Your adventure begins as you arrive in Reunion, where transport will be arranged to collect you from the airport. It’s well connected to Africa and Europe, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. We will start our journey to the accommodation in the early afternoon. If you arrive earlier you can store your luggage in the city centre and use the time to explore Saint Denis.
To make the most of your trip, we recommend arriving in the morning or afternoon, giving you time to settle in and it’s a great opportunity to meet your fellow adventurers. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey.
For the duration of the trip, you’ll be based in L’Etang-Sale, surrounded by mountains and sea. This means you won’t have to carry all your belongings from place to place, and after each day of hiking, you’ll return to the comfort of a warm shower and a cosy bed. Get ready for an unforgettable week exploring one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes.
Click for Route Map : 📏 8.5 km ⏱️ 5–6 h ⬆️ ~600 m 💪 ●●●○○ — Moderate
The La Chapelle hike in the Cirque de Cilaos is one of Réunion Island’s most atmospheric trails, leading deep into a narrow gorge to a vast cathedral-like rock chamber carved by centuries of rushing water. Starting from the town of Cilaos, the path descends through lush vegetation toward the Bras Rouge river, where you’ll follow the riverbed upstream, crossing boulders and wading through shallow pools as the cliffs close in around you.
The highlight comes at the end — a towering natural vault known as La Chapelle, with smooth, echoing walls and shafts of light filtering down from above. It feels like entering a secret world. After exploring and cooling off by the water, you retrace your steps back to Cilaos.
It’s a moderate hike but involves some rock-hopping and river crossings, so sturdy shoes and dry-weather conditions are important. Perfect for adventurous hikers who want a taste of Réunion’s wild, sculpted heart without needing to climb high into the peaks.
Click for Route Map : 📏 10 km ⏱️ 5–6 h ⬆️ ~600 m 💪 ●●●○○ — Moderate
The Piton de la Fournaise hike is Réunion Island’s most famous volcanic adventure, taking you across an active caldera to the rim of the Dolomieu Crater. Starting from the Pas de Bellecombe viewpoint (2,311 m), the trail drops steeply into the Enclos Fouqué, a vast lava plain that feels more like the surface of another planet than a tropical island.
The route follows white paint markers across the black and rust-colored rock, past fissures and solidified lava flows that tell the story of countless eruptions. As you climb toward the crater rim, the view expands — layers of hardened lava, steaming vents, and distant volcanic cones stretching to the horizon. The final viewpoint at the crater edge reveals a massive, sheer-walled pit with smoke often rising from within.
The return follows the same route, giving a new perspective of the landscape with the sun behind you. The hike is exposed and windy, so start early to avoid midday heat and carry plenty of water. It’s an unforgettable experience — walking across living geology on one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Click for Route Map : 📏 17 km ⏱️ 7–9 h ⬆️ ~1,700 m 💪 ●●●●● — Very Challenging
The Piton des Neiges hike from Cilaos is the classic ascent of Réunion Island’s highest peak at 3,071 meters. Starting near Maison des Guides, the trail climbs steadily through shady forest, then into open alpine terrain as you rise above the treeline. The path is steep but well maintained, winding upward through volcanic rock and low scrub with expanding views over the Cirque de Cilaos.
Most hikers split the route in two, spending the night at Refuge de la Caverne Dufour (at 2,470 m), then setting off pre-dawn for the final push to the summit to watch the sunrise. From the top, the panorama is unforgettable — the cirques of Cilaos, Mafate, and Salazie spread out below, with the Indian Ocean glowing in the distance.
Those tackling it in a single day should start early and be prepared for a long, steep descent. Weather changes quickly at altitude, so warm layers and plenty of water are essential. It’s a demanding but truly iconic hike — standing on the roof of the Indian Ocean is a moment few forget.
On a free day in Réunion, you can swim and snorkel in the calm waters of L’Ermitage Lagoon, visit the sea turtle sanctuary at Kelonia, or wander through the Saint-Paul market to browse local fruit, spices, and handmade crafts. You can explore the island’s Creole culture in Hell-Bourg or Entre-Deux, known for colorful wooden houses and tropical gardens, or tour a rum distillery to taste the island’s unique agricole rums. For a relaxed day by the water, spend time at Boucan Canot or La Saline-les-Bains, where coral reefs and long beaches make for easy swimming and people-watching. Art galleries, vanilla plantations, botanical gardens, and local cafés add even more ways to experience Réunion’s blend of island life, culture, and nature — all without setting foot on a trail.
Click for Route Map : 📏 12 km ⏱️ 4–5 h ⬆️ ~300 m 💪 ●●●○○ — Moderate
The hike to Le Trou de Fer from the Bélouve Forest is one of Réunion Island’s most magical walks, leading through lush highland rainforest to one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the island. The trail begins near the Gîte de Bélouve, on the plateau above Hell-Bourg, and follows a gently undulating path through dense tree ferns, moss-covered trunks, and orchids clinging to the branches. Mist often drifts between the trees, giving the forest an almost enchanted feel.
The route is mostly flat and easy to follow, with sections of wooden boardwalks over muddy ground. At the end of the trail, a lookout platform offers a jaw-dropping view down into Trou de Fer — a deep canyon where waterfalls drop hundreds of meters into the abyss below, surrounded by sheer cliffs and jungle.
It’s a hike that captures the essence of Réunion’s interior — wild, green, and alive with water and light. Even when the mist rolls in, the atmosphere is unforgettable, making this one of the island’s most iconic and rewarding rainforest walks.
Click for Route Map : 📏 10 km ⏱️ 4–5 h ⬆️ ~500 m 💪 ●●●○○ — Moderate
The Bras Rouge trail is a classic and easily accessible hike from Cilaos, known for its colorful red cliffs, waterfalls, and deep river canyons. The route starts near the Thermal Baths of Cilaos and follows a well-marked path that descends through lush vegetation toward the Bras Rouge River, named for the iron-rich rock that gives the canyon its striking reddish hue.
Along the way, viewpoints open over the Cirque de Cilaos, revealing layers of cliffs and distant peaks. The highlight is the Bras Rouge waterfall, where clear water plunges into natural pools surrounded by red and ochre rock. It’s a perfect spot to rest, cool your feet, or enjoy a picnic before beginning the gradual climb back.
This hike captures the best of Cilaos — dramatic volcanic scenery, tropical forest, and the soothing sound of water echoing through the gorge. Manageable in half a day, it’s ideal for anyone wanting a beautiful, moderate walk with plenty of character and colour.
It’s time to pack your bags and move onwards. We arrange transport back to the airport so you can catch your flight home or continue to explore this wonderful country. We have lots of recommendations if you’re going to spend more time in Reunion.
Please note: The itinerary may be change due to weather or closures. Your safety is always are upmost priority. Your local guide will always keep you updated on what’s coming the next day and if there are any changes.
Please note: Airfares and meals are not included in the trip price unless mentioned above. This gives you the flexibility to choose your preferred flights and enjoy local dining experiences at your own pace.
You’ll be staying at Hotel Exsel Floralys in the town of Etang Sale Les Bains, next to the beach. You will be staying in a twin room. Private rooms are available on request for a supplemental cost. There is a hearty breakfast included in the price. There is also a swimming pool, Wi-Fi, a restaurant, garden and hair dryers.
Join fellow adventurers on an unforgettable trek through Reunion’s stunning trails. Spaces are limited, so don’t wait – lock in your dates now.
Secure your place with a deposit of 30%. Final payment is due 30 days before departure. When booking a trip starting within 30 days, deposit payments are not accepted.
If your circumstances change and you can no longer make it, you can transfer your deposit to another trip up until 30 days before departure.
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. For a private room, please add this at the checkout page.
Secure your place with a deposit of 30%. Final payment is due 30 days before departure. You can also pay in full immediately if you wish.
If your circumstances change and you can no longer make it, you can transfer your deposit to another trip up until 10 days before departure.
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a room. Any supplemental costs will be shown on the next screen.
