The Villages
Avatoru and Tiputa are typical Tuamotuan villages. I consider Avatoru to be the more interesting of the two. Not only is it on the main island (you will need to ride a boat across the pass to Tiputa), but it is also larger and has a bit more to see. When you get into town, follow the main road straight ahead until it makes a right turn at the picturesque Protestant church beside Avatoru Pass. Along the way, you'll see the mairie (town hall), post office, banks, and three general stores. The whitewashed stone wall along this part of the road is typical of Tuamotuan villages. You can make a loop by following the main street beyond the church; it circles a large public park before returning to the main road.
