Afareaitu Waterfalls (’Āfareaitu Cascades)
There are many waterfalls in the Ãareaitu local, however, the two main tourist attractions are Vaioro Falls (a.k.a. Afareaitu Cascade) and Putoa Falls (a.k.a. Atiraa Falls). Both are worth seeing, even when they are just trickles in winter.
Location - ’Āfareaitu, Mo'orea, French Polynesia
Duration - Allow 1 hour return
Difficulty - Easy
There are many waterfalls in the ’Āfareaitu local, however, the two main tourist attractions are Vaioro Falls (a.k.a. Afareaitu Cascade) and Putoa Falls (a.k.a. Atiraa Falls). Both are worth seeing, even when they are just trickles in winter.
There is confusion over the naming of these falls. "Putoa Falls" is based on the naming of the stream according to 2002 LP book. However, according to the 2007 version of the Moon Tahiti book, this waterfall was dubbed the "Atiraa Falls".
Take mosquito repellent, sandals, food, drinks, and obviously a swimsuit.
Vaioro Falls (a.k.a. Afareaitu Falls)
A lovely walk on the side of the Tevaiatiraa Stream leads to the foot of Vaioro Waterfall. The lush vegetation is composed of large mango trees, miro, tou, and purau and soon gives way to tree ferns.
Park at the end of the road and walk in from there. You could also leave your car along the main the road and walk in along the road which will add another 20-30 minutes to your hike on way. The path to the Vaioro waterfall follows the valley of Tehuatevai. It takes 60 minutes to walk before reaching the waterfall.
This path also begins the ascent of Mount Mou'aputa.
Putoa Falls (a.k.a. Atiraa Falls)
Drive in as far as you dare. A trail from the village of Afareaitu through a green landscape of mango trees, past coffee plants, wild orchids and vanilla. An easy half-hour ramble brings you to a pair of waterfalls that tumble 60 metres into pools that are ideal for a cooling swim.
A wood of mape announces the arrival to the waterfall of 80 metres, cascading down a basaltic wall, in a basin encircled with a vast volcanic rocks.
Interactive Map
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