Guests at Explora Rapa Nui enjoy access to more than 30 guided Explorations across the island, all included in their stay. Led by certified bilingual guides, activities include hiking to moai statue sites, biking along scenic trails, snorkeling or diving in crystal-clear waters, and paddling via stand-up board (SUP) along the island’s coast.
Each Exploration is tailored daily to match guest interests and fitness levels, with options ranging from cultural tours of ancient settlements to full-day outdoor adventures. These experiences reveal the fascinating traditions, mythology, and landscapes of Easter Island in a way few others can.
Popular Activities:
- Hikes to Rano Raraku moai quarry and Orongo ceremonial village
- Bike rides to coastal platforms and archaeological sites
- Snorkeling and diving in coral-rich waters
- Cultural immersions and visits to local communities
- Stand-up paddleboarding along rugged coastlines
Explora Rapa Nui offers an unforgettable Easter Island experience through immersive adventure, comfort, and cultural connection—all in one of the most extraordinary destinations on the planet.
Easy
1770
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.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type: Half day
Duration: 3h
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
Ovahe
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.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type: Half-day
Duration: 1h
Rapa Nui Sanctuaries
Visit Akivi with the Ahu of the 7 moai facing the ocean. Hike through the lava field of Roiho, where you see a lava tunnel. Continue by van to the Hanga Kioe sanctuary, where you see a standing moai watching over its village. Hike to the Rapa Nui cemetery passing Tahai. End the trip in Hanga Roa and return by van.
Difficulty level: Easy
Type: Half-day
Duration: 3h 30 min
Moderate
The Highest Point
Begin our hike at the foothill of the Terevaka Volcano, going up a narrow creek and passing several archaeological sites until travelers reach the volcano’s summit, the highest point on the Island with 360° views to the horizon. When hiking your way down towards Ahu Akivi, the 7 moai facing the sea.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Type: Half day
Duration: 4h
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
Snorkeling Birds Islets
Van tour from the hotel to Hanga Roa’s cove, where you 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. You can snorkel around the Motus due to unbeatable clear water conditions.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Type: Half-day
Duration: 1h 30 min
Advanced
The Birdman
Start in Ahu Tahira, a construction platform with perfectly overlapping stone structures. Go up to the rim of the Rano Kau crater, the largest on the Island and then hike to Orongo, an ancient ceremonial village where the Birdman competition took place.
Difficulty level: Advanced
Type: Half day
Duration: 4h
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
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 travelers visit include the sunken moai –a landmark diving point– the Nui and Iti motus, surrounded by corals, and the Cathedral, a complex of submarine caves.
Difficulty level: Advanced
Type: Half-day
Duration: 1h 30 min
Expert
The Hills
In this exploration, see the contrasting landscapes of Easter Island. Travelers first ride up to the Terevaka, enjoy the view and then ride down to Ahu Akivi. Then, head to Ahu Tepeu, a site with different archaeological remains. Continue to Hanga Roa and ride along the south coastline enjoying a view of the ocean. Return by bike.
Difficulty level: Expert
Type: Full day
Duration: 5h
Distance: 38,7 km / 24 miles
Max. Altitude: 500 m.a.s.l / 1640 f.a.s.l
Elevation gain: 772 m / 2533 ft
Elevation loss: -770 m / -2526 ft
