Mafate Basin Hiking Paradise — 5 Days in the Car-Free Cirque
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
|---|---|
| Country | Réunion Island (France – Indian Ocean) |
| Price From | $1,058 USD per person (~$212/day) |
| Tour Style | Hiking & Trekking, Remote Expedition, UNESCO Heritage |
| Operator | DERTOUR (TourRadar, German-speaking guide) |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Saint-Denis to Salazie — Into the Green Cirque
Depart Saint-Denis, the capital, and drive into the Cirque de Salazie, Réunion’s greenest natural amphitheater. Visit the spectacular Voile de la Mariée waterfall, a cascade of dozens of individual streams resembling a bridal veil. Continue to Hell-Bourg, one of France’s most beautiful villages. Afternoon walk through the village visiting the Folio House, a perfectly preserved 19th-century Creole mansion with lush gardens. Overnight at Relais des Cimes hotel.
Day 2: Enter Mafate — Col des Bœufs to La Nouvelle
The real adventure begins. Drive to the Col des Bœufs, the main gateway into Mafate. The hiking trail descends into a world without roads, cars, or modern infrastructure. The path winds through native forest with spectacular views of the cirque walls. Reach La Nouvelle, the main village of Mafate, in the afternoon. This isolated settlement is home to about 150 people living completely off-grid. Overnight in a mountain gîte, sharing stories with other hikers over Creole cuisine.
Day 3: La Nouvelle to Marla — Taïbit Pass Crossing
One of the most spectacular hiking days in the Indian Ocean. The trail climbs from La Nouvelle to the Taïbit Pass at 2,082m. From the pass, you simultaneously see the Mafate cirque behind you and the Cilaos cirque ahead — two immense volcanic amphitheaters separated by a razor-thin ridge. Descend to Marla, a tiny hamlet where only a few families live. Afternoon exploration of the Trois Roches area and its waterfall. Overnight in Marla’s mountain gîte.
Day 4: Marla to Cilaos — Descent to the Spa Town
Morning departure from Marla, descending through fragrant forests of tamarind and acacia. The trail offers final views back into Mafate before emerging into the Cilaos cirque. Arrive in Cilaos by early afternoon. The reward: Cilaos’ famous thermal spa. Soak in the natural hot springs (31-37°C), rich in minerals, that have drawn visitors since the 1800s. Evening exploration of Cilaos town — the embroidery workshops, the Sunday market (if timing matches), and dinner at a traditional table d’hôte.
Day 5: Cilaos to Saint-Gilles — Island Farewell
Morning at leisure in Cilaos. Optional short hike to La Roche Merveilleuse viewpoint or visit the embroidery museum. Then drive the spectacular 400-bend road back to the coast. Arrive at Saint-Gilles les Bains for a final afternoon on the beach — the turquoise lagoon a complete contrast to the mountain world you’ve just explored. Transfer to the airport. You’ve hiked through Réunion’s most remote and beautiful region, accessible only on foot.
What’s Included
• 4 nights accommodation (hotel + mountain gîtes + Cilaos hotel)
• Daily breakfast and dinner on trekking days
• Professional hiking guide
• All transfers and transportation
• Thermal spa entrance in Cilaos
• National park permits and fees
• Luggage transfers where vehicle accessible
What’s Excluded
• International flights
• Lunches on trail (~€10-12/day)
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Tips
• Personal hiking equipment
