In a few words
« A rich valley, with 4 spectacular waterfalls, including the highlight of the show: a 180-meters cirque. »
Pictures
Map
Datas
Level: Difficult
Location: Pk 37.7, HITIA'A
Meeting point: 7:00 am - 6:30 pm at GSMA, Mahina
Activity time (walking + breaks): outward journey 4h30 - return journey 3h00
Transport time (from Papeete): 1h00
Points of interest: spectacular valley and waterfalls, swimming and jumping, splendid views.
Description
Shis is undoubtedly the most beautiful hike of all! An approach walk on easy terrain, then after 1h30, we reach the first waterfall, TAPATEA, powerful and roaring with a 6-meter mega-jump (optional!). Many legends can be told about MAHATEAHO (the river’s name), Princess TEURA, a mother nicknamed Vahine TAEHAE, a red caterpillar and a mysterious treasure. Then it’s a bit of a climb to a series of cascading waterfalls and what is undoubtedly one of the island’s largest basins. With the help of a well-equipped steep slope, we reach a majestic panoramic view of the last two waterfalls. After a relatively steep descent, we reach the foot of Les Jumelles: a 48-metre-high double waterfall. A serious second climb takes us around them. At the very top, we reach the foot of a prodigious waterfall: 180 metres high, with an invigorating swim at its feet! We picnic above the famous “Jumelle”, then return the same way.
This is a hike on sometimes rugged terrain: a good level of fitness is required.