Best hikes in Reunion Island
Reunion Island boasts dense and lush nature while offering particularly diverse landscapes. If you want to see a tropical forest, a desert plain worthy of the surface of Mars, and turquoise blue lagoons all in one day, it is the ideal place! A paradise for hikers, it offers countless hiking trails. Here is our selection of the 4 most beautiful walks to do on the island.
The Piton des Neiges from Cilaos
It's impossible to mention Reunion Island without talking about its highest peak: Piton des Neiges. Standing at 3070 meters above sea level, it is also the highest peak in the Indian Ocean. Observing the sunrise over the Reunionese landscapes from its summit is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spectacles you will ever witness in your life. Furthermore, despite its significant altitude, Piton des Neiges does not require any special mountaineering skills. Only good physical condition, warm clothing, and a pair of hiking shoes are necessary.
The hike to Piton des Neiges starts at the Bloc parking lot, just outside the village of Cilaos. Then, a long ascent awaits you. We strongly recommend doing it over two days, with a stop at the Caverne Dufour lodge for an overnight stay. This way, you can start before the first rays of the sun the next morning, by headlamp, to witness the first light of day from the summit. However, the beauty of the place is earned: the hike is approximately 16 km long with an elevation gain of 1730 meters.
The crater of Piton de la Fournaise
Another must-see summit on the island is the volcano of Reunion, the Piton de la Fournaise. Counted among the most active volcanoes on the planet, it regularly erupts. However, rest assured, it is constantly monitored. The hike to reach its crater starts from the Pas de Bellecombe. From there, you will traverse a vast desert of ochre color before gradually climbing the walls of the volcano. The walk is quite long, and the trail is rugged. Furthermore, its route constantly evolves with the eruptions. To follow it, simply follow the small white dots along the way. Do not stray from them or risk getting lost. Also, be aware that mist rises very quickly on the Piton de la Fournaise.
For this hike, expect about 5 hours and more than 12 km of distance. The positive elevation gain is 500 m. Plan to leave early to enjoy optimal conditions.
The "cirque de Mafate"
If you dream of visiting a timeless place, where the stressful contemporary life seems to have no impact, then head to the Cirque de Mafate! Among the three cirques of Reunion Island, it can only be reached on foot or by helicopter. Composed of several islets, it was once a refuge for runaway black slaves. Today, it is home to Réunionnais perpetuating history, living almost cut off from the world. The main village of Mafate, La Nouvelle, has a school and a grocery store. You will also find many lodges to spend the night. To reach Mafate, start from the Col des Boeufs. Allow about 3 hours to reach the village. The next day, you are free to turn back or continue on the Three Rocks or Marla trail.
The Three Rocks waterfall via Taïbit and Marla
The hike to the Trois Roches waterfall and Marla is an excursion in itself. While it is accessible from the Mafate cirque, it can also be reached from Cilaos or from Maïdo, where you will also enjoy a breathtaking panorama. The Trois Roches waterfall is a majestic place, where the Rivière des Galets plunges into a deep precipice.
Throughout this route, you will enjoy unforgettable views of the Cilaos and Mafate cirques or of Marla. While this Reunionese hike is among the most beautiful, it is also very challenging. Expect 8.5 hours, 19 km, and 1800 m of positive elevation gain! Therefore, do not hesitate to spread it out over several days, staying in one of the lodges in Marla.
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- The Grand Raid
- The Volcanoes of Reunion Island
- The Piton des Neiges
- The Piton de la Fournaise
- The Cirques of Reunion Island
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- Reunion Creole Language
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