Réunion Island Trek of the Three Cirques

Welcome to the island! Upon landing in Saint-Denis, we’ll gather as a group and transfer to the southern town of Saint-Pierre, where we’ll spend our first night in a comfortable local hotel.

You’ll have time to settle in and explore the coastal atmosphere of Saint-Pierre. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner at one of the town’s restaurants—an excellent opportunity to try the island’s signature Creole cuisine.

Included:

• Accommodation in Saint-Pierre
• Transfer from Saint-Denis

Our trekking adventure begins! After an early breakfast, we’ll drive to Cilaos, a mountain village nestled in the heart of the island.

The hike starts at Le Bloc, ascending steadily through a lush forest typical of Réunion’s highlands. After 5 to 6 hours of hiking and an elevation gain of 1,100 meters, we’ll reach Caverne Dufour, our mountain hut for the night, where panoramic views of the Cirque de Cilaos await.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Dinner at the mountain refuge
• Accommodation at Caverne Dufour

4.5 km | +1,100 m | 5–6 hours

For those eager to summit the highest point in the Indian Ocean, we offer an optional sunrise hike to Piton des Neiges (3,070m), adding ~500 meters of elevation and 4 hours to the day.

After returning to the refuge for breakfast, we’ll begin our descent into the Cirque de Salazie, heading toward the charming village of Hell-Bourg. If conditions permit, we'll pass by the Bélouve refuge along the way.

Once in Hell-Bourg—often called the most beautiful village on the island—we’ll have time to explore, relax, and take in the local atmosphere.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Accommodation in Hell-Bourg

10.5 km | +104 m | -1,642 m | ~7 hours (Optional ascent: +500 m | ~4 hours)

After breakfast, we’ll begin a scenic hike from Hell-Bourg to Bélier, the last village before entering the remote Cirque de Mafate.

The trail leads us through lush forest, river crossings, and narrow canyons, offering a taste of the wild terrain that defines this part of Réunion. Along this 10 km route, we’ll discover hidden corners of the Cirque de Salazie before reaching our accommodation in Bélier.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Accommodation in Bélier

10 km | +832 m | -482 m | ~5.5 hours

Today we enter the legendary Cirque de Mafate, a roadless wilderness only accessible by foot or helicopter.

We’ll head to the Col des Bœufs, either hiking the full route or opting for bus 82C to save 4 hours of walking. From the pass, we descend into Mafate and continue to the peaceful village of La Nouvelle, where we’ll spend the night surrounded by volcanic peaks.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Accommodation in La Nouvelle

12.4 km | +831 m | -688 m | ~7 hours

Our final trekking day begins with a scenic hike to Marla, another remote village within Mafate. From there, we ascend to the Col du Taïbit, a breathtaking mountain pass that connects to the Cirque de Cilaos.

After a final descent, we reach the road and take bus 62 back to central Cilaos to conclude our hiking journey.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Accommodation in Cilaos

15.1 km | +1,070 m | -1,314 m | ~9 hours

Today, we head back to Saint-Pierre for a well-earned day of rest and exploration.

Stroll through the lively town center, visit the Covered Market to taste local produce and Creole flavors, or unwind by the beach. If the timing aligns, we may also stop by the weekly craft market, ideal for picking up handmade souvenirs and experiencing local culture.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Transport from Cilaos to Saint-Pierre
• Accommodation in Saint-Pierre

Prepare for an adrenaline-filled finale to your journey. After a relaxing rest day, we’ll dive—literally—into one of Réunion’s most iconic natural playgrounds: Grand Galet Falls.

This canyoning experience promises a morning of exhilarating jumps, slides, swimming through clear pools, and scrambling down waterfalls—all set within a stunning tropical gorge. It’s a thrilling way to celebrate the end of your adventure and a reminder of why Réunion is hailed as a world-class canyoning destination.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Canyoning experience at Grand Galet
• Transfer from Saint-Pierre to Grand Galet and back

All great adventures must come to an end. After breakfast, we’ll organize transfers from Saint-Pierre back to Saint-Denis for those catching a flight.

If you’re staying longer, you’re in for a treat—Réunion offers plenty of options for extended adventure: diving, climbing, canyoning, paragliding, or just unwinding by the sea.

We’ll part ways with new memories, tired legs, and full hearts.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Transfer from Saint-Pierre to Saint-Denis Airport