefighter fundraiser| 3607 km away
Festival Internacional Lluvia de Teatro—Cervantes theater, July stage week, circus and puppetry, international companies| 3608 km away
Festival Internacional de Cine de Valdivia—Latin American premieres, Teatro Cervantes, riverside fish market, Spanish Q&As| 3609 km away

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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Many travelers book a short island stay and arrive after the sled and parade days have passed. Check the printed program once you land, then plan around the events you want most. I would pick a guesthouse in Hanga Roa within walking distance of the harbor so late shows end near your bed.

✈️ When did I visit Chile?
I have visited Chile, together with Argentina, in September 2012.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Chile, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.

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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpack

Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story

Chile🇨🇱 | festivalsTapati Rapa NuiClan rivalry, banana-trunk sleds, body painting, island song contests | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Tapati Rapa Nui
🏆 Top pickfestival ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 festival in ChileWhat sets this place apart

💡 HighlightsWhat this place is best known for

Things to do near Tapati Rapa Nui

Full day tour (South Coast)

Private Full-Day Easter Island Highlights North and West

Private Full Day Tour on Easter island "The Highlights"

Half Day Tour in Rapa Nui

Complete Easter Island in 2 Days: Private Tour with Native Guide

Small Group Wines and Flavours Guided Walking Tour

The Great Awakening of the 15 Dawn in Ahu Tongariki

Private Tour: Full-Day Easter Island Archeological sites

Private Full Day Tour on Easter Island "The Moai is born"

Full-Day Private Easter Island Highlights Tour

🌤️ When to go?When is the celebration of Tapati Rapa Nui?

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutChile Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)Typical daily expenses

🍲 FoodLocal Flavors for Backpackers

FAQTraveler FAQ

Other Chilean festivals near Tapati Rapa Nui

We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Chile🇨🇱 | festivalsTapati Rapa NuiClan rivalry, banana-trunk sleds, body painting, island song contests | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Tapati Rapa Nui🏆 Top pickfestival ranked #3By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac5417c4e')

✨ Why go?Ranked #3 festival in ChileaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac5418b64')What sets this place apartaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac5418b6a')

💡 HighlightsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac54197eb')What this place is best known foraddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac54197f1')

Things to do near Tapati Rapa Nui

Full day tour (South Coast)

Private Full-Day Easter Island Highlights North and West

Private Full Day Tour on Easter island "The Highlights"

Half Day Tour in Rapa Nui

Complete Easter Island in 2 Days: Private Tour with Native Guide

Small Group Wines and Flavours Guided Walking Tour

The Great Awakening of the 15 Dawn in Ahu Tongariki

Private Tour: Full-Day Easter Island Archeological sites

Private Full Day Tour on Easter Island "The Moai is born"

Full-Day Private Easter Island Highlights Tour

🌤️ When to go?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac541a286')When is the celebration of Tapati Rapa Nui?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac541a28e')

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutChile Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac541b035')Best areas and accommodation optionsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac541b03a')

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac541b8dd')Typical daily expensesaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac541b8e1')

🍲 FoodaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac542b41d')Local Flavors for BackpackersaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac542b425')

FAQaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac542b4ef')Traveler FAQaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac542b4f4')

Other Chilean festivals near Tapati Rapa NuiaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac542db62')

We 💚 feedbackaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac542dcfd')Parting advice and final tipsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac542dd01')

👋 Meet the founderaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac542dd51')Who’s Behind Take Your Backpack?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adbac542dd54')

Backpacking in Tapati Rapa Nui
🏆 Top pickfestival ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 festival in ChileWhat sets this place apart

💡 HighlightsWhat this place is best known for

🌤️ When to go?When is the celebration of Tapati Rapa Nui?

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)Typical daily expenses

🍲 FoodLocal Flavors for Backpackers

FAQTraveler FAQ

Other Chilean festivals near Tapati Rapa Nui

We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?