Mangareva - The ridge of Rikitea

One of the possible departures of this loop is on the cross road between Rikitea and Gatavake, next to the sign indicating the Piiti belvedere.

To access the belvedere, walk along a house for a few meters up to a staircase with ropes. Climb on the rock and admire the view over Rikitea and its cathedral with Aukena island in the background on one side, and on Gatavake bay on the other side.

Turn back to get back on the road, and find the start of the ridge trail on the other side of the road. Walk along the water tank on the right. About 100m further, possibility of climbing on the rock on your right to access a point of view. Be careful with the cliff. Go back down to return to the main trail.

A few meters further, use the rope to descend a very steep portion that goes to the right. Once at the bottom, walk along the wall then go up on the ridge a little further.

Follow the path on the ridge and watch for the viewpoints on Aukena island between the Aito trees. About 1km further, walk along the cliff to the right, then climb using the ropes on your left after 200m.

Continue 300m on the ridge until you reach the Kirimiro arch, which is located on the Teruakeika trail that connects Rikitea to Kirimiro.

Take the path that goes down to Rikitea on your right. Incredible point of view on the bay and the islands of Aukena and Akamaru at 100m.

Continue your descent on the wide path, sometimes paved, until you reach Rikitea next to the Jojo store. Walk through the village towards the magnificent Cathedral Saint-Michel of Rikitea.

To complete the loop, go up the cross road that you will find a few meters before the cathedral on your right.