Découverte du Sentier de Gobaya Soula

Overview

The Gobaya trail is located a short distance from the town of Maripasoula, in French Guiana. Its name evokes the word for guava in aluku tongo. The route is 2.2 km long and takes about one hour to complete. It is reached after a 20-minute pirogue ride. Halfway along, waterfalls fed by a forest stream provide a refreshing stop.

Why Visit

The trail combines swimming at the waterfalls with a journey through the landscape. Several highlights punctuate the walk:

• waterfalls located midway along the route, formed by a stream descending from the foothills of Montagne Atachi Bakka down to the Lawa River;
• diverse aquatic wildlife (fish, shrimp, crabs) that take advantage of the rainy season to feed and reproduce;
• fallen trees forming micro-ecosystems inhabited by fungi and insects;
• informational panels along the route.

History

The panels along the trail trace the history of the river's communities since the 18th century. Grinding stones found on the site bear witness to this ancient occupation and add a cultural dimension to the hike.

Practical Information

• Distance: 2.2 km, approximately one hour of walking.
• Access: maintained trail, described as accessible to all.
• Final access: 20 minutes by pirogue from Maripasoula.
• The Maripasoula tourist office provides organisational information.

Getting There

You must first reach Maripasoula, accessible by plane or by pirogue from Cayenne or Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. On arrival, board a pirogue for a 20-minute river journey to the start of the trail. The maintained path leads directly to the falls. Contact the tourist office for more information.