Easter Island -- Is Explora Worth the $$$ ??
 

My husband and I are planning a trip to Easter Island and are looking for any hints or suggestions that any of you might be able to give us. We're considering staying at the Explora. I've read reviews and it looks fabulous. It is however, expensive and we're trying to decide if it is worth the extra money.

I've read trip reports for Easter Island and welcome any comments or recommendations that you might have to offer.

Thanks!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g3...nd-Hotels.html

More rustic than upscale for me go with cute cheaper BBs

Best but poor value for me...

I just booked Te'ora for late July...a little cabin on the ocean. It has a lot of good reviews, and the whole idea just makes me happy. (And it's about $85 a night.)

qwovadis and Amy, thanks for your replies. We're still agonizing. The Hotel Antiplanico is another that came to our attention today. Amy, I'm going to take a look at Te'ora, too.

We stayed at the old Explora, and had a great time. The new place looks really fancy. More than the room or anything else, what we really enjoyed were all of the excursions. Yes, they are theoretically possible without staying there (especially some of the more popular ones), but having a guide who can explain everything to you, lead you on the correct path, carry your lunch, and have a car waiting for you when you get to the end, were worth the extra dough - at least for us. I can certainly see the other side of the spectrum as well.

Here's our trip diary if you're interested:

http://www.justinandcrystal.com/SouthAmerica/Index.htm

Lastly, we stayed at the other Exploras in 2008 (Atacama and Torres Del Paine), and really enjoyed them as well.

mistadobalina, I've bookmarked your trip diary so I can look at it later, when I have a little more time. How rigorous were the Explora excursions? I have a bad knee that has been known to give me fits, and trekking would be out of the question for me. Is it possible to do "regular" sightseeing with Explora? I've asked them, and their response is that they arrange activities around the client's desires, but I'm still not sure that we are on the same page! Thank you!!

On the first hike we did, we walked west on the north shore and ended up at Ovahe beach. While we were walking - it wasn't strenuous but the surface was uneven - some other folks were in a van. We all ended up in the same spot at the end, and saw most of the same sights, certainly the most touristy.

Many of the most-visited sights are close to the roads, so if you're not really up for trekking, I would say you'd be better served at somewhere like Altiplanico if you want to splurge a bit. It didn't exist when we were there, but it looks very nice, and we are staying at the Altiplanico in San Pedro de Atacama in June, which also looks nice.

Hopefully that helps.

mistadobalina - thanks for your response. I looked at your photos (stunning!) and diary and they just make me more excited about our trip. I wish I were more physically able - I'd love to have a more "authentic" experience. We've got time to think about it. We were thinking about renting a car if we stayed at Altiplanico, but don't know how practical this would be. Anyway, thanks again for your input. Part of the fun of travel is the planning, and another part is sharing the experience!

No, it isnt. And it is in such an isolated location. Stay at Te'ora, we did and it was very good. Get the top floor ocean view room though. Huge difference in both size and air flow. Hire a local guide for a couple days to see the sites throughout the island and you are AOK. No need to go crazy with Explora in such a compact area. If you need the name of the local guide we used, I probably can dig it up for you. He was excellent.

But if you are going to the Patagonia then Explora is 110% worth the splurge. The location and everything else cant be beat.

jersey1977 - thanks for the tip. I appreciate your taking the time to respond to my question! I've looked at Te'ora and think it is a viable option. The reviews on TripAdvisor are great.

If you do stay at Te'ora stay in the top floor room though. Its only about $120USD night and worth it. Explora on Easter Island is just not worth it. Plus it is so out of the way, you miss all of the local vibe. Even if it was the same price as Te'ora it still wouldnt be my choice.

Easter Island is a place you do not want to be isolated. You want to enjoy the atmosphere to the full. Explora would not be my choice either.
Tip: take a torch (flashlight) as the street lighting is not great at night.

Still trying to decide. Being closer to town makes sense. Thanks for your advice!

no 5 star hotels but a great place to visit. Rent a jeep and have fun- no tour group needed. we went sept 09 perfect weather.

Explora is worth the money. I was there for four nights last November. Since I wanted to do extensive hiking they provided me with my own guide. The rooms are nice but not luxurious. The food is very good and the staff is very accommodating.