Fare Ata
The place
Second unstaffed refuge on the Aorai trail in Tahiti, perched at about 1800 m on the island's volcanic ridges. Reached from the Fare Mato (first refuge, at about 1400 m) after about 1 hour of climbing and an additional 400 m of elevation gain. Beyond the Fare Ata, the trail becomes a little less technical before the final push to the summit of Mont Aorai (2066 m). The stretch up to the Fare Ata is like an obstacle course: roots, polished rock, mud, fixed ropes, and exposed sections. The refuge has a tank of non-potable water (for washing only, bring your own drinking water). Unstaffed, a usual stage of the two-day traverse.
Getting there
From the Le Belvédère trailhead in Pirae, about 6-8 hours to the Fare Ata via the Fare Mato. Fixed ropes, exposed sections, demanding descent.
The setting
Volcanic ridges of Mont Aorai, high-altitude rainforest, the most accessible summit in the highlands of Tahiti.
