Excursions from Explora Rapa Nui

This self-guided excursion visits the main town on the island - Hanga Roa.

You can request a map and some recommendations from the guides at Explora before you go.

You'll have two hours in the town to explore.

Duration: Half-day (2 hours)  |  Difficulty: Easy

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You'll travel by van from Explora to the Hanga Kioe archaeological site on the west coast of the island. It's just north of the main town of Hanga Roa.

After spending some time here you'll continue by van to the anthropological museum.

You'll then take a short walk along the coast, on the way passing the Tahai archaeological site with its restored sculptures, and several other interesting historical locations.

You'll return to Explora by van.

Duration: Half-day (3 hours)  |  Hike: 1.1 miles/1.8km  |  Difficulty: Easy

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This excursion takes you to the site of the largest ahu on Easter Island.

Your van will leave from Explora and first head to Ahu One Makihi where you'll see huge fallen maoai. From here you'll continue on to Ahu Tongariki to learn about the history of the island's largest ahu and explore the surroundings. This is the most impressively rebuilt ahu on the island, with 15 intact moai.

This excursion will help you to understand the division between east and west on the island.

You'll return to Explora by van.

Duration: Half-day (3 hours)  |  Hike: 1.6 miles/2.5km  |  Difficulty: Easy

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The 'pukao' is the topknot worn by the more recent moai. On this excursion you'll first travel by van from Explora to Puna Pao, the quarry for pukao. The next destination is the nearby Ahu Huri A Urenga, site of a single moai on a platform notable for its astronomical alignment.

The van will then take you to the south coast, to Hanga Poukura, the largest unrestored ahu on the island. You'll also visit Hanga Te'e where there is an information centre and a walking route which will help to deepen your understanding of the history and landscape of one of the island less explored areas.

You'll return to Explora by van.

Duration: Half-day (3.5 hours)  |  Hike: 1.6 miles/2.5km  |  Difficulty: Easy

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You'll take a van from Explora to Papa Vaka, an archaeological site with petroglyphs, on the north coast of the island. 

From here you'll hike past La Pérouse Bay to Tepito Kura - a site containing a number of huge toppled moai and a magnetic stone which is linked to the origins of Easter Island.

A van will then take you to the sandy bay at Anakena which is where the first Polynesian settlers landed. There will be time here to enjoy the beach and swim in the sea before heading back to Explora by van.

Duration: Half-day (3.5 hours)  |  Hike: 1.2 miles/1.9km  |   Difficulty: Easy

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This excursion takes you by van from Explora to the site of Akivi, towards the west of the island. Here there's an ahu with seven astronomically-aligned moai facing the sea. Walking from here you'll visit the Roiho lava field where there is a lava tunnel and a large cave - Ana Te Pahu.

The final destination of the trip is the Ahu Tahai complex on the west coast where you'll see the only moai with coral eyes

You'll return to Explora by van.

Duration: Half-day (3 hours)  |  Hike: 2.3 miles/3.6km  |  Difficulty: Easy

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You'll leave Explora by van and head to Vinapu, in the far south of the island, to see the uniquely constructed ahu. You'll then go to the nearby Rano Kau crater, the biggest on the island.

Walking around a section of the crater will allow you to observe the biodiversity of the wetland contained within it. The walk will end at the village of Orongo where you'll learn about the famous Birdman competition.

You'll return to Explora by van.

Duration: Half-day (3.5 hours)  |  Hike: 1.3 miles/2.1km  |  Difficulty: Easy

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A van will take you from Explora to Ahu Tahira on the south coast. Here you can see the construction platform with perfectly overlapping rock structures.

You'll start hiking from here to the Rano Kau Volcano and will walk along a section of the crater. You'll be able to see down into the wetlands contained within the crater as you make your way on towards Orongo. The is the ancient ceremonial village where the Birdman competitions took place.

From here you'll continue your journey by bike, along the coast, visiting several archaeological sites. You'll cycle all the way back to Explora.

Duration: Full-day (6 hours)  |  Hike/bike: 5.7 miles/9.2km  |  Difficulty: Advanced

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This hiking excursion starts with a drive north from Explora to the foothills of the Terevaka Volcano. Once there you will start your hike, up the slopes, to reach the highest point on the island.

Descending the other side, you'll walk to the coast and along the cliffs, passing an ancient settlement and seas caves formed by lava flows.

A van will then drive you to the Ahu Tahai archaeological complex where you'll see the only moai with coral eyes.

You'll return to Explora by van.

Duration: Full-day (7 hours)  |  Hike: 10.9 miles/17.5km  |  Difficulty: Advanced

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This hike begins in Mahatua, to where you'll be driven from Explora. You'll hike up the cliffs to an area of trachyte (light-coloured igneous rock) and then along the coastline. 

Your destination will be the most impressive collection of 15 moai at Tongariki, but you'll pass several archaeological sites along the way. This will include the only trachyte moai on the island.

Once you've spent time soaking up the atmosphere at Tongariki, you'll be driven back to Explora.

Duration: Full-day (6 hours)  |  Hike: 7.3 miles/11.8km  |  Difficulty: Moderate

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This excursion starts in the foothills of the Terevaka Volcano, north of Explora. From here you'll begin hiking up a narrow creek, passing archaeological remains, to reach the summit of the volcano at 1,640ft/500m.

From up here, the highest point on the island, you'll have superb 360 views to the horizon.

Descending the volcano, you'll take a trail west to the Ahu Akivi site, where you can see seven moai facing the sea.

A van will be waiting here to drive you back to Explora.

Duration: Half-day (3.5 hours)  |  Hike: 6.5 miles/10.5km  |  Difficulty: Moderate

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On this excursion you'll focus on an area that belonged to the Miru, the most powerful tribe on Rapa Nui. You'll follow a trail along the cliffs on the north coast of the island, through open areas and ancient villages once settled by the Miru.

You'll also visit their capital, the white sand bay of Anakena. This where the first Polynesian settlers landed. There will be time here to enjoy the beach and swim in the clear sea before heading back to Explora by van.

Duration: Full-day (7 hours)  |  Hike: 10.1 miles/16.2km  |  Difficulty: Advanced

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You'll start this excursion by taking a van from Explora to Ahu Mahatua on the Poike peninsula.

From here you'll hike along a trail on the clifftops via Parehe and Tea Tea Hills to reach the summit of Puakatiki Hill. The panoramic views from the top will give you a sense of the isolation of Rapa Nui.

After descending the hill you'll follow a steep path up to Ahu Tongariki, the most impressively rebuilt ahu on the island, with 15 intact moai.

Duration: Half-day (4 hours)  |  Hike: 4.9 miles/7.9km  |  Difficulty: Moderate

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A van will take you from Explora to Ahu Tahira on the south coast. Here you can see the construction platform with perfectly overlapping rock structures.

You'll start hiking from here up to the Rano Kau Volcano and will walk along a section of the crater. You'll be able to see down into the wetlands contained within the crater as you make your way on towards Orongo. The is the ancient ceremonial village where the bird man competitions took place.

You'll spend some time here with your guide who will explain the history of the competitions, before taking a van back to Explora.

Duration: Half-day (4 hours)  |  Hike: 5.7 miles/9.2km  |  Difficulty: Advanced

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You'll start this excursion with a drive from Explora to the base of Pui Hill, near the centre of the island. This is the location used for an ancient competition in which men slid down the slopes on banana tree bark.

You'll hike across plains, and along routes formerly used to transport moai, passing through several interesting archaeological sites.

The hike ends at Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater and site of a quarry for the stone used to build the moai.

A van will meet you here to take you back to Explora.

Duration: Half-day (4 hours)  |  Hike: 4.4 miles/7.1km  |  Difficulty: Advanced

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A van will drive you from Explora to Ahu Akivi in the west of the island - a platform on which seven moai stand, looking out to the ocean.

You'll walk from here to the nearby Roiho lava fields, and make your way through tunnels and caves created by the lava flow.

The trail continues to the coast, then along the clifftops to Hanga Kioe Bay - site of an ancient village. There are two restored ahu here and one moai, facing inland.

A van will meet you here and drive you back to Explora.

Duration: Half-day (3.5 hours)  |  Hike: 4 miles/6.5km  |  Difficulty: Moderate

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On this excursion you'll take a hike along the north coast of the island. A van will drive you from Explora to the start point.

The coastal trail passes through fishing coves, Ovahe beach and several interesting archaeological sites.

You'll finish the hike at the sandy bay at Anakena where the first Polynesian settlers landed. There will be time here to enjoy the beach and swim in the sea before heading back to Explora by van.

Duration: Half-day (3.5 hours)  |  Hike: 4.4 miles/7km  |   Difficulty: Moderate

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A van will take you from Explora to the start of the hike at Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater and site of a quarry for the stone used to build the moai.

From here you'll hike along one of the ancient routes which was used to transport the moai.

Duration: Half-day (3 hours)  |  Hike: 3.3 miles/5.3km  |   Difficulty: Easy

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This hiking excursion starts with a drive west from Explora to the base of Maunga Tanga Roa, also known as the hill with three crosses.

You'll ascend to the summit at 817ft/249m from where you'll get 360° views of the island and be able to contemplate its isolated location.

Descending the hill, you'll follow a trail to the Pukao quarry. This is where the red scoria rock was sourced to make the pukao - the topknot worn by more recent moai.

After you have explored this area, a van will take you back to Explora.

Duration: Half-day (2.5 hours)  |  Hike: 1.4 miles/2.2km  |   Difficulty: Easy

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This hike starts right from the front door of Explora and heads out to the coast.

En route you'll walk through prairies, farmlands and visit several interesting archaeological sites.

The hike finishes on the coast at Akahanga. This is the location of the second-largest moai platform on the island. It was constructed in several stages with one ahu built on top of the other.

There is also one of the best preserved ancient villages here with remains of earth ovens, boat houses and pavements.

A van will meet you here to take you back to Explora.

Duration: Half-day (2.5 hours)  |  Hike: 3.5 miles/5.6km  |   Difficulty: Easy

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On this excursion a van will take you to the ancient settlement of Mahatua.

From here you'll cycle to Tea Tea Mountain on the Poike Peninsula in the far east of the island.

You'll then follow trails along the coastline, round the south of the peninsula to Ahu Tongariki - the largest and most impressively restored platform on the island with 15 moai.

The final part of your journey will be cycling back to Explora.

Duration: Half-day (4 hours)  |  Bike: 15 miles/24.2km  |  Difficulty: Advanced

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This excursion by bike from Explora will show you the contrasting landscapes of Easter Island.

Your first destination will be Terevaka Volcano from where you'll have fantastic 360° views. After a short break you'll head on down to Ahu Akivi, site of seven standing moai facing the ocean.

From here you'll ride to Ahu Tepeu on the west coast. It's an archaeological site with ceremonial architecture, on the clifftop.

Your next destination is the main town on the island, Hanga Roa, from where you'll make your way back to Explora.

Duration: Full-day (5 hours)  |  Bike: 24 miles/38.7km  |  Difficulty: Expert

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On this excursion, you'll leave Explora by bike and ride up to the Terevaka Volcano from where you'll have fantastic 360° views.

After a short break you'll head on down to Ahu Akivi, site of seven standing moai facing the ocean.

From here you'll ride to Ahu Tepeu on the west coast. It's an archaeological site with ceremonial architecture, on the clifftop.

The final destination of the trip is the Ahu Tahai complex on the west coast where you'll see the only moai with coral eyes.

Duration: Half-day (4 hours)  |  Bike: 13 miles/21km  |  Difficulty: Advanced

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You'll leave Explora by bike with your destination being uphill to Ahu Akivi, site of seven standing moai facing the ocean.

From here you'll continue riding Ahu Tepeu on the west coast. It's an archaeological site with ceremonial architecture, on the clifftop.

You'll then cycle down the coast to the ancient village of Tahai, just north of Hanga Roa. This is the location of several restored ahu with moai.

Duration: Half-day (4 hours)  |  Bike: 13 miles/21km  |  Difficulty: Advanced

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On this bike excursion you'll ride out from Explora towards Ahu Tongariki on the coast. This is the most impressively rebuilt ahu on the island, with 15 intact moai.

You'll then ride along the coastline, up to the Mahatua area, visiting several archaeological sites along the way. You'll eventually arrive at the sandy bay and crystal clear waters of Anakena. This is where the first Polynesian settlers landed. There will be time here to enjoy the beach and swim in the sea before heading back to Explora by van.

Duration: Half-day (4 hours)  |  Bike: 14.2 miles/22.9km  |   Difficulty: Moderate

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This excursion combines hiking and biking, in the west of the island.

You'll start by cycling out from Explora to Ahu Akivi - a platform on which seven moai face the ocean. After soaking up the atmosphere here, you'll head to the Roiho lava field where there are tunnels and caves formed by the lava flow.

The next destination is Tepeu, an ancient settlement on the west coast and home to the remains of the largest boathouse on the island.

Continuing along the clifftops, you'll reach your final destination of the day at the Tahai archaeological site with its restored sculptures.

You'll be met here by a van that will take you back to Explora.

Duration: Full-day (6 hours)  |  Hike/bike: 4.2 miles/6.8km  |   Difficulty: Easy

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This excursion is a private trip for people who already have diving certificates, either beginner or advanced.

You'll undertake two dives which could include the sunken moai or the Nui and Iti islets, surrounded by coral. Visiting the Cathedral - a complex of underwater caves - is also a possibility.

The waters around the island offer a unique clarity due to the low levels of plankton in the area. This also causes a lower number of larger species to be found.

Note: This excursion incurs an extra cost. It is also subject to weather conditions.

Duration: Half-day (2 hours)  |  Difficulty: Advanced

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This diving excursion is open to people with no previous diving experience.

There are two stages: During the first stage a guide will teach you diving theory and you'll take a controlled immersion so you can familiarise yourself with the equipment and perform some exercises.

During the second stage you'll undertake a dive in Hanga Roa Bay, in waters known worldwide for their clarity.

At the end of your dive, you'll receive a discovery or baptism PADI certificate.

Note: This excursion incurs an extra cost. It is also subject to weather conditions.

Duration: Half-day (2 hours)  |  Difficulty: Easy

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You'll take a van from Explora to the Hanga Roa, from where you'll take a boat north to Motu Tautara. This islet is located very close to the main island, in front of Ana Kakenga - a cave also known as 'two windows'.

During the boat trip you'll enjoy a different view of the Tahai complex and other archaeological sites along the northwest coast of the island.

The area around Motu Tautara is part of a protected coastal marine park. You'll be able to see corals here, along with diverse marine fauna, in addition to endemic species.

Duration: Half-day (1.5 hours)  |  Difficulty: Easy

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A van will take you from Explora to Hanga Roa from where you'll take a boat to sea caves with views of the cliffs. You'll navigate to the waters off the far south of the island to see the Rano Kau crater and islets made famous by the Birdman competition.

You'll be able to snorkel around the islets due to the unbeatable clarity of the water in this area.

Duration: Half-day (1.5 hours)  |  Difficulty: Moderate

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