The 3 cirques and the 2 volcanoes - Trekking on Reunion Island
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationFrench Overseas Territories / Reunion Island
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions53.49 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Explore Reunion Island on an exceptional trek , designed to link its legendary cirques and two iconic volcanic massifs . This intense route crosses Salazie , Mafate , and Cilaos , true gems sculpted by erosion, before climbing the mythical Piton des Neiges and Piton de la Fournaise . Each stage reveals a striking diversity of landscapes : lush rainforests , sharp volcanic ridges , high-altitude plateaus bathed in sunlight, and lunar-like mineral expanses . Between deep ravines , vertiginous ramparts , and breathtaking panoramas , the island reveals itself in all its raw power . This multi-day trek offers a complete immersion in the mountainous world of Reunion , where each day brings its share of contrasts and natural wonders. A challenging and demanding journey , reserved for hiking enthusiasts seeking an authentic experience and wide-open spaces .
The highlights
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5 days to discover the legendary places of Reunion Island
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Local professional mountain guide throughout the stay
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Group of 12 people maximum
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
A trip for all hikers used to somewhat demanding hikes, allowing you to discover the island in 5 days!
Most of the stages are intermediate/advanced level, day 4 is more demanding.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 670 m
- Average daily descent: 660 m
Management
French
Local professional mountain guides from the Réunion Mountain Bureau
Program
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La Possession – Marla
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 90km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Starting from the guarded parking lot in the town of La Possession, we take the road towards the Cirque de Salazie, which we cross in its entirety, until we reach the Col des Boeufs parking lot (2 hours, 90 km). Our trek begins here with a magnificent view of Mafate. After crossing the enchanting Plaine des Tamarins, we descend to the Rivière des Galets before climbing back up to the Îlet de Marla, the highest hamlet in Mafate.
Day 1 -
Marla – Cilaos
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We leave the Mafate cirque to reach the Cilaos cirque via the Col du Taïbit , the only passage between the two cirques. We cross the road to Îlet à Cordes, then reach the bottom of the Bras Rouge river to discover the waterfall of the same name. A final climb along the bottom of a shaded ravine leads us to the town of Cilaos.
Day 2 -
Cilaos – Dufour Cave
- Transportation Bus - 00h10 - 3km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
From Cilaos, we will take a city bus (3 km, 10 minutes) to the start of the Bloc trail in the early afternoon. We will begin the ascent of the steep, verdant escarpment, arriving at the Caverne Dufour refuge at the end of the day to enjoy the extraordinary colors of the sunset at almost 2500 m altitude, while enjoying a traditional curry.
Day 3 -
Dufour Cave – Piton des Neiges – Bourg Murat
- Transportation Minibus - 00h10 - 3km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 1100 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After a short night and a hot drink, we begin our ascent to the summit in the dark, to witness the extraordinary spectacle of sunrise over the highest point in the Indian Ocean—an unforgettable moment! We then descend back to the refuge for breakfast. We then set off on the long and magnificent GRR 2 trail via the Kerveguen hillside , the Bébour forest, and then the Plaine des Cafres forest , before reaching the village of Bourg Murat .
Warning: This is a long and demanding step!
Day 4 -
Bourg Murat – Piton de la Fournaise – La Possession
- Transportation Minibus - 02h30 - 115km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Change of atmosphere, change of mountain range! We leave behind the Piton des Neiges to enter the domain of the Piton de la Fournaise .
Transfer by car from Bourg Murat to the Pas de Bellecombe Jacob car park , on the magnificent Volcano road and its wonderful viewpoints. (25km, 1h).
We then begin our round-trip ascent to the summit of one of the world's most active volcanoes! The stark, mineral landscape and recent lava flows give this place an exceptional character. Eruptions, fountains, flows, scree, and ropy lava will hold no more secrets for you after this day. Return transfer from the volcano to La Possession (1.5 hours, 90 km).
Day 5
Note
Route subject to change depending on terrain conditions encountered.
Accommodation
Comfortable family mountain cottages, a few dozen beds.
Mountain refuge.
Often there's no water for the toilets and showers...
Bottled water available for purchase on site.
Access
Possibility of leaving your vehicle and luggage in a guarded parking lot.
Go to the starting point
Airport – Col des Boeufs car park: 1 hour 20 minutes by car.
Price details
The price includes
- Guided by a Mountain Leader from day 1 to day 5 inclusive
- Overnight stays with half-board (dinner and breakfast), in guesthouses and mountain huts, in small dormitories
- The vehicle transfers described in the program
- Vehicle storage
The price does not include
- Lunchtime picnics - your tour guide will advise you on the best places to eat.
- Drinks other than those served with meals
- Hiking equipment
- Personal expenses
- Flights
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.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Walking poles are available upon request.
Equipment to bring
- a comfortable hiking backpack, 30 to 40 liters
- a compact microfiber towel
- a small piece of Marseille soap in its box, which can also be used for laundry
- a travel kit including a foldable toothbrush + mini tube of toothpaste.
- personal medical treatments
- a mobile phone
- A charger and cable(s), preferably with multiple USB ports. Charging is possible in isolated cabins, but outlets are sometimes scarce!
- A pair of walking poles is recommended. We can lend you some for your trek.
- Cash, credit cards, and checks are accepted for your expenses. Credit cards are not always accepted in remote areas.
No need to bring a sleeping bag , the guesthouses provide bedding.
Exception : The Dufour cave refuge, for the Piton des Neiges, only provides a blanket. A toilet sheet is highly recommended, as well as a small canvas bag to make a makeshift pillow.
Clothing to bring
On oneself:
- Mountain or trail shoes, preferably low and flexible.
- Good socks
- Hiking pants with optionally removable legs
- A long-sleeved hiking shirt or t-shirt is preferred.
- Headgear, glasses.
In the bag:
To walk
- A spare shirt
- One undergarment, possibly two.
- One pair of socks, possibly two.
- A waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably breathable.
For evening and nighttime comfort
- Underwear
- A warm and lightweight sweater, fleece or merino, which can also be useful for hiking.
- a comfortable thermal base layer (we recommend merino wool)
- tracksuit bottoms
- a pair of comfortable and warm socks
- a pair of lightweight sandals
- a small hat during the southern winter.
- a small pair of gloves during the southern winter.
- A down jacket, optional, during the southern winter for high altitudes (>1000m)
