ABROAD & BEYOND
The Mysteries of Easter Island
The Mysteries of Easter Island
Ultimate Experiences contributor, Jordin Greene, explores the unworldly
destination with Explora Rapa Nui.
No one finds themselves on Rapa Nui by mistake. It takes a special kind of traveler to seek out one of the world’s remotest outposts, and you’re one of them. Welcome to Explora.
This is the handwritten welcome note from General Manager Matias Alamo, placed alongside a plate of fresh macaroons, local Chilean wine, and a kit of eco-friendly sundries. With that, we’re ushered into the world of Explora Rapa Nui. Some places seem to exist between myth and reality, and this is one of them.
Rapa Nui (coined “Easter Island” by the Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen when he arrived on Easter Sunday in 1722) is the Polynesian island and special territory of Chile. It’s a wish-list destination that has long captured the imagination of adventurers, archeologists, history buffs, and nature lovers alike—as rich in cultural heritage as it is in jaw-dropping natural beauty. The island’s all-inclusive luxury lodge, Explora Rapa Nui is a wonderful base camp for travelers to immerse, discover, and recharge.
Setting the Scene
Located just outside Hanga Roa, Easter Island’s only bustling town, Explora Rapa Nui feels like another world. After the five-hour flight from Santiago to Mataveri International Airport, a drive down an unmarked, unpaved road leads to the stunning lodge, which overlooks a sweeping hillside, eucalyptus trees, and the dramatic Pacific Ocean. Designed by renowned architect José Cruz Ovalle, the lodge features interconnected circular and oval spaces made of natural materials that blend in with the volcanic landscape.
The 30 guest rooms and suites are minimalist yet luxurious: oversized windows frame the gardens and ocean, jacuzzi soaking tubs, and hand-embroidered linens that make you excited to crawl into bed after your day of exploring.
Meals here are relaxed, elegant, and local with fresh seafood, native fruits and vegetables like taro, sweet potato, and pineapple, and, of course, a curated selection of Chilean wines. Morning, noon and evening, guests settle into the bar to chat with guides and new friends over a cappuccino, fresh local juice, or the cocktail of the day.
Travelers from all over the world choose Explora lodges for world-class excursions and guides, and at Rapa Nui those explorations begin after breakfast and again after lunch. In between, lounge by the outdoor pool and hot tub, relax your muscles after a long hike in the “ancestral” sauna before a massage, and read from the well-stocked library in one of the stylish lounge areas.
Explora recommends a minimum stay of four nights to truly experience all that Rapa Nui offers. Three nights can cover the highlights, but four allows breathing room—time for less-visited sites, for unhurried mornings, and for cultural encounters beyond postcard views.
This is not a place for ticking off checklists so much as for slowing down, looking closely, and being present. For travelers seeking the uncommon and the inspiring—not just photos, but perspective—Explora Rapa Nui is a destination you’ll remember forever.
Top 5 Must-Sees
1. Rano Raraku: At this centuries-old quarry, nearly 900 Moai were carved and left on the slopes. Walk among the monolithic human figures—some still embedded in volcanic rock.
2. Ahu Tongariki: This is the most famous of Rapa Nui’s ceremonial platforms. Fifteen Moai stand in a line, facing inland to protect the island.
3. Rano Kau crater & Orongo village: The ceremonial village is perched on the rim of the volcanic caldera. Take in the dramatic views, as well as fascinating stories of the ancient Birdman (Tangata Manu) ritual.
4. Ana Kai Tangata sea cave: This is an awe-inspiring spot for snorkeling and kayaking.
5. Anakena beach: White coral sand, palms, and calm, warm waters create an idyllic place to swim, relax, and take in Moai at Ahu Nau Nau.
Why choose Explora
Rapa Nui?
It’s an all-inclusive experience. That includes every meal, beverage, exploration, park fee, and transfer. Service is polished, relaxed, and welcoming.
It’s guided, immersive excursions are unmatched. There are more than 30 explorations available, including half-day to full-day hikes, bike rides, kayaking, snorkeling, and cultural and archaeological site visits. All guides are local Rapa Nui bilingual experts.
It’s a place to disconnect to reconnect. Wi-Fi is available, but no TVs, giving guests the chance to truly take in the space, solitude, and nature.
ABROAD & BEYOND
The Mysteries of Easter Island
The Mysteries of Easter Island
Ultimate Experiences contributor, Jordin Greene, explores the unworldly
destination with Explora Rapa Nui.
No one finds themselves on Rapa Nui by mistake. It takes a special kind of traveler to seek out one of the world’s remotest outposts, and you’re one of them. Welcome to Explora.
This is the handwritten welcome note from General Manager Matias Alamo, placed alongside a plate of fresh macaroons, local Chilean wine, and a kit of eco-friendly sundries. With that, we’re ushered into the world of Explora Rapa Nui. Some places seem to exist between myth and reality, and this is one of them.
Rapa Nui (coined “Easter Island” by the Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen when he arrived on Easter Sunday in 1722) is the Polynesian island and special territory of Chile. It’s a wish-list destination that has long captured the imagination of adventurers, archeologists, history buffs, and nature lovers alike—as rich in cultural heritage as it is in jaw-dropping natural beauty. The island’s all-inclusive luxury lodge, Explora Rapa Nui is a wonderful base camp for travelers to immerse, discover, and recharge.
Setting the Scene
Located just outside Hanga Roa, Easter Island’s only bustling town, Explora Rapa Nui feels like another world. After the five-hour flight from Santiago to Mataveri International Airport, a drive down an unmarked, unpaved road leads to the stunning lodge, which overlooks a sweeping hillside, eucalyptus trees, and the dramatic Pacific Ocean. Designed by renowned architect José Cruz Ovalle, the lodge features interconnected circular and oval spaces made of natural materials that blend in with the volcanic landscape.
The 30 guest rooms and suites are minimalist yet luxurious: oversized windows frame the gardens and ocean, jacuzzi soaking tubs, and hand-embroidered linens that make you excited to crawl into bed after your day of exploring.
Meals here are relaxed, elegant, and local with fresh seafood, native fruits and vegetables like taro, sweet potato, and pineapple, and, of course, a curated selection of Chilean wines. Morning, noon and evening, guests settle into the bar to chat with guides and new friends over a cappuccino, fresh local juice, or the cocktail of the day.
Travelers from all over the world choose Explora lodges for world-class excursions and guides, and at Rapa Nui those explorations begin after breakfast and again after lunch. In between, lounge by the outdoor pool and hot tub, relax your muscles after a long hike in the “ancestral” sauna before a massage, and read from the well-stocked library in one of the stylish lounge areas.
Explora recommends a minimum stay of four nights to truly experience all that Rapa Nui offers. Three nights can cover the highlights, but four allows breathing room—time for less-visited sites, for unhurried mornings, and for cultural encounters beyond postcard views.
This is not a place for ticking off checklists so much as for slowing down, looking closely, and being present. For travelers seeking the uncommon and the inspiring—not just photos, but perspective—Explora Rapa Nui is a destination you’ll remember forever.
Top 5 Must-Sees
1. Rano Raraku: At this centuries-old quarry, nearly 900 Moai were carved and left on the slopes. Walk among the monolithic human figures—some still embedded in volcanic rock.
2. Ahu Tongariki: This is the most famous of Rapa Nui’s ceremonial platforms. Fifteen Moai stand in a line, facing inland to protect the island.
3. Rano Kau crater & Orongo village: The ceremonial village is perched on the rim of the volcanic caldera. Take in the dramatic views, as well as fascinating stories of the ancient Birdman (Tangata Manu) ritual.
4. Ana Kai Tangata sea cave: This is an awe-inspiring spot for snorkeling and kayaking.
5. Anakena beach: White coral sand, palms, and calm, warm waters create an idyllic place to swim, relax, and take in Moai at Ahu Nau Nau.
Why choose Explora
Rapa Nui?
It’s an all-inclusive experience. That includes every meal, beverage, exploration, park fee, and transfer. Service is polished, relaxed, and welcoming.
It’s guided, immersive excursions are unmatched. There are more than 30 explorations available, including half-day to full-day hikes, bike rides, kayaking, snorkeling, and cultural and archaeological site visits. All guides are local Rapa Nui bilingual experts.
It’s a place to disconnect to reconnect. Wi-Fi is available, but no TVs, giving guests the chance to truly take in the space, solitude, and nature.
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Not sure where to start? I’ll guide you through it. Planning travel should feel exciting, not overwhelming. I’m Lynn, owner of Vacation Planners of Metro Orlando, and travel has been part of my life for decades. From early family road trips to international travel beginning in the 1970s, my experiences shaped a deep appreciation for history, culture, and especially European travel. I’m highly research-driven, detail-oriented, and deeply committed to advocating for my clients throughout the planning process. My approach starts with an intake form and a conversation, allowing open communication so I can understand your travel goals and anticipate needs, particularly for European itineraries, family and multi-generational travel, and trips involving dietary restrictions. Having firsthand experience planning travel with food allergies, I know how important it is for every detail to feel considered. I’m known for being accessible, thorough, and personally invested in each trip I plan. If yo ...