About this hotel
General information
Explora Rapa Nui is a 30-room lodge set on open grassland on Easter Island, with long views out over the Pacific. It was designed by the Chilean architect José Cruz Ovalle as a cluster of linked volumes that recall the way the moai are grouped on the island, and its natural timber, light and shadow take their cue from the volcanic terrain. Interiors are restrained, built around space, quiet and privacy after a day in the field.
Stays are fully all-inclusive: accommodation, all guided Explorations, every meal, drinks including Chilean wines, beer and spirits, use of the spa facilities, entrance fees for Rapa Nui National Park and scheduled airport transfers. Explora recommends at least four nights to get to know the island properly, and five to reach all its corners and spend more time with the local culture.
Location
The lodge lies in the countryside outside Hanga Roa, the island’s main town, on raised ground among trees and pasture and close to trailheads and archaeological sites. Easter Island sits some 3,700 km west of the South American coast, about five hours’ flight from Santiago; the Explora team meets guests at Mataveri International Airport for the 15-minute drive to the lodge.
Spa
The Hare Vaka spa offers massages and body treatments, some drawing on Polynesian and Rapa Nui wellness traditions. Use of the sauna, outdoor pool and hot tub is part of the programme; treatments are charged separately.
Sports & leisure
Around 30 half- and full-day Explorations are included, run in groups of no more than eight by local guides trained at Explora’s own School of Guides and fluent in Spanish and English. Each evening the guide plans the next day with guests according to their interests and fitness; private outings cost extra. The routes are grouped around four themes — volcanic nature (Ora), the island’s living culture (Maohi), archaeology (Tao a Tupuna) and the sea (Vaikava):
- hikes to the Rano Raraku quarry, where most of the moai were carved
- bike rides to ancient settlements and ahu ceremonial platforms, including a sunset ride to Ahu Tongariki
- descents into underground lava tubes and walks on volcanic slopes
- kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding along the volcanic coast, and snorkelling
- time with Rapa Nui people and their present-day traditions
- scuba diving for beginners and experienced divers, at extra cost
For children
Varúa Rooms can take a cot, and Raa Suites a cot or an extra bed for a child. Explorations are adjusted daily to each guest’s interests and ability.
Restaurants & bars
The ocean-view dining room cooks with the island’s produce — sweet potato, taro, Pacific seafood and tropical fruit such as the well-known Rapa Nui pineapple — alongside Chilean dishes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, as are meals and snacks on full-day Explorations. The bar is an open bar, and a selection of Chilean wines is poured both in the dining room and in the lodge’s lounges.
Swimming
An outdoor pool and hot tub sit within the grounds, looking across the grassland to the ocean, and both are included in the stay. Snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding at sea are part of the Explorations.
Rooms
The lodge has 30 rooms in two categories: four Raa Suites (raa is the Rapa Nui word for the sun) and 26 Varúa Rooms (varúa is a Polynesian word for spirit), all looking out to the gardens and the ocean.
Every room has natural wood interiors, a king-size bed or twin beds, air conditioning and heating, a jetted bathtub and a wake-up call service, and all rooms are non-smoking.
Raa Suite
The lodge’s most spacious category, for two guests, with a king-size bed or twin beds, a jetted bathtub and views of the gardens and ocean; an extra bed for a child can be added.
Varúa Room
A room for two with natural wood interiors, a king-size bed or twin beds, a jetted bathtub and views of the gardens and ocean.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.