CONTACT

explora Rapa Nui
Sector Te Miro Oone s/N
Easter Island
Chile
Tel +562 3952800 / US Toll Free Number: +1 866 750 6699
Fax +562 228 4655

EASTER ISLAND – IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PACIFIC

Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a distance of about 3,600 kilometers (2,236 miles) from the coast of South America, Rapa Nui is a great volcanic cone that was pushed up from the ocean floor to 500 meters (1,640 feet) above sea level.

This tiny triangle of land was the birthplace of a fascinating civilization. Hundreds of moai – giant statues sculpted from rock – play silent witness to this fascinating history. Many of the statues today have been re-erected above their ceremonial platforms called ahu, but just decades ago the statues lay toppled over and scattered about the island. Many were left half-finished in the rock quarry of the Rano Raraku Volcano.

Today visitors can interact with the descendants of this culture, who for generations have maintained their ancestor’s habits and have kept their traditions alive.

explora Rapa Nui recently gained an unprecedented 100% score in the Travel+Leisure Worldwide Service Awards. Globally only three hotels achieved this and we are delighted to have all three hotels as Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific Members.

ABOUT

At explora they propose a new way of travelling to remote areas in South America, based on in-depth exploration of the surroundings and luxury of the essential.

They offer lodge-based journeys at explora Rapa Nui which is the central point for exploring the natural and cultural surrounding.

Long before Europeans were able to sail the high seas, skilled Polynesian mariners had already ventured far into the ocean, exploring and colonizing even the most remote Pacific islands, among them Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Hundreds of years passed before new explorers reached the island; this time they were European travelers.

“This is the farthest we have come”, the well-traveled Captain Cook wrote in his journal, when he reached the island in 1774. The island’s remoteness, stunning geography and rich culture led UNESCO to declare Rapa Nui a world heritage site in 1995.

LIFESTYLE

The lodge, which opened in December 2007, was built on 9.6 hectares (23.7 acres) of land situated on a hill in the Te Miro Oone area, overlooking the ocean. This is in south-eastern Rapa Nui, 8 kilometers (4.9 miles) from Hanga Roa, the most populated part of the island.

All of the 30 rooms, which extend to the north and south from a central building, have excellent ocean views. The lodge has welcoming indoor spaces which integrate aspects of the local culture. The design is intended to have minimal impact on its surroundings. The lodge is built on a site which is inappropriate for agricultural use and has no archaeological remains. The flora surrounding the lodge has been maintained intact

LOCATION

Easter Island is located at 27º09 south latitude and 109º26 west longitude, about 3,600 kilometers (2,236 miles) from the central coast of Chile. The closest inhabited island is Pitcairn, almost 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) to the southwest. It is a perfect triangle whose maximum length is 24 kilometers (15 miles) and its maximum width only 12 km (7.5 miles), with a surface area of less than 166 square kilometers (64 square miles).

EXPLORATIONS

Every evening the guides meet with you in the bar/living room area of the hotel. There, they will explain all of the planned explorations available for the next day and help you choose the best exploration for you according to your interests and abilities.

The maximum group size is 8 travelers, along with a bilingual explora guide. The treks, bicycle rides, and explorations in the ocean (snorkeling, fishing using traditional methods, and boat trips), enable you to gain an in-depth understanding of the culture and geography of Rapa Nui, its ancestral, megalithic figures, the moai, and the special idiosyncrasies of its people.

The following menu includes descriptions of the main explorations; the itineraries can experience modifications at any time and without prior notice. Please make sure to speak to an explora guide daily to know the exact explorations being offered.

TREKKING

Te Miro O One (Coastal Platforms Walk)

Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours, walking 2 to 2.5 hours.
Distance: 5 km (3.1 mi).

Itinerary: Walk from Hotel Posada de Mike Rapu through pretty fields and farmland surrounding the hotel. Descend toward the southern coast, with views of various archaeological sites. Once at the coast there are numerous moai. Arrive at the platform Hanga Te Tenga. Return to the hotel by van (5 min.). Level: Easy.

Ahu Te Peu – Tahai – Hanga Roa(The Caves And The Cliffs Route)

Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours, walking 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Distance: 6.5 km (4 mi).

Itinerary: Travel from Hotel Posada de Mike Rapu to the Ahu Akivi platform (20 min.). After visiting the site, we continue by van to the Te Peu platform (10 min.). We walk along a trail that borders steep cliffs and offers spectacular views of the Pacific. We view important archaeological and cultural sites such as Ahu Tepeu and Ahu Tahai. Next, we view the Motu Tautara and visit the Dos Ventanas cave. Finally, we pass by the Tahai platform before arriving to Hanga Roa. Return by van to hotel (20 min.). Level: Easy to moderate (trail is rocky and uneven in some areas).

Ara O Te Moai (The Moai Quarry)

Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours, walking 2.5 to 3 hours.
Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 mi).

Itinerary: Travel from Hotel Posada de Mike Rapu to Hanga Te Tenga by van (20 min.). Walk along Ara O Te Moai—the trail once used to transport the moai sculptures. View numerous overturned moai along the way. Climb up (65 m/ 200 ft) to Rano Raraku, the moai stone quarry, with views of the interior of the crater and its fresh water lake. Explore the crater and view the various moai in different stages of creation. Return by van to the hotel (25 min.). Level: Easy to moderate (trail can be rocky and uneven in some areas, or with long grass). Optional 65 m/ 200 ft ascent into the crater.

Mahatua Ovahe (Fifteen Moai)

Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours, walking 3 to 3.5 hours.
Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi).

Itinerary: Travel from Hotel Posada de Mike Rapu to Tongariki—the 15 moai platform (30 min.). Visit the site and continue by van to Mahatua (10 min.). Walk along trail that borders the northern coast of the island. Along the way view Maunga Parehe, the “La Perousse” fishing cove, local villagers, and various archaeological sites. Arrive at the Ovahe beach. Return by van to the hotel (20 min.). Level: Easy to moderate.

Avaranga Uka Akivi (The Hibiscus Ravine)

Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours, walking 2.5 to 3 hours.
Distance: 7 km (4.4 mi).

Itinerary: Travel from Hotel Posada de Mike Rapu to the base of the Volcano Terevaka by van (15 min). Walk uphill alongside of a small ravine, passing by archaeological sites. After walking by the crater of Volcano Rano Aroi, arrive to the highest point to enjoy views of the Eastern side of the island. Walk down with views of the West and Hanga Roa, ending at the Akivi Platform. Return by van to the hotel (25 min.). Level: Moderate.

Pui Rano Raraku (Volcanic Cones)

Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours, walking 1.5 to 2 hours.
Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi).

Itinerary: Travel from Hotel Posada de Mike Rapu to the Pui Hill by van (15 min.). Walk along the base of the hill, which is known for the Haka Pei competition, where the local men slide down on banana tree trunks. The trail continues through the countryside, passing by several archaeological sites before finally arriving at the Ranu Raraku site (The Moai Quarry). Return by van to the hotel (15 min.). Level: Easy to moderate (trail can be rocky and uneven in some areas).

Papa Vaka (East Coast Petroglyphs)

Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours, walking 1.5 to 2 hours.
Distance: 5 km (3.1 mi).

Itinerary: Travel from Hotel Posada de Mike Rapu northeast to the archaeological site of Papa Vaka. Large exposed boulders hold many preserved petroglyphs. Walk through the countryside passing by excellent examples of traditional agriculture, before finishing in Tongariki. Return by van to the hotel (30 min.). Level: Easy to moderate (there is long grass and no defined trail).

Puakatiki (Headlands Of Poike)

Duration: 4 to 4.5 hours, walking 3 to 4 hours.
Distance: 8.5 km (5.3 mi).

Itinerary: Travel from Hotel Posada de Mike Rapu to Piko Mahore by van (30 min.). Walk along an upward sloping trail (365 m/ 11,200 ft) that borders a steep cliff and pass by Maunga Parehe and Maunga Tea-Tea. View the Vai Aheva fountain. Climb to PuaKatiki and then walk down to the platform Tongariki to view the 15 moai. Return by van to the hotel (30 min.). Level: Challenging.

Tereveka Anakena (The Highest Point)

Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours, walking 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi).

Itinerary: Travel from Hotel Posada de Mike Rapu to Vaitea by van (5 min.). The walk begins at Fundo Vaitea then climbs to Maunga Kuma and to Maunga Terevaka crater to appreciate spectacular views of the island from its highest point. The trail continues northeast toward Anakena along high coastal ridges. Gradually descend and cross several archaeological sites. Finally arrive at the Anakena beach for an optional swim in the ocean. Return to the hotel by van (15 min.). Level: Challenging (rocky trail).

Ara O Te Tangata Manu (The Birdman Crater)

Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours, walking 2 to 3 hours.
Distance: 7 km (4.4 mi).

Itinerary: Travel from Hotel Posada de Mike Rapu to Vinapu by van (15 min.). View the Ahu Tahira. Walk along an ascending trail that borders steep cliffs (250 m/ 820 ft), until arriving at the edge of the Rano Kau Crater. Spectacular views of the ocean and the interior of the volcano. Walk along the crater to Orongo. Visit the significant ceremonial site of Tangata Manu (Bird Man). Return by van to the hotel (25 min.). Level: Moderate to challenging.

Hanga O Teo (North Coast Hike)

Duration: 4.5 to 5.5 hours, walking 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
Distance: 13.5 km (8.4 mi).

Itinerary: Travel from Hotel Posada de Mike Rapu to Te Peu by van (20 min.). Walk along a trail that borders steep cliffs and offers spectacular views. Visit natural bathing pools, cross locally owned fields, and view numerous archaeological sites. Arrival at Anakena Beach. Picnic along the trail. Return by van to the hotel (15 min.). Level: Moderate to challenging (trail is rocky, uneven, and exposed to weather elements; sturdy hiking shoes recommended; ideally with ankle support).

BIKING

Orito (South Coast Ride)

Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
hours.Distance: 17 km (10.6 mi).

Itinerary: Bike from Hotel Posada de Mike Rapu towards Hanga Roa. Travel through small farms owned by locals and observe varied vegetation, including Eucalyptus and the Cockspur Coral Tree (Ceibo). The paved road turns into a dirt road. Begin a gradual ascent along the edge of the Orito hill with beautiful views of the coast. Discover various ceremonial platforms—like Hanga Poukura—and the fishing cove of Hanga Tee. Return to the hotel by the coastal paved road. Level: Easy.

Te Miro O One (Coastal Platforms Ride)

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
Distance: 18 km (11.2 mi).

Itinerary: Bike from Hotel Posada de Mike Rapu through pretty agricultural areas, following a double-track dirt trail. Descend toward the southern coast with views of various motu and archaeological sites, following the coastal route until reaching the Tahira platform. Continue along paved and dirt roads until reaching the Posada. Level: Moderate.

Tongariki (15 Moai Ride)

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
Distance: 22 km (13.7 mi).

Itinerary: Bike from Hotel Posada de Mike Rapu toward the south coast road. Leave the hotel on a dirt road connecting with the south coast paved road. During the first part of the ride there are fine examples of the local agriculture. We head toward the 15 moai platform, Ahu Tongariki. After admiring the site of Tongariki, we return along the same road. Along the way, we can stop at a natural pool for a swim. Level: Moderate.

Akivi Tahai (7 Moai Ride)

Duration: 3 to 4 hours.
Distance: 30 km (18.6 mi).

Itinerary: Bike from Hotel Posada de Mike Rapu towards Hanga Roa. Take a small dirt road toward the 7 Moai Platform; Ahu Akivi. Here there are fine examples of local cultivation of pineapples, taro, and sweet potatoes. Continue west following the coast. Ride past the Te Peu Platform and keep going along the coast to Ahu Tahai and Hanga Roa Village. Return to the hotel on the paved road. Level: Challenging.

AT SEA

Hi Ika (Traditional Deep Sea Fishing)

Duration: 3 hours.

tinerary: Travel by van from Hotel Posada de Mike Rapu to Hanga Piko (20 min.). Board a traditional local fishing boat and head to deeper waters, where your local fisherman will teach you the ways of fishing in the open seas. Typical catch includes Tuna, Red Snapper, or Glass Eye Snapper. Level: Easy to moderate. Note: Previous deep sea fishing experience recommended.

Motus (Islet Boat Ride)

Duration: 3 hours.
Distance: approx. 8 km (5 mi) round trip.

Itinerary: Travel by van from Hotel Posada de Mike Rapu to Hanga Roa Otai or Hanga Piko. Depart by traditional Rapa Nui fishing boats. Ride out to view formations of coastal caves and the cliffs of Rano Kau, as well as the south side motus—well known for the Birdman Competition. Level: Easy.

*Availability of sea explorations is associated with the daily weather and sea conditions. The traditional local boats do not provide cover from the sun.

SNORKELING

Duration: 2 hours, approx. 45 to 60 minutes in the water.

Itinerary: The waters off the coast of the island are known for being some of the most transparent in the world. Travel by traditional local fishing boat to one of the designated areas best suited for snorkeling. With equipment provided by explora and accompanied by your explora guide, discover the beautiful waters where one can see a variety of endemic aquatic fauna including corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and tropical fish. Water temperature ranges from 20ËšC to 25ËšC (68ËšF to 77ËšF). Level: Easy to moderate. Note: Snorkeling takes place in open waters and directly from the boat. Previous experience snorkeling recommended.

INCLUSIONS

• To make your stay at explora as enjoyable and easy as possible, the following items are included in the price:Transfers between local airport and your explora destination
• Accommodation
• Full board. 3 Meals per day and drinks at the bar.
• Daily explorations with bilingual guides and equipment; boats, horses,vehicles and bicycles (max group size: 8 travelers per guide). Equipment varies at destination.

E-TRAVEL CONCIERGE (ETC)