Explora Rapa Nui

Upon arrival at the Easter Island Airport (IPC), you will meet your guide and take a group transfer to the Explora Rapa Nui Lodge, located in the south of Hanga Roa Village.

After check-in, settle into your luxurious room. Walk around the lodge and admire the facilities, including the restaurant and the swimming pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

In the evening, meet your guide to discuss the different explorations available for the following day, including treks, cycling, boat rides and more.

Explora guides are all local bilingual experts with vast knowledge on the local culture and nature. Your guide will help you choose the best itinerary for you, based on your personal interests, availability and weather conditions. All the excursions are carried out in groups of no more than 8 people. Get ready to discover Easter Island with other like-minded travelers from all over the world.

Note: From now on, the itinerary posted below has the mere purpose of providing examples of the different excursions you can take at Explora Rapa Nui. All the excursions are subject to change.

Te Miro o’one Coastal Platforms
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours, walking 2 to 2.5 hours
Distance: 5 km (3.1 mi)
Difficulty: Easy

After breakfast, head to the southern coast of Easter Island and enjoy a walk through beautiful landscape filled with spectacular fields and farmlands. Admire the archaeological sites you encounter on the way and learn about the local culture from your guide along the way.

At the coast, you will see the Te Miro o’one, a large platform featuring ruins of what once were moais. Arrive at Ahu Hanga Te Tenga, which continues to be the largest moai that was successfully transported to a platform or ‘ahu.’

In the afternoon you will return to the lodge by van.

Mahatua Ovahe & Ahu Tongariki
Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours, walking 3 to 3.5 hours
Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Take a 30-minute transfer by van to Ahu Tongariki, the longest ahu on the island, featuring 15 moais. Marvel at the massive moais and learn more about their significance from your guide. Board the van again and drive to Mahatua. Here you will walk towards one of the two beaches on Easter Island, Ovahe. The trail along the northern coast features many different archaeological sites, Maunga Parehe and the La Perousse fishing cove.

Upon arrival at Ovahe Beach, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. In the afternoon return to Explora Rapa Nui lodge by van.

Motus Islet Boat Ride
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 8 km (5 mi) round trip
Difficulty: Easy

Travel by van to Hanga Roa Otai or Hanga Piko. Climb aboard a traditional Rapa Nui fishing boat and head out on the water to view coastal caves, the cliffs of Rano Kau and the south side of motus. Today your guides will share historical facts and stories about the Island, such as the Birdman Celebration, an old tradition where the men had to swim to the Motu Iti Islet to find a seagull egg and bring it back to the island. The winner became the ruler of Easter Island for the next year.

Caves and Cliffs Route
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours, walking 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Distance: 6.5 km (4 mi)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (trail is rocky and uneven in some areas)

Visit the Ahu Akivi and see the seven moais representing the seven explorers that arrived to the island by the command of Hotu Matu’a King (or ‘Akivi’ in Rapanui). This is the only ahu facing the sea on Easter Island.

Then, head to Ahu Te Peu to learn more about this archaeological site and the theories revolving around its architecture. Walk along the coast and admire the steep cliffs alongside the mighty ocean. The archaeological sites of Ahu Tepeu and Ahu Tahai are places you will not want to miss. Look for the islet called Motu Tauatara. There you will be close to the Dos Ventanas Cave, which translates to ‘Two Windows’ in Spanish. This is a fantastic place for taking pictures. Finally, pass by Ahu Tahai and Hanga Roa Village before returning to the lodge.

After breakfast admire the astonishing sights and culture of Easter Island one last time. Say farewell to your guides and the people who have joined you along this journey. Take a transfer from the lodge to the airport and continue your South America vacation.