Quels sont les deux sentiers de la Montagne des Singes ?

Le sentier botanique de 650 m, facile et éducatif, adapté aux familles et débutants, et la grande boucle de 3,9 km avec dénivelé, réservée aux randonneurs expérimentés, qui mène au sommet à 161 m d'altitude.

Quelle faune peut-on observer sur le site ?

On peut observer des papillons Morpho, des tamarins à mains dorées et des oiseaux tropicaux, au son du chant du Paypayo, ainsi que d'autres espèces de la forêt tropicale.

Comment accéder à la Montagne des Singes ?

Empruntez la route du Dégrad Saramaka sur la RN1, quelques kilomètres après le rond-point de Kourou, puis suivez les panneaux jusqu'au départ des sentiers, à proximité du Centre Spatial Guyanais.

Nature & sentiers★ Free accessKourou

Le Sentier de la Montagne des Singes à Kourou

Free access

Distance0,55 à 4,4 kmDifficultéFacile à moyen

Gallery

Overview

The Montagne des Singes, south-west of Kourou, is a destination for exploring the natural and cultural richness of the region. The site, which belongs to the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), combines accessible hiking trails, unique biodiversity and spectacular views.

Why Visit

The site offers two trails suited to different levels. The botanical trail, 650 metres long, is an educational and easy walk ideal for families and beginners: information panels on forest tree species and opportunities to spot local wildlife such as Morpho butterflies, golden-handed tamarins and tropical birds, to the call of the Paypayo. The long loop, 3.9 km with significant elevation gain, is aimed at experienced hikers: it crosses a clearing, a creek and a swamp forest before reaching the summit at 161 metres. The shelter built by the ONF at the summit offers a resting spot and views over Kourou, the river, the Salvation Islands and the Space Centre - you can watch a launch from here. In the canopy, squirrel and capuchin monkeys are regularly spotted, as the site's name suggests.

Practical Information

Bring sturdy walking shoes, plenty of water and insect protection. Check the weather forecast before you set out, as the area can be very wet. Clear signs and an on-site map help you choose the right trail.

Getting There

To reach the trailhead, take the Dégrad Saramaka road off the RN1 a few kilometres after the Kourou roundabout: the start is at PK 14, past the sawmill, with signs for both routes. The site is close to the facilities of the Guiana Space Centre.

Wildlife

What you might see

Species most often reported by naturalists around this place. Nothing is guaranteed: wildlife comes and goes.

Bird
Piauhau hurleur
Lipaugus vociferans
Photo credit
© Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, CC BY · taken in Saint-Georges · iNaturalist
Bird
Dryade à queue fourchue
Thalurania furcata
Photo credit
© Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, CC BY · taken in Roura · iNaturalist
Bird
Naucler à queue fourchue
Elanoides forficatus
Photo credit
© Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, CC BY · taken in Iracoubo · iNaturalist
Reptile
Anolis à fanon bleu
Anolis chrysolepis
Photo credit
© Guillaume Delaitre, CC BY · taken in Roura · iNaturalist

Observations: GBIF and iNaturalist. Sources and credits

Getting there

Location

Kourou · Guyane

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Frequently asked questions

What are the two trails at the Montagne des Singes?+

The 650 m botanical trail, easy and educational, suited to families and beginners, and the 3.9 km long loop with elevation, for experienced hikers, leading to the summit at 161 m.

What wildlife can be spotted at the site?+

You can observe Morpho butterflies, golden-handed tamarins and tropical birds, to the call of the Paypayo, along with other tropical forest species.

How do you get to the Montagne des Singes?+

Take the Dégrad Saramaka road off the RN1, a few kilometres after the Kourou roundabout, then follow the signs to the trail start, near the Guiana Space Centre.