Is Easter Island safe?
Very safe, small island with low crime. The main risks are sun, road accidents and swimming in rough sea.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 5/5, very safe.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-05-19.
- Homicide rate in Chile: 6.3 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Chile: 14.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 133 · Ambulance 131 · Fire 132.
Safety in Easter Island at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Crime | Occasional theft from parked cars and rental vehicles; violent crime against visitors is almost unheard of. |
| At night | Quiet after dinner; the roads outside town are unlit, so take a torch and avoid walking long distances in the dark. |
| Solo women | Very comfortable for solo women. Locals are welcoming; standard care on isolated roads and at night. |
| Other risks | Strong sun and wind; UV is extreme in summer; Rough seas and rip currents at many coves; Wild horses and dogs on rural roads |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Unlicensed guides offering cheap tours at the harbor
- Rental cars charging for pre-existing damage; photograph first
Take care
- Rano Raraku and Orongo: stay on marked paths; fines for touching moai
- Swimming at rocky coves in heavy swell
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Undeclared fresh food, plants or animal products bring heavy fines at entry.
- Drinking alcohol in streets, parks and other public places is illegal.
How Easter Island compares in Chile
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Easter Island | 5/5 · Very safe |
| San Pedro de Atacama | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Natales | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Pucón | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Varas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Viña del Mar | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Chiloé | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Punta Arenas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| La Serena | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Santiago | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Valparaíso | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Easter Island safe for solo female travelers?
Very comfortable for solo women. Locals are welcoming; standard care on isolated roads and at night.
Is Easter Island safe at night?
Quiet after dinner; the roads outside town are unlit, so take a torch and avoid walking long distances in the dark.
What is the crime rate in Easter Island?
Occasional theft from parked cars and rental vehicles; violent crime against visitors is almost unheard of. Nationally, Chile records 6.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Easter Island?
Police 133 · Ambulance 131 · Fire 132.
More about Easter Island
Going to Easter Island solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF)
- Servicio Nacional de Turismo (Sernatur)
- LATAM Airlines
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.