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Visitez le Saut Maripa
Eau & baignade★ Free accessSaint-Georges

Visitez le Saut Maripa

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Overview

The Saut Maripa is located near Saint-Georges-de-l'Oyapock, on the Oyapock River, in French Guiana. It is a popular natural site for relaxation, swimming, and picnicking. It marks the point where Atlantic Ocean tides begin to influence the Oyapock River, creating rapids that stretch over 2 km with a drop of 14 metres. The preserved Amazonian setting attracts nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Why Visit

The Saut Maripa combines swimming in the calm stretches of the river, picnicking in shaded areas, hiking, and guided activities. The site features four trails: the Botanical Trail (a 4 km loop accessible to all, 45 min to 1 hour, highlighting Amazonian flora such as the strangler fig), the Layon Coumouri (2 km round trip, approximately 1 hour), the Layon Saut Maripa (1.5 km round trip, approximately 30 minutes, with viewpoints over the rapids), and the Saut Maripa / Saut Anaoua Trail (a more demanding loop of approximately 4 hours). Some trails are currently being restored; it is advisable to check their condition with local operators.

History

The Saut Maripa was historically a crossing point for Amerindian peoples and, later, for colonists. Nearby, the remains of an old railway line — built in the early 20th century to transport goods such as timber and rubber — bear witness to the economic activity of the past.

Practical Information

Recommended equipment: hiking shoes, water shoes for swimming, water, a packed lunch, sunscreen, and insect repellent. No food or drink is available on site. The best period is the dry season (July to November), which offers more accessible trails and safer navigation. Stay on marked trails and avoid the rapids where currents are strong. To preserve the site, take all your rubbish with you and do not pick plants. The visit can be combined with a trip to Saint-Georges-de-l'Oyapock and, for a cross-border experience, with Oiapoque in Brazil.

Getting There

By road: from Saint-Georges, take a track of 20 to 25 km (approximately 40 minutes by car), which is passable in a standard vehicle during the dry season but requires a 4x4 during the rainy season; this brings you to the upstream end of the rapids. By river: hire a pirogue operator at the Saint-Georges port for a 15 to 20-minute journey to Pied-Saut (10–20 € round trip), then walk 20 to 30 minutes along the old railway to reach the downstream end of the rapids.

Getting there

Location

Saint-Georges · Guyane
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the Saut Maripa located?+

The Saut Maripa is located near Saint-Georges-de-l'Oyapock, on the Oyapock River, in French Guiana, 20–25 km from the town.

How many hiking trails does the Saut Maripa offer?+

The site features four trails: the Botanical Trail (4 km), the Layon Coumouri (2 km round trip), the Layon Saut Maripa (1.5 km round trip), and the Saut Maripa / Saut Anaoua Trail (a loop of approximately 4 hours).

What is the best time to visit the Saut Maripa?+

The dry season, from July to November, offers more accessible trails and safer navigation.

How do I get to the Saut Maripa?+

By road via a 20–25 km track from Saint-Georges (approximately 40 min), or by pirogue (15–20 min to Pied-Saut) followed by a 20–30 minute walk.

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