VAIPOIRI CAVE AND BET CLIFFS
At the end of the world, far beyond the end of all the drivable tracks and beaten paths, the island of Tahiti ends in apotheosis with the cliffs of Pari. Wild landscapes, hidden petroglyphs, natural traps; take a guide to avoid getting lost. Note that it is impossible to drive around Tahiti Iti: only the boat or your legs will allow you to discover this mysterious and isolated universe. To visit this remote and fascinating part of the island, you must first choose which way to start... Going through the west coast, the road stops at the village of Teahupoo; you will then have to continue along a hiking trail that follows the mountain. After crossing creeks on spindly footbridges, skirting black sand beaches and crossing swamps, you will reach Vaipoiri Cave in three hours. A little inland, the cave and its underground lake await you... Continuing on, you will cross the Faaroa River, where you will find the eponymous refuge, for the great hikers that you are. Then begins the adventure of the Pari. Protected by the coral reef, the lagoon is often calm and allows easy passage down the cliffs. You can see the giant Umete of Taapeha, carved by erosion in the valley of the same name (theumete is a traditional oval container). A little further on, the Anaihe cave was formerly used as a shelter for fishermen. It has since been fitted out for tourists, with a few benches and a table made of coconut wood. This is a good place to have a picnic, especially since a waterfall is flowing nearby! Further on, the Devil's Passage awaits you, a narrow corridor where you will have to run when the sea retreats. The Vaitomoana cave, partially submerged, will be ideal for a shady stop. You then arrive at the Vaiote River, where the archaeological sites are located, a little inland. The Honoura drums are amazing: they are hollow rocks that resonate when tapped. Some pae pae are placed not far from there, in an inextricable vegetal mass. While crossing the river, you will discover other petroglyphs evoking suns, pirogues, hands... Three more hours of walking, and here is Tautira and the road to Papeete. This emblematic hike of Tahiti Iti will certainly delight lovers of walking, nature and wide open spaces.