Montagne des Singes

About this place

The Montagne des Singes, «Monkey Mountain», is a rainforest-covered hill near Kourou in French Guiana, about 11 km in a straight line south-west of the town. It rises to about 161 m and since the mid-1980s has been a hiking spot for discovering wildlife and plants. A local association cut the first section of the trail in 1985. Today there are two routes: a short one of about 650 m and a long one of about 3.2 km taking more than two hours, both winding among giant trees, huge roots and rare tropical plants. Monkeys, colourful butterflies, spiders, insects and reptiles live in the forest, and birdsong carries through the trees. A roofed wooden shelter stands along the trail, and high points look out over a sea of green forest stretching to the horizon. The trails cross land owned by the French space agency. The visit is free. The trail is humid and sometimes muddy, so wear good shoes and bring water and mosquito repellent; do not touch plants or animals, and walking by day is advised.