Explora Rapa Nui
Experience the mysterious draw of the moai statues of Easter Island on foot, by sea or bike at Explora Rapa Nui. This 5-, 6- or 7-day adventure blends the island's unique history, vibrant Polynesian culture and stunning scenery into more than 30 possible tailored activities.
Few areas in the world possess a more mysterious past than Easter Island. Rapa Nui (as it’s called by native Polynesian inhabitants) is one of the most isolated places on Earth, about 2,300 miles from Chile in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Endowed with the most intriguing statues in the world, these monolithic stone moai radiate a magnetic pull to this tiny island. The award-winning architecture of Explora Rapa Nui Lodge blends the island’s unique geography and heritage with over 30 different activities in the categories of hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling and diving.
These 5-, 6- and 7-day adventures on Easter Island have strong cultural and archaeological overtones, vary in difficulty, and are led by an expert bilingual local guide in a small group of no more than eight (4-day stays available; inquire for pricing). Explora Rapa Nui programs are unique not only because they access certain key sights from alternative routes, but also because they visit hidden locations others do not get the chance to experience.
Marvel at the engineering of the different moai platforms, witness true native Polynesian culture in Hanga Roa, discover the volcanic cones of Pui Rano Raraku, catch snapper via traditional fishing techniques learned from local fishermen, bicycle through eucalyptus and ceibo trees to Anakena and Ovahe beaches, snorkel amongst the corals, fish in the crystal-clear water, and hike by archaeological sites and petroglyphs to be rewarded with sunset at Ahu Tongariki.
Read on for details about this Easter Island trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Chile tours and Chile trips.
Explora Rapa Nui Itinerary
The Explora Rapa Nui Trip explores Easter Island, or Rapa Nui as it’s called by native Polynesian inhabitants, which is about 2,300 miles from Chile in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Today you will be picked up from the airport for the 15-minute drive to Explora Rapa Nui. Settle in, breathe in the ocean air and meet with your guide to plan out your activities for the rest of your Easter Island trip.
Over the course of your days spent at Explora Rapa Nui, chose from over 30 activities that vary in length and difficulty. Every evening your guides meet with you at the lodge bar or living room area to explain all of the next day’s available explorations and help you choose the best option according to your interests and abilities. The maximum group size is eight travelers, and a bilingual guide leads every exploration. These excursions are off the beaten path and completely unique, not only by accessing certain key sights from alternative routes but also by visiting completely unknown and isolated locations of remarkable beauty – you will not witness others experiencing the region this way. Below is a sample of how you might spend your days with some top recommended explorations.
Featured Easter Island Hiking Explorations
Walking Moai
For this moderate, full-day, 7.9-mile hike (7 hours), start at the foothill of Pui Mountain, where men used to compete sliding on banana tree barks. Continue over ancient moai transportation routes to reach the Rano Raraku quarry. Visit the place and then walk through Ara O Te Moai, another moai trail, to reach a group of abandoned moai.
Puakatiki
This moderate, half-day, 4.9-mile hike takes 4 hours to view the 15 moai from above. Leave the lodge by van and head to Ahu Mahatua for a walk down a path along a steep cliff, passing Maunga Parehe and Maunga Tea-Tea, two small knolls on this area of the island. Along the way, see the Vai Aheva fountain and climb to the top of Maunga Pua Katiki, the highest point of the hike. Finish this spectacular hike with a steep descent to the Tongariki platform to view the 15 moai from above.
Featured Easter Island Biking Explorations
Terevaka Anakena
This advanced, 13-mile, half-day overland hike takes 4 hours. Ride up to the Tere-vaka Volcano. At the summit, enjoy a privileged view of the Island. Ride down to Ahu Akivi and then head to the Ahu Tepeu archaeological site. Finally, ride to Tahai, the location of the only moai with coral eyes. Return to the lodge by van.
La Peninsula
This advanced, 15-mile, half-day, 4-hour bicycle ride starts by leaving the lodge by van towards Mahatua, an ancient Rapa Nui settlement. Then bike ride to the Tea Tea Mountain, in the Poike peninsula. Then follow along the south coastline cliffs and reach Ahu Tongariki, the Island’s largest platform from where the group will return by taking byways.
Featured Easter Island Sea Explorations
Snorkeling Motu Tautara
This easy, half-day, 1.5-hour journey to the islets begins with a drive by van to the Hanga Roa cove, to take a boat north to the Motu Tautara, an islet that is located very close to the island and in front of Ana Kakenga, a cave also known as two windows. During the boat trip, appreciate a different view of the Tahai complex, as well as other archaeological sites located on the northwest coast of the island. The area where the Motu Tautara is located is part of a protected coastal marine area in which corals and a diversity of marine fauna can be seen, in addition to endemic species.
Discover Scuba Diving
(Additional cost), half-day, beginner private diving (2 hours) for travelers without diving certificates (ends with a discovery or baptism PADI Certificate). This program starts with a guide teaching diving theory and conducting a controlled immersion so that divers can get used to the equipment and perform some exercises. The second stage involves a dive in the Hanga Roa bay.
Rapa Nui Diving
(Additional cost), half-day, advanced private diving (2 hours) 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 visited include the sunken moai the Nui and Iti motus, surrounded by corals, and the Cathedral, a complex of submarine caves.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before your included transfer takes you to the airport, or onto the next leg of your adventure. Easter Island is half-way to Tahiti; inquire with an Adventure Specialist for more details about extending your time in Chile, Australia or New Zealand.
Included
Transfer from and to the Hanga Roa Airport; accommodations; all meals, plus snacks and open bar; two half-day explorations or one full-day exploration with guides, daily; snorkeling and bike riding gear; trekking poles; entrance to nature reserves, national parks and archaeological sites; access to the pool, hot tub and leisure areas; WiFi in common areas.
Exclusions
Scuba diving (inquire for pricing); international airfare, insurance of any kind, discretionary gratuities, spa or massage service, laundry, premium wines or other items of a personal nature; peak season/holiday surcharges (please contact AdventureSmith for details).
Payment & Cancellation
Low & High Season:
25/26 Season: May 1-Dec 21, 2025; Jan 2-31, 2026; Feb 16-Apr 30, 2026
26/27 Season: May 1-Dec 21, 2026; Jan 2-Apr 30, 2027
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 30% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special payment and cancellation terms may apply for bookings made under special and last-minute deals. Changes may be made without penalty up to 30 days prior to check-in. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to check-in:
Up to 30 days – full refund
29 to 15 days – 50% of total trip cost
14 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Peak Season:
25/26 Season: Dec 22, 2025-Jan 1, 2026; Feb 1-15, 2026
26/27 Season: Dec 22, 2026-Jan 1, 2027
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 50% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special payment and cancellation terms may apply for bookings made under special and last-minute deals. Changes may be made without penalty up to 60 days prior to check-in. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Peak Season cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to check-in:
Up to 60 days – full refund
59 to 30 days – 50% of total trip cost
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations’ Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Explora Rapa Nui adventure begins and ends in Mata Veri, Chile (IPC), via flight from Santiago, Chile. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Mata Veri anytime on Day 1; a representative will meet you based on your flight schedule and transfer you (15 minutes) to the Explora Rapa Nui Lodge. In order to enjoy a half-day guided exploration on Day 1, schedule your flight to arrive by 12:00pm Noon. Plan flights to to Mata Veri anytime on the final day (with advanced request, a half-day guided exploration may be available when checking out by 7:00am and leaving bags at the front desk; inquire with your Adventure Specialist for appropriate departure flight timing). Transfers are accommodated in comfortable Sprinter vans. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the guides can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities enable guests to explore all corners of Easter Island, either by sea, bike, foot or van. Hikes and bike rides (mountain biking and road biking) are among archaeological remains, volcanoes, beaches, prairies and cliffs. Kayaking, snorkeling and (added-cost) scuba diving expeditions explore above and under the world’s most pristine sea waters. A bilingual English or Spanish guide will accompany each group of up to eight guests. Provided gear includes walking sticks and leg protectors for hikes, and helmet, bike and water bottle for two-wheeled excursions.
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy room may do so at one of the following supplements of the per-person listed rate in select rooms upon availability:
– Low (15%): May 1-Sep 30, 2025; Apr 1-30, 2026; May 1-Sep 30, 2026; Apr 1-30, 2027
– High (34%): Oct 1-Dec 21, 2025; Jan 2-31, 2026; Feb 16-Mar 31, 2026; Oct 1-Dec 21, 2026; Jan 2-Mar 31, 2027
– Peak (70%): Dec 22, 2025-Jan 1, 2026; Feb 1-15, 2026; Dec 22, 2026-Jan 1, 2027
Christmas & New Year programs require a 5-day stay.
Families & Children
Children under the age of 2 are complimentary when sharing a room with their parents. Additional bed available in Suites for children aged 2-12 when sharing their parent’s room. Maximum one extra bed per room. Guests in standard rooms traveling with children aged 2-17 are offered a special rate in an additional room, with a minimum of 2 per room. Please inquire for special rates for children accompanying their parents, which are subject to availability.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique.
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Explora Rapa Nui Lodge on Easter Island, Chile is one of the most isolated places on Earth, about 2,300 miles from Chile. The hotel has privileged views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding countryside. Explora Rapa Nui is located in a quiet and peaceful area of Easter Island about five miles east of the island's main town, Hanga Roa. Rapa Nui (as it's called by native Polynesian inhabitants) or Easter Island is home to the famous moia statues, which bring people from all over to discover the magical history of these giant heads.
Explora Rapa Nui Lodge Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Explora Rapa Nui Lodge review includes a detailed description and photo gallery. Our adventure travel experts can help compare the Explora Rapa Nui Lodge with other adventure lodging and Chile land tours.
Choose the Explora Rapa Nui Lodge for its unique design, commitment to sustainability and sweeping sight lines. Additionally, Explora Rapa Nui's staff are mostly local, which allows travelers to interact with authentic Rapa Nui who are extremely knowledgeable and proud of their heritage.
Design & Sustainability at Explora Rapa Nui Lodge
The award-winning architecture at Explora Rapa Nui on Easter Island is thoughtful and representative of the area and local culture. Every detail has been accounted for, and the beauty of the lodge and its amenities will be sure to delight all your senses. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, the building sits on a 2,372-acre plot of land that is unsuitable for agriculture and contains no archaeological remains. This awe-inspiring location makes for an amazing basecamp for the lodge's comprehensive exploration program. Explora Rapa Nui has its own organic orchards, which are part of its sustainable development program.
Common Areas at Explora Rapa Nui Lodge
The lodge hosts an outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, ancestral sauna and massage area, all perfect for recovering from the wear and tear of a long day of exploration. An onsite store carries all the items necessary for adventure, along with local artisanal goods and books of the area.
Dining at Explora Rapa Nui Lodge
Meals are artistic and thoughtful, made with only the finest quality ingredients and authentic flavors. Meals will always be paired with a good wine, while a selection of premium wines are also available. The Explorer’s Bar is the meeting place for guides and guests to plan explorations.
Activities at Explora Rapa Nui Lodge
Explora Rapa Nui Lodge offers over 30 different guided excursions, including hikes, cultural visits, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and biking for all activity levels. Travelers have the option to choose different explorations every day. These excursions have different lengths and difficulty levels. Full-day explorations often enable lunch at the seaside, while half-day adventures allow guests to return to Explora Rapa Nui to choose a second activity for the afternoon.
Accommodations at Explora Rapa Nui Lodge
The 29 rooms of Explora Rapa Nui are designed to take full advantage of the silence, privacy and spaciousness of the surrounding landscape, ensuring deep rest after a long day of exploration. Enjoy disconnection from the everyday routine with rooms that are free of televisions or WiFi (available in the hotel’s common areas). Common amenities across both room types include: a jetted bathtub, heating and an optional wake-up call. Rooms are non-smoking and can be equipped with a crib or extra bed for children (subject to availability).
Current Deals on This Trip
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Learn About the Lodge on Your Itinerary
Explora Rapa Nui is a luxury lodge located on Easter Island. Exquisite dining, privileged grounds and over 30 unique explorations are how you will spend your time experiencing this magnificent area.
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Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect
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Expert Review: Explora Rapa Nui
Travel to remote Rapa Nui, Easter Island, with AdventureSmith's founder who reviews his trip at the luxury basecamp Explora Rapa Nui.
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