Easter Island Spirit

Easter Island Spirit is a bespoke, independent tour company founded by James Grant-Peterkin in 2007, specializing in highly personalized private tours of Easter Island. The business is based locally in Hanga Roa and offers exclusively private tours led by experienced guides who are either indigenous islanders or foreigners supporting Rapanui families. They aim to provide a low-impact, sustainable tourism experience for visitors seeking something beyond mainstream package tours.

The company operates out of the first and only carbon neutral building in Hanga Roa, which is powered entirely by solar power. They are working towards offering tours with zero carbon footprint once electric cars become more common in Chile. Their office is located at TU'U KOIHU S/N, HANGA ROA, with a postal code of 2770000.

All tours are private, meaning you will have just you and your private guide or driver. If you wish to reduce costs, you can request to be paired with other visitors who are looking to share a tour. Tours are available every day of the week, year-round, except for January 1st and December 25th.

The company states that independent touring is no longer possible because National Park authorities now require all visitors to be accompanied by a local guide to visit archaeological sites. This regulation benefits the business by ensuring a more structured and guided experience for guests. They recommend paying slightly more for private services to avoid the negative impact of large tour groups.

Reviews consistently praise the guides for being knowledgeable, engaging, and friendly, making the experience enjoyable and exceeding expectations. Visitors frequently mention that the sites were breathtaking and the overall experience was fantastic. The company has a Trustburn rating of 3.9 out of 5 from 10 reviews, with the majority being 4 and 5 stars.

Tours generally start at 09.30, unless it is your first afternoon on the island, in which case they start at 15.30. The company will email you a few days before arrival with exact timings, though some flexibility exists due to National Park opening and closing times. They can also drop you off at the airport at the end of a tour for no additional charge.

For Tours A and D, a cooked lunch is included with options of fish, beef, chicken, or a vegetarian choice with rice and vegetables. Your guide will take your order on the morning of the tour. For other tours, lunch options depend on the location, such as a restaurant in town or buying something at Rano Raraku.

Suitable clothing includes light layers, sunscreen, a hat, and a rain jacket, as Easter Island can experience four seasons in one day. Sneakers or low-cut walking shoes are recommended, while flip-flops and open-toe sandals are not advised. No special footwear is necessary for most tours.

The company offers services including vacation planning, accommodation arrangements, private tours, Easter Island weddings, and car rentals. They specialize in budget-friendly small group tours and personalized experiences tailored to individual needs. Their website also provides information on day tours and various travel packages.

James Grant-Peterkin led his first private tour in 2000 and set up the company in 2007, having lived on the island since 2001. He previously presented the Tapati Rapa Nui cultural festival between 2004 and 2015 and was appointed Honorary British Consul in 2009. His background includes studying Modern Languages at Cambridge University with a focus on Polynesia.

The company was awarded the Travellers' Choice Awards Winner 2025 for their Day Tours. They describe themselves as the English-speaking experts on Easter Island today. Their team has over 20 years of experience in arranging unforgettable trips for guests.

To get a quote for your visit, you need to provide your contact details through their contact form on the website. They will then get in touch promptly via email. The contact email provided is info@easterislandspirit.com.

The company emphasizes that their office is the first and only carbon neutral building in the town of Hanga Roa. They are powered entirely by solar power and aim to leave no carbon footprint when electric cars arrive in reasonable numbers. This commitment to sustainability is a key part of their business model.

Some reviewers say the guides made them feel like valued customers and the experience was absolutely incredible. Others mention that the itinerary allowed them to see all important attractions. The consistent theme across reviews is the high quality of the guides and the breathtaking nature of the sites.

The company states that they will always come and pick you up from your island accommodation and drop you off there at the end of the tour. If you are taking a half-day tour on your final morning, they can take your bags and drop you off at the airport in good time for your flight. Airport pick-ups are not done by them, but they offer free drop-offs.