Quelle est la difficulté du Sentier Montagne Topu ?

Le niveau est modéré (classé C), avec 3,3 km en aller-retour, 112 mètres de dénivelé et environ 1h20 de marche. Le terrain peut être glissant car le climat tropical est humide.

Par où accéder au sentier ?

Deux départs sont possibles : depuis le sentier du Rorota (dépasser l'entrée jusqu'à un large chemin à droite signalé par un panneau) ou depuis le sentier de Loyola, connu pour ses vestiges jésuites.

Quels animaux et plantes peut-on observer ?

On peut apercevoir des singes saïmiris, des chauves-souris, des tangaras ou des agoutis, et observer des arbres comme le Wacapou, l'Angélique ou le Bois-canon, ainsi que des plantes amérindiennes comme le manioc, la papaye ou le mombin. La végétation dense peut toutefois gêner le repérage.

Qui contacter pour plus d'informations ?

La Brigade Nature de la Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane est joignable au +594 594 69 46 90 ou au +594 594 38 25 52.

Nature & sentiers★ Free accessRemire-Montjoly

Sentier Montagne Topu : Une Rando Facile en Guyane

Free access

Distance3,3 kmDifficultéFacile

Gallery

Overview

The Montagne Topu trail in Rémire-Montjoly is a hiking route managed by the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane (CTG). Located near Mont Mahury, between the Rorota lakes, Crique Angélique, and the Loyola trail, it winds through tropical rainforest. The trail covers 3.3 km out and back, takes approximately 1h20 to complete with 112 metres of elevation gain, and is not a loop. It is waymarked and features viewpoints such as the Rorota Viewpoint overlooking the surrounding lakes, which can sometimes be obscured by dense vegetation.

Why Visit

The trail is a wonderful way to discover local biodiversity and the history of the region's earliest inhabitants. The forest is home to trees such as Wacapou, Angélique, and Bois-canon, which can reach up to 50 metres tall, as well as plants used by Amerindian communities (manioc, papaya, mombin). You may spot squirrel monkeys, bats, tanagers, or agoutis, though the dense vegetation can make wildlife-watching a challenge. Interpretive panels explain the chablis phenomenon — the natural process by which a falling tree opens a gap that allows the forest to regenerate.

History

The trail is marked with information panels about human occupation of the area, which dates back more than 10,000 years. Evidence includes Amerindian pottery shards dating to 9,000 years ago, found in the Sinnamary-Iracoubo region. Stone tools such as polished axes and scrapers show how the ancient inhabitants made use of the crystalline rocks of Mont Mahury. Until the 17th century, the coast of French Guiana was settled by Europeans, but Amerindian peoples continued to exploit the natural resources of Mont Mahury and the island of Cayenne.

Practical Information

Length: 3.3 km out and back. Duration: 1h20. Elevation gain: 112 metres. Level: moderate (rated C). Preparation: bring water and wear appropriate footwear, as the tropical climate is humid and the terrain can be slippery. Rules: do not pick plants and tread carefully to protect the ecosystem, as indicated on the signage. Contact: Nature Brigade of the CTG at +594 594 69 46 90 or +594 594 38 25 52.

Getting There

There are two possible starting points. From Rorota: pass the entrance to the Rorota trail and continue to an intersection where a wide path branches to the right, marked by an information panel. From the Loyola trail: an alternative access point is available from this historic trail, known for its Jesuit ruins and proximity to Mont Mahury.

Wildlife

What you might see

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

Mammal
Paresseux à trois doigts
Bradypus tridactylus
Photo credit
© Jason Berger, CC BY · taken in Kourou · iNaturalist
Mammal
Saïmiri écureuil
Saimiri sciureus
Ne nourrissez pas les singes et gardez vos sacs fermés.
Photo credit
© Thibaud Aronson, CC BY-SA · taken in Montsinéry-Tonnegrande · iNaturalist
Bird
Tyran quiquivi
Pitangus sulphuratus
Photo credit
© Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, CC BY · taken in Saint-Georges · iNaturalist
Bird
Tangara évêque
Thraupis episcopus
Photo credit
© Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, CC BY · taken in Remire-Montjoly · iNaturalist

Venomous snakes live here: stay on the trails and watch where you put your feet and hands.

Observations: GBIF and iNaturalist. Sources and credits

Getting there

Location

Remire-Montjoly · Guyane

Google Maps Waze directions

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is the Montagne Topu trail?+

The difficulty level is moderate (rated C), with 3.3 km out and back, 112 metres of elevation gain, and approximately 1h20 of walking. The terrain can be slippery in the humid tropical climate.

Where can I access the trail?+

There are two starting points: from the Rorota trail (pass the entrance and continue to a wide path on the right marked by a sign) or from the Loyola trail, known for its Jesuit ruins.

What animals and plants can you see?+

You may spot squirrel monkeys, bats, tanagers, or agoutis, and observe trees such as Wacapou, Angélique, and Bois-canon, as well as plants used by Amerindian communities such as manioc, papaya, and mombin. Dense vegetation may make spotting wildlife tricky.

Who should I contact for more information?+

The Nature Brigade of the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane (CTG) can be reached at +594 594 69 46 90 or +594 594 38 25 52.