Tour in Niue to Togo Chasm through the rainforest and a forest of fossilized coral. Niue photos.

Day tour in Niue to Togo Chasm and fossilized coral forest
August 19-26, 2011

Probably one of the most beautiful hike in Niue, bringing you first in an unspoiled tropical jungle and then through a real "forest" of fossilized coral, a geological feature quite unique in Niue and perhaps in the world. This trails end in a narrow sandy canyon where coconuts trees live.

Togo is located along the rugged east coast of Niue and the entrance to the trail is well marked both on the island map and along the ring road.



During the first 25-30 minutes of walking, the path goes through the lush tropical forest that covers almost entirely Niue. It's interesting to note how plants, from small ferns to large trees, grow directly into fossilized coral.

A young coconut palm grows in large masses of fossilized coral.


	Once across the tropical forest, a magnificent view on another type of "forest" opens: thousands of fossilized coral pinnacles, a unique geological feature on the island of Niue and very rare in the rest of the world.

Fossils like these are literally millions on the island of Niue, and in particular in this area.


	The area where these jagged pinnacles of corals is can be found is so huge, that this geological phenomena can be considered quite rare (in not unique) all over the world. A path in a good state, allows the crossing of this chaotic maze, allowing you to safely reach the next landmark.


The path between the bizarre formations of fossilized coral, ends of this narrow canyon ...


	... where a steep staircase, in an "Indiana Jones" style, provides access to a place that seems to be still a "secret" ...


... a small beach of white sand, enclosed in a narrow gorge between the rocks, which houses a group of coconut palms ...



Coconut palms are found in this narrow canyon, sheltered from the winds and the fury of the Pacific Ocean, an ideal habitat in which to grow and reproduce.