The hotel has 30 guestrooms that spread out from central areas that house reception, living areas, a bar, kitchen and services. Next to the common areas is the Casa de Baños Hare Vai, with a swimming pool, massage salon and open-air Jacuzzis.
Volcanic rock, native to the island and always used by the island's inhabitants in construction, and wood from the mainland are the principal materials.
Explora Rapa Nui's dishes have been designed to enable guests to perform various explorations and still feel light, agile, and healthy. The dishes are always accompanied by a superb Chilean wine. There is also a menu of Premium wines for those that would like to try other alternatives.
Located 8 km from Hanga Roa, on a 9.6 km2 plot of land, unsuitable for agriculture and containing no archaeological remains, Explora Rapa Nui is located in a privileged location from which to explore the island. We are proud to carry LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
On foot, bicycle or boat, over 20 explorations unveil the island's unique history and charm.
Spend your time in this isolated place taking part in daily easy to difficult walks for groups of 8 people maximum with bilingual guide and equipment that will slowly reveal the secrets and beauty of the island.
The walks are combined with picnics and explora-style meals on the rocks or the shore of the sea, or in sites with a great deal of magnetism.All meals, beverages and guided excursions are included.
Varúa Room
26 Varúa rooms measuring 32m² (345 feet²). View of the sea.
Raa Suite
4 Raa suites measuring 44m² (474 feet²) with a view of the sea.
Hiking
Akahanga
We walk from the hotel to the coastline, descending among prairies, farmlands, and archaeological sites. We finish this trek in the area of Akahanga, the burial site of the first king of Rapa Nui and where the second largest moai platform is found. We return to the hotel by van. Duration: 2½ hours. Distance: 5.6 km / 3.5 miles
Max. Altitude: 100 m / 328 ft
Elevation gain: 57 m / 188 ft
Elevation loss: -134 m / -440 ft
Puna Pau
We take a van from the hotel to the hill with the three crosses and walk uphill. At the summit, we enjoy a 360° view of the Island. When walking down, we visit the Pukao quarry, red scoria hat-like structures that were formerly placed on top of the moai
Duration: 2½ hours
Distance: 2.2 km / 1.4 miles
Max. Altitude: 249 m / 817 ft
Elevation gain: 119 m / 390 ft
Elevation loss: -122 m / -400 ft
Ara Moai
We start our hike in Rano Raraku, the moai quarry, among huge statues in different carving stages. After visiting the crater, we continue hiking through one of the old moai transportation routes until we reach of group of abandoned moai.
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 5.3 km / 3.3 miles
Max. Altitude: 85 m / 279 ft
Elevation Gain: 114 m / 374 ft
Elevation Loss: -178 m / -584 ft
1770
We hike from the Mahatua area up to Ovahe beach, which features red sands and crystal-clear waters. This route recreates a 1770 procession whereby Spanish seamen, escorted by hundreds of Rapa Nui, took possession of the Island. Those who wish to can practice snorkeling. Bring your swimsuit.
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 5.4 km / 3.4 miles
Max. Altitude: 14 m / 46 ft
Elevation Gain: 55 m / 180 ft
Elevation Loss: -53 m / -173 ft
Mahatua
Hike along the coast. We pass fishing coves, archaeological sites and Ovahe beach until we get to Anakena where we can visit the archaeological remains of the Rapa Nui kings who lived there. It’s time to enjoy the beach. Bring your swimsuit.
Duration: 3½ hours
Distance: 7.0 km / 4.4 miles
Max. Altitude: 31 m / 102 ft
Elevation gain: 117 m / 384 ft
Elevation loss: -120 m / -394 ft
Roiho
We take a van to Ahu Akivi, the only platform with moai facing the ocean. We then hike along the Roiho lava fields with magma-shaped tunnels and caves. Finally, we continue hiking along the coast up to the Tahai archaeological site.
Duration: 3½ hours
Distance: 6.5 km / 4 miles
Max. Altitude: 145 m / 476 ft
Elevation gain: 98 m / 321 ft
Elevation loss: -199 m / -653 ft
Pui
We begin hiking at the foothill of Pui Mountain, known by an ancient competition in which Rapa Nui men slid on banana tree barks. We continue through plains and former moai transportation routes, going by archaeological sites until reaching Rano Raraku, the moai quarry.
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 7.1 km / 4.4 miles
Max. Altitude: 221 m / 725 ft
Elevation gain: 43 m / 142 ft
Elevation loss: -200 m / -656 ft
Hotu Iti
We take a van to the Papa Vaka archaeological site, which features a large number of petroglyphs. We hike through the area of Hotu Iti, plains among archaeological remains, rock gardens, and traditional farming sites. We arrive to Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial platform in the Island. We return by van.
Duration: 3½ hours
Distance: 6.5 km / 4 miles
Max. Altitude: 50 m / 164 ft
Elevation gain: 56 m / 183 ft
Elevation loss: -61 m / -201 ft
Puakatiki
We head to Ahu Mahatua in the Poike Peninsula. We follow a trail along a cliff, going by Parehe and Tea-Tea Mountains. We continue up to the summit of Puakatiki Mountain, which offers a panoramic view of Rapa Nui’s isolated position. We descend following a steep path up to Tongariki, the Ahu of the 15 moai.
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Max. Altitude: 361 m / 1.184 ft
Elevation gain: 410 m / 1345 ft
Elevation loss: -414 m / -1358 ft
The Highest Point
We begin our hike at the foothill of the Terevaka Volcano, going up a narrow creek and passing several archaeological sites until we reach the volcano’s summit, the highest point on the Island with 360° views to the horizon. When hiking our way down towards Ahu Akivi, the 7 moai facing the sea.
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 10.5 km / 6.5 miles
Max. Altitude: 500 m / 1640 ft
Elevation gain: 375 m / 1230 ft
Elevation loss: -389 m / -1276 ft
Poike
We begin this hike in Mahatua, in the Poike Peninsula. We hike up a cliff to trachyte or white rock domes. We visit the mountains in this area, hike along the coastline and pass sites with archaeological remains, including the only trachyte moai. We continue walking up to Tongariki, the location of 15 moai. Return to the hotel by van.
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 11.8 km / 7.3 miles
Max. Altitude: 263 m / 863 ft
Elevation gain: 496 m / 1627 ft
Elevation loss: -491 m / -1611 ft
Walking Moai
We start at the foothill of Pui Mountain, where men used to compete sliding on banana tree barks. We continue over ancient moai transportation routes until we reach the Rano Raraku quarry. We visit the place and then walk through Ara O Te Moai, another moai trail, until we reach a group of abandoned moai.
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 12.7 km / 8 miles
Max. Altitude: 221 m / 725 ft
Elevation gain: 183 m / 600 ft
Elevation loss: -371 m / -1217 ft
The Birdman
We start in Ahu Tahira, a construction platform with perfectly overlapping stone structures. We go up to the rim of the Rano Kau crater, the largest on the Island and then we hike to Orongo, an ancient ceremonial village where the Birdman competition took place.
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 9.2 km / 5.7 miles
Max. Altitude: 301 m / 988 ft
Elevation gain: 675 m / 2215 ft
Elevation loss: -442 m / -1450 ft
The Miru
We follow a trail along cliffs in the north area, crossing plains and ancient villages that belonged to the Miru, which used to be the most powerful tribe in Rapa Nui. We continue hiking up to Anakena, this tribe’s capital city, where get some time to enjoy the beach. Bring your swimsuit.
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 16.2 km / 10 miles
Max. Altitude: 199 m / 653 ft
Elevation gain: 439 m / 1440 ft
Elevation loss: -539 m / -1768 ft
Lava Flows
We begin hiking at the foothill of the Terevaka Volcano to reach the highest spot in the Island (500 m.a.s.l. / 1,640 f.a.s.l.).We then go down to Ahu Akivi. In this Exploration we hike along cliffs with a view to the ocean, pass an ancient Rapa Nui settlement and see caves shaped by lava flows. Finally, we ride a van to the Tahai archaeological complex.
Duration: 8 hours
Distance: 17.5 km / 10.9 miles
Max. Altitude: 500 m / 1640 ft
Elevation gain: 464 m / 1522 ft
Elevation loss: -599 m / -1965 ft
Biking
Akivi
We leave Explora on our bikes following inland routes, go up a gentle slope and ride along traditional Rapa Nui crop fields. We arrive at Ahu Akivi, the place where seven moai are facing the ocean. We return to the hotel by van.
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 6.8 km / 4.2 miles
Max. Altitude: 243 m / 797 ft
Elevation Gain: 154 m / 505 ft
Elevation Loss: -122 m / -400 ft
Anakena
We ride from the hotel towards Ahu Tongariki, the best-rebuilt platform with 15 intact moai. We continue along the coastline to the Mahatua area, visiting several archaeological sites up to Anakena, with its ruins, crystal-clear waters and white sands. We return to Explora by van. Bring your swimsuit.
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 23 km / 14 miles
Max. Altitude: 110 m / 361 ft
Elevation Gain: 199 m / 653 ft
Elevation Loss: -297 m / -974 ft
Tahai
We leave the hotel and ride our bikes uphill to Ahu Akivi, the platform with seven moai facing the ocean. We continue up to the Te Peu archaeological site, where we visit an ancient Rapa Nui village with several archaeological remains. We finally reach Tahai, one of the major towns on the west coast.
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 15.3 km / 9.5 miles
Max. Altitude: 246 m / 807 ft
Elevation Gain: 230 m / 755 ft
Elevation Loss: -329 m / -1079 ft
Navigators’ Mountain
We leave Explora and ride uphill along the Terevaka Volcano, a point of orientation for navigators. With a 360° view, we can see the remoteness of this destination. We then ride up to Ahu Akivi, the platform with seven moai facing the ocean. We return by van.
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 12.8 km / 8 miles
Max. Altitude: 500 m / 1640 ft
Elevation Gain: 406 m / 1332 ft
Elevation Loss: -374 m / -1227 ft
Ovahe
We take a van to Ovahe beach, one of the least known on the Island. Here you can swim 200 meters offshore to watch endemic sea life and purple corals. Water temperature varies from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Take your swimsuit. Prior snorkeling experience is recommended for this exploration.
Duration: 1 hour
Terevaka
We leave Explora and ride up to the Terevaka Volcano. In the summit, we enjoy a privileged view of the Island. We ride down to Ahu Akivi and then head to the Ahu Tepeu archaeological site. Finally, we ride to Tahai, the location of the only moai with coral eyes. We return to Explora by van.
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 21 km / 13 miles
Max. Altitude: 500 m / 1640 ft
Elevation Gain: 481 m / 1578 ft
Elevation Loss: -580 m / -1903 ft
The Peninsula
We leave by van towards Mahatua, an ancient Rapa Nui settlement. We then bike ride to the Tea Tea Mountain, in the Poike Peninsula. We then follow along the south coastline cliffs and reach Ahu Tongariki, the Island’s largest platform from where we return taking byways.
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 24.2 km / 15 miles
Max. Altitude: 228 m / 748 ft
Elevation Gain: 562 m / 1844 ft
Elevation Loss: -476 m / -1562 ft
The Hills
In this exploration, we’ll see the contrasting landscapes of Easter Island. We first ride up to the Terevaka, enjoy the view and then ride down to Ahu Akivi. Then, we head to Ahu Tepeu, a site with different archaeological remains. We continue to Hanga Roa and ride along the south coastline enjoying a view to the ocean. Return by bike.
Duration: 5 hours
Distance: 38.7 km / 24 miles
Max. Altitude: 500 m / 1.640 ft
Elevation Gain: 772 m / 2533 ft
Elevation Loss: -770 m / -2526 ft
At Sea
Snorkeling Bird Islets
Van tour from the hotel to Hanga Roa’s cove, where we take a boat to sea caves with views to the cliffs, the Rano Kau crater and Motus, the famous islets due to the Birdman competition. We can snorkel around the Motus due to unbeatable clear water conditions. Duration: 1½ hours
Discover Scuba Diving*
This exploration is the easiest way to get to know Rapa Nui’s amazing submarine world. It includes two stages: The first stage takes place in Explora where a guide teaches diving theory and conducts a controlled immersion in the pool so that guests can get used to the equipment and perform some exercises. The second stage involves a dive in the Hanga Roa bay, experiencing diving in waters known worldwide for their visibility. After completing the diving experience, the traveler gets a discovery or baptism PADI Certificate. Duration: 1 hour
*This exploration has an additional cost.
Rapa Nui Diving*
Two-tank private diving for travelers with diving certificates, either beginner’s or advanced. This exploration is an invitation to discover Easter Island’s underwater world and includes two dives. Some of the places we visit include the sunken moai –a landmark diving point– the Niu and Iti motus, surrounded by corals, and the Cathedral, a complex of submarine caves. Duration: 1½ hours
*This exploration has an additional cost. The limit for recreational scuba diving is 30 meters with approved certification
Overland
Bird Cult
We take a van towards Vinapu, where we find Ahu Tahira, a construction platform with perfectly overlapping rock structures that are often compared with Inca buildings. Afterwards, we head by van to Rano Kau, the island’s largest crater. We hike around part of the crater where we watch the biodiversity of the wetland within it and continue to the ceremonial town of Orongo, known for the Birdman competition. Then we visit the area of Mataveri with its unique volcanic landscape and its connection with Orongo.
Duration: 3½ hours
Rapa Nui Sanctuaries
We visit Akivi with the Ahu of the 7 moai facing the ocean. We hike through the lava field of Roiho, where we see a lava tunnel. We continue by van to the Hanga Kioe sanctuary, where we see a standing moai watching over its village. We then hike to the Rapa Nui cemetery passing Tahai. We end the trip in Hanga Roa and return by van.
Duration: 3½ hours
Hanga
We take a van to Papa Vaka, an archaeological site with petroglyphs. We hike and go by a cove and continue hiking up to Tepito Kura, a site featuring a huge tumbled moai and a magnetic stone associated to Rapa Nui’s origins. We continue by van to Anakena, the landing area of the first Polynesian settlers. Time to enjoy the beach. Bring your swimsuit.
Duration: 3½ hours
Pukao
We begin in Puna Pau, the Pukao (“topknots” in Rapa Nui language) quarry. We continue visiting Vinapu, featuring a wall that is built similarly as Incan architecture, with carved and overlapping stones. In this exploration we see the remains of the Pukao roads to the moai. Finally, we drive to the southern coastline where we hike to delve deeper into this Island’s history and landscape. Return by van.
Duration: 3½ hours
Tongariki
We take a van to Ahu One Makihi with its huge tumbled moai. We continue to Tongariki to learn the history of Rapa Nui’s largest Ahu and we explore its surroundings, after which we understand the division between east and west in Rapa Nui.
Duration: 3 hours
Combination
Caves & Cliffs
We ride our bikes from Explora and head to Ahu Akivi, where seven moai are facing the ocean. We visit the place and then continue hiking through lava fields, discovering caves and tunnels. We continue to Tepeu, an ancient settlement featuring remains of the largest boat-house. We continue along cliffs with views to the ocean to finally visit Tahai.
Duration: 6 hours
Hike:
Distance: 6.8 km / 4.2 miles
Max. Altitude: 243 m / 797 ft
Elevation gain: 154 m / 505 ft
Elevation loss: -122 m / -400 ft
Bike ride:
Distance: 7.2 km / 4.5 miles
Max. Altitude: 139 m / 456 ft
Elevation gain: 109 m / 358 ft
Elevation loss: -227 m / -745 ft
Moai Process
We take a van from the hotel and head to Pui Mountain, where we begging trekking towards Ranu Raraku, the moai quarry. We visit the archaeological site and the crater. We then head to Anakena by bike, where we see archaeological remains and enjoy the best beach in Rapa Nui. Bring your swimsuit.
Duration: 6½ hours
Hike:
Distance: 7,1 km / 4,4 miles
Max. Altitude: 221 m / 725 ft
Elevation gain: 43 m / 142 ft
Elevation loss: -200 m / -656 ft
Bike ride:
Distance: 11,4 km / 7,1 miles
Max. Altitude: 55 m / 180 ft
Elevation gain: 111 m / 364 ft
Elevation loss: -126 m / -413 ft
Rano Kau
We start in Ahu Tahira, a construction platform with perfectly overlapping rock structures, from where we begin hiking to the crater of the Rano Kau Volcano and Orongo. Orongo is the ancient ceremonial village where Birdman competitions used to take place. We head down south by bike and ride along the coast visiting several archaeological sites. We keep on going to Explora.
Duration: 6 hours
Hike:
Distance: 9.2 km / 5.7 miles
Max. Altitude: 301 m / 988 ft
Elevation gain: 675 m / 2215 ft
Elevation loss: -442 m / -1450 ft
Bike ride:
Distance: 16.7 km / 10.4 miles
