Reunion Island Three Cirques Trek — 9 Days Ultimate Hiking Adventure
| Duration | 9 Days / 8 Nights |
|---|---|
| Country | Réunion Island (France – Indian Ocean) |
| Price From | $938 USD per person (~$104/day) |
| Tour Style | Hiking & Trekking, Multi-Cirque, Nature |
| Operator | DERTOUR (TourRadar, ages 8+) |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Saint-Gilles les Bains — Indian Ocean Welcome
Arrive at Réunion and transfer to Le Nautile Beach Hotel in Saint-Gilles les Bains. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the white sand beach of Boucan Canot, swimming in the protected lagoon. Evening orientation with your mountain guide. Welcome Creole dinner with ocean views.
Day 2: Cirque de Mafate — Enter the Car-Free Kingdom
Drive to the Col des Bœufs trailhead. Hike into the heart of Cirque de Mafate, the most remote of Réunion’s three natural amphitheaters. The trail winds through native forest with panoramic views. Reach La Nouvelle village (1,400m) in the afternoon. Settle into your mountain gîte — simple but authentic accommodation run by local families. The silence of this car-free world is profound.
Day 3: Mafate Deep — Marla & the Taïbit Pass
Full day hiking across the Mafate cirque. Cross the Taïbit Pass at 2,082m with stunning views over both the Mafate and Cilaos cirques — a sight that captures the dramatic geology of Réunion. Descend to the tiny hamlet of Marla, one of the most isolated communities in France. Overnight in a mountain gîte. The stars in Mafate, with zero light pollution, are unforgettable.
Day 4: Cirque de Cilaos — The Spa Town in the Sky
Descend from Marla through lush forest into Cilaos. Visit the thermal spa — the hot springs have been used since the 19th century. Explore the town’s Creole heritage: embroidered textiles at La Maison de la Broderie, the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges church, and the lively market. Overnight at a charming hotel in Cilaos.
Day 5: Piton des Neiges — Roof of the Indian Ocean
Pre-dawn start (3:00 AM) for the ascent of Piton des Neiges (3,070m), the highest peak in the Indian Ocean. The 5-hour climb passes through different vegetation zones, from forest to alpine heath to bare volcanic rock. Arrive at the summit for sunrise — watch the shadow of the mountain stretch across the island and the Indian Ocean beyond. On clear days you can see Mauritius on the horizon. Descend back to Cilaos for a well-deserved rest.
Day 6: Plaine des Cafres to Volcano Country
Transfer to the Plaine des Cafres, a cool highland plateau. Visit the Maison du Volcan museum for a fascinating introduction to Réunion’s volcanic geology. Afternoon drive across the Plaine des Sables — a lunar landscape of red scoria that feels like Mars. Arrive at the Gîte du Volcan near Pas de Bellecombe for the night.
Day 7: Piton de la Fournaise — The Active Volcano
Early morning start for the volcano hike. From Pas de Bellecombe (2,311m), descend into the Enclos Fouqué caldera — a vast, barren expanse of lava. Hike across this otherworldly terrain, passing Formica Leo crater, to the summit of Piton de la Fournaise (2,632m). Stand at the rim of Dolomieu Crater, one of the world’s most active volcanic vents. The ground is warm, the colors surreal, and the experience absolutely unique. Return via the same route.
Day 8: Cirque de Salazie — Hell-Bourg’s Creole Charm
Drive to the Cirque de Salazie, the greenest of the three cirques, known for its dramatic waterfalls. Visit the Voile de la Mariée (“Bride’s Veil”) waterfall cascading hundreds of meters down the cliff face. Explore Hell-Bourg, officially one of France’s most beautiful villages, with its ornate Creole mansions, tropical gardens, and the peaceful Folio estate. Farewell Creole dinner — rougail, carry, and rhum arrangé.
Day 9: Saint-Denis — Departure
Morning drive to Saint-Denis, the capital. Visit the Barachois waterfront, the colonial Préfecture building, and the bustling Grand Marché for last souvenirs — vanilla pods, turmeric, handmade crafts. Transfer to Roland Garros Airport for departure. You leave having conquered the Roof of the Indian Ocean and walked on an active volcano.
What’s Included
• 8 nights accommodation (beach hotel + mountain gîtes + Cilaos hotel)
• Daily breakfast
• 5 dinners
• All transfers and transportation
• Professional English-speaking mountain guide
• Gîte accommodations in Mafate
• Volcano museum entrance
• All national park permits
What’s Excluded
• International flights to Réunion
• Lunches (~€10-15/day on trail)
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional helicopter tour over the cirques (~€250)
