Excursion: The Secrets of Piton de la Fournaise
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationFrench Overseas Territories / Reunion Island
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AgeFrom 18 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions21.42 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Embark on a 3-day immersive journey to discover the Piton de la Fournaise volcano , guided by passionate professionals, on wild routes far from the crowds. From the village of Grand Coude , you'll take the Maron trail , a secluded ascent through the lunar landscapes of the Plaine des Sables .
At the end of this first day, you'll enjoy a cozy evening in a modern and comfortable guesthouse , ideally located at the foot of the volcano. Whether you prefer an intimate dormitory or a private room, the accommodation can be tailored to your preferences.
The next day, head towards the Enclos Fouqué , the vibrant heart of the massif, for an in-depth exploration led by your guide, up to the mythical Dolomieu crater , the monumental silhouette of the intense island.
Your adventure ends in style with a spectacular descent along the Langevin River , between tropical forest and breathtaking views, to the Grand Galet waterfall , a jewel of the wild south .
A complete and extraordinary trek, combining effort, raw nature and volcanism, to experience Reunion Island in a different way.
The highlights
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Discovery of the Piton de la Fournaise volcano
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A secluded ascent of the volcano via the Maron trail, far from the crowds.
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A night at the foot of the volcano in a modern guesthouse, a warm atmosphere guaranteed
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This trip takes place on challenging trails with many steps that make travel a sporting activity.
We will verify your skill level to validate your registration.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 18 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 867 m
- Average daily descent: 1084 m
Management
English
French
All our instructors are mountain guides living in Reunion Island and holding the state diploma for mountain guides with a tropical option.
Program
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Brown trail
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 24 km
- Positive elevation gain 1600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Your trek to Piton de la Fournaise begins in the village of Grand Coude, an exceptional site located between the Remparts and Langevin rivers, in the wild south of Reunion Island.
We will take the Maron trail, a preserved and little-used route, crossing a dense rainforest to Morne Langevin. This challenging hike offers a spectacular panorama of the Plaine des Sables and the volcano.
After a lunch break overlooking the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, we'll explore the Plaine des Sables, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique landscape, dotted with volcanic peaks, is a fascinating testament to the island's geological history. Our first day ends at the new Gîte du Volcan, a modern and comfortable accommodation, ideal for a restful night before continuing our trek.
Day 1 -
The Dolomieu crater off the beaten track
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After a good rest and breakfast overlooking the Rivière de l'Est, we'll set off, with lighter packs, towards the Dolomieu crater. Accompanied by your volcano guide, you'll discover the history of volcanic activity at Piton de la Fournaise.
With our guided trek to Piton de la Fournaise, you'll enjoy exclusive access to off-the-beaten-path routes, usually reserved for certified professionals. This approach allows you to explore remote areas and experience a unique adventure, far from the crowds.
The climb to the summit of Piton de la Fournaise is demanding, but the beauty of the craters and lunar landscapes more than compensates for the effort. We will then descend to the Gîte du Volcan for a second night surrounded by nature.
Day 2 -
Descent back into the heart of the Langevin River
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 2000 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
For this last day, we cross the Plaine des Sables again, exploring several emblematic volcanic peaks: Piton Hauy, Demi-Piton and Piton Chisny.
We will then reach the Langevin roundabout drop-off, a site steeped in history and marked by the Aubert de la Rue eruption. It is here that the panoramic descent along the Langevin River begins, offering breathtaking views of Saint-Joseph and the Indian Ocean.
Our adventure ends after a beautiful descent to the Grand Galet waterfall, one of the most spectacular on Réunion Island. This exceptional natural site will be our last moment of relaxation before the end of the guided trek to Piton de la Fournaise.
Day 3
Note
Enhance your trip by booking this excursion. However, we do not recommend flying for such a short duration.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 3-day guided tour
- 2 nights half-board and dormitory
- Snacks
- Hot drinks
- Route according to the program
The price does not include
- Flights
- Personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
The Yoann team
Our local partner is a mountain travel agency on Réunion Island. Their team of certified guides ensures the safety of travelers on guided hiking, trekking, trail running, and bivouac activities. They also offer transportation services, providing transfers during excursions as well as airport shuttles. This partner thus offers a comprehensive and expert solution for exploring Réunion's diverse landscapes with complete peace of mind.
