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Marquesas
The Marquesas
are seemingly lost at the end of the earth. This group of islands
is clustered near the equator about 930 miles from Tahiti (approximately
a 3 ½ hour flight from Papeete). A deep marine channel about 69
miles wide separates the islands into northern and southern groups.
Nuku Hiva, in the northern group is the largest island in the chain
and is also the most populous. Hiva Oa, in the southern group, is
the second largest. It is here the artist Paul Gauguin is buried.
Natural wonders overtake your senses on these remote islands as
1000ft waterfalls cascade down sheer volcanic cliffs and towering
mountains disappear mysteriously in the clouds. Unlike others islands
of French Polynesia there are no coral reefs or lagoons. The ocean
crashes directly against the rocky coast indented with fjord-like
bays.
Hidden in the mountains and deep in the jungles of the Marquesas
the unique and rich cultural heritage is revealed in ancient archaeological
sites with ceremonial complexes, stone temples and tiki statues.
Famous for intricate woodcarvings, Marquesans apply ancestral designs
seen nowhere else on earth. Bowls, plates and statues are highly
prized the world over and can be found throughout the islands.
For the adventurer, the Marquesas offers an abundance of exciting
and unique experiences in the way of hiking over mountain trails
to inland cascades, 4 x 4 safaris through jungle-like forests, horse
back riding on remote beaches and diving into underwater caves among
schools of large marine life.
With new, attractive accommodations and more frequent air schedules,
the Marquesas are now more accessible than ever before.
Tours and Activities
Nuku Hiva
Guided
Hiking Tour
Hike in to the spectacular landscape through the coconut groves
arriving at a plateau with breathtaking view. Then discover the
fascinating archeological site of Koueva.
Half-Day from $60 per person
4
x 4 Land Safari
Climb over the high plateau of Toovii only to have come into view
Taipivai Valley, made famous in Herman Melville's book "Typee".
This valley is one of the largest and most fertile valleys in Nuku
Hiva and has numerous waterfalls, a long river and one of the best-preserved
archaeological sites in the Marquesas, including several tikis.
Half-Day from $95 per person
Horse
Back Riding
1 Hour from $40
Half-Day from $90
Scuba Diving
1 Dive from $95
Hiva
Oa
Guided
Bike Tour
Visit the village of Atuona, the administrative center for the southern
Marquesas. Framed in a theatre of mountains with the Bay of Traitors
providing safe anchorage, Atuona is a favorite port of call for
yachts and copra ships. A path up to the cliffs behind the village
leads to Calvary Cemetery. Here are the simple graves of two men
who choose Marquesas as their final home and resting place, the
French painter Paul Gauguin and the Belgian singer Jacques Brel.
Half-Day from $45 per person
Hiking
and 4 x 4 Land Safari
On this guided tour you will discover the island's archeology
and history, as well as its flora and fauna. Herds of goats graze
while wild horses roam the tablelands. Wild cotton and fragrant
herbs cover the hills. You will see local artisans at work and visit
ancient sites of petroglyphs.
Half- Day from $50 per person
*Tours and
activities may vary in price and content based
on the individual tour operator.
Photos Courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme
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