Sophie’s circular loop, Maripa-Soula

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Sophie’s circular loop takes you along the tracks through the logging areas, returning via the aerodrome and Crique Daouda for a quick refreshment break.

Details

n°16472848
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.32 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 200 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 217 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 495 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 312 ft
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Photos

Cows
Pirogue
View of the cow herd
Bathing point at Daouda creek

Description of the walk

(S/E) From the water tower in the centre of Maripa, walk along Rue Difou Passi (east) which descends towards the Maroni River bank and becomes Route de Sophie. At the bottom of the descent, enjoy the view of the river on your right and the sight of the canoes heading for Suriname, before continuing along the pavement which climbs the hill.

(1) When you reach Village Machine, take the track on your left (north). Ignore the track branching off to the left and continue straight ahead (north).

(2) When you reach a junction, continue straight ahead (north-east). You will pass this junction again on your return to Maripa (Petite Boucle de Sophie). Continue along this main track, which goes up and down, keeping straight at every junction. The tracks you see on either side lead to logging sites. Occasionally you will have views of these private properties.

(3) After about 3 km, you’ll reach a junction with a logging site in front of you. Turn left (west) where the track curves to the left. Along the way, you’ll have views of the logging sites.

(4) When you reach a junction, you have the choice of going straight on to cool off and return to this junction, or turning immediately left (south-east). You will have Daouda Creek on your right. If you continue straight on, you will join the track leading to the airfield and Papaïchton.

(5) The track descends towards a shaded stream which you must cross. Continue straight on, climbing up the other side. You will reach the junction where you were at (2). (This area is sometimes flooded). At the junction, turn right onto the path you came along. Walk to Village Machine where you will find the tarmac road. (1).

(6) Walk along Sophie’s Road towards the centre of Maripa, but when you see a car wash on your right, turn right down the track. This track goes downhill and then uphill. It passes through residential areas. Please respect people’s privacy and make your way to the tarmac road leading to the aerodrome.

(7) At the road, turn left to reach the fire station and the water tower on your left. (S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 374 ft - Water tower
  2. 1 : mi 0.82 - alt. 377 ft - Village Machine
  3. 2 : mi 1.47 - alt. 387 ft - Junction for Sophie’s circular loop
  4. 3 : mi 3.62 - alt. 482 ft - Crossroads
  5. 4 : mi 5.41 - alt. 341 ft - Swimming cove
  6. 5 : mi 5.67 - alt. 384 ft - Shaded cove
  7. 6 : mi 6.92 - alt. 367 ft - Car wash on the road to Sophie
  8. 7 : mi 7.19 - alt. 361 ft - Staying with locals is permitted
  9. S/E : mi 7.32 - alt. 374 ft - Water tower

Notes

  • Take water with you as the trail offers very little shade.
  • Bring binoculars to observe the flora and fauna.
  • Do not venture into the logging areas and side paths without being accompanied by a guide.
  • You can hire bikes from the tourist office to complete a circular route.

For further information, contact the West Guyana Tourist Office. or info.otog@gmail.com

Worth a visit

  • Nature walks and visits to logging sites are available on request from the OTOG.

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