Discover Réunion’s 3 most beautiful cirques (through the eyes of our local experts)

Dreaming of magnificent landscapes where nature reigns supreme? Discover Réunion’s 3 cirques through the eyes of our Grand Angle experts.

Rising from the depths of the Indian Ocean, the island of Réunion offers some of the most rugged and spectacular terrain on the planet. At the centre of this volcanic jewel, the collapse of the Piton des Neiges (3 070 metres above sea level) created three gigantic natural amphitheatres: Salazie, Cilaos and Mafate.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these three sanctuaries are the ultimate playground for any #trekking enthusiast. With towering cliffs plunging into the depths, lush vegetation and centuries-old Creole culture, each cirque has its own distinct character. Ready to lace up your walking boots? Discover these geological wonders through the eyes and routes of our local experts.

Hiking in the heart of Réunion: a guide to the three cirques

Contents

• The origins of the cirques
• The Cirque de Salazie
• The Cirque de Cilaos
• The Cirque de Mafate
• Making your trek a success: practical planning tips
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The origins of the cirques

To understand the island’s present-day landscape, we need to go back two million years. Réunion was born from the volcanic activity of the Piton des Neiges. Over the millennia, its magma chambers emptied, causing vast sections of the original caldera to collapse. Erosion from torrential water flows, fed by record tropical rainfall, then sculpted these depressions, carving deep ravines and isolating plateaus known locally as îlets.

This distinctive topography demands constant effort from hikers: walking on level ground is rare here. Travellers make their way between the “remparts” (almost vertical rock faces) and riverbeds, passing through native hardwood forests whose wealth of endemic plants is among the greatest in the world.

The Cirque de Salazie

Salazie is the most accessible cirque, and also the greenest. The island’s natural water reservoir, it is a realm of sheer cliffs and abundant water. Right from the entrance, the Voile de la Mariée waterfall sets the scene, its many streams cascading down a cliff draped in primeval vegetation.

Hell-Bourg, the Creole soul

Nestled in the heart of the cirque, Hell-Bourg is listed among the most beautiful villages in France. Its brightly coloured Creole houses and tropical flower gardens recall the days when prominent coastal families came to enjoy the cooler air of the “Hauts”, the island’s highlands. It is an ideal starting point for a self-guided traverse of Réunion, offering a gentle introduction to the mountain atmosphere.

Highlights for hikers in Salazie:

• The climb to the Bélouve plateau and its forest of highland tamarind trees, natural sculptures covered in mosses and lichens.
• The viewpoint over the Trou de Fer, a dizzyingly deep chasm into which waterfalls plunge hundreds of metres.
• The cultivation of chouchou (chayote), which carpets the valley floors and hanging gardens.

Classic route: Trou de Fer from Hell-Bourg

• Distance: approximately 15 km (round trip)
• Elevation gain: + 750 m
• Estimated duration: 6 to 6½ hours

Description: Starting from the charming village of Hell-Bourg, the trail climbs steeply up the escarpment to reach the plateau and the Bélouve mountain lodge. You then enter a magnificent primary forest of tamarind trees and tree ferns before reaching a viewpoint overlooking the famous Trou de Fer chasm and its monumental waterfalls.

Safety advice: The trail through Bélouve forest is known for being extremely muddy and very slippery, including on the wooden boardwalks. Good waterproof hiking boots are essential.

The Cirque de Cilaos

A change of scenery. In Cilaos, the landscape is rockier, drier and brighter. After travelling along the legendary “road of 400 bends”, visitors discover a cirque surrounded by the highest peaks: Grand Bénare, Gros Morne and, of course, the imposing Piton des Neiges.

The challenge of Piton des Neiges

Cilaos is the traditional starting point for climbing the highest peak in the Indian Ocean. The steep Le Bloc trail leads to the Caverne Dufour mountain hut before the final climb to reach the summit at sunrise. We often include this experience in our long-distance treks across Réunion for its panoramic views across the entire Mascarene archipelago.

Classic route: Climbing Piton des Neiges from “Le Bloc”

• Distance: 15,5 km (round trip)
• Elevation gain: + 1 730 m
• Estimated duration: 8 to 9 hours (ideally spread over 2 days)

Description: This is the must-do hike for an unforgettable sunrise. From the spot known as “Le Bloc” (1 380 m), the trail climbs steeply to the Caverne Dufour mountain hut (2 478 m). The final ascent takes place in darkness by headtorch, over rocky volcanic terrain, to the summit at 3 070 m.

Safety advice: The challenge of this hike lies in its sustained elevation gain. Trekking poles are strongly recommended. At the summit, the sudden drop in temperature is severe: the wind is icy and temperatures hover around 0°C. Bring gloves, a warm hat and an effective layering system.

Mountain life and traditions

Cilaos is also famous for its traditions: high-altitude vineyards, lentils grown on astonishingly steep slopes and exquisitely delicate embroidery. After a day of hiking, the village’s thermal springs offer a welcome opportunity to recover.

The Cirque de Mafate

Mafate is a sanctuary. It is the only one of the three cirques with no roads at all. Here, everyone travels on foot, and supplies arrive by helicopter. This is the land of “marronnage”, where escaped slaves once found refuge in an impregnable mountain fortress.

Life at the pace of the îlets

Hiking in Mafate means embracing a chance to disconnect. You walk from one îlet, or small hamlet, to another (La Nouvelle, Roche Plate, Marla, Grand Place), crossing mountain passes (known as “cols” or “brèches”) and rivers with pebble-strewn beds. The terrain is rugged and wild, with spectacular viewpoints such as Maïdo.

Classic route: From Col des Bœufs to La Nouvelle

• Distance: approximately 11,5 km (round trip)
• Elevation gain and loss: + 650 m / - 650 m
• Estimated time: 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours

Description: This is the best-known and most accessible gateway for a first visit to Mafate. From Col des Bœufs, the trail descends into the Plaine des Tamarins, a truly fairytale forest. The trail then leads down towards the broad, lush plateau of La Nouvelle, the cirque’s “capital”.

Safety advice: Although suitable for families, the initial descent includes many log steps that can be slippery. Pace yourself so you have enough energy for the climb back up. A staffed car park (charges apply) is available at Col des Bœufs, where you can leave your vehicle securely.

Making the most of your hikes: expert advice and logistics

Exploring Réunion’s cirques requires planning. The humidity, tropical heat and technically demanding trails call for thorough preparation. Here are the golden rules for a successful trek:

• The golden rule for timing: On Réunion, clouds roll into the cirques and over the peaks between 10am and 11am. It is essential to set off early (often at daybreak, around 6am) to enjoy clear views and avoid the intense midday heat.

• Trail conditions and safety: Réunion’s terrain is fragile. Before every hike, always check that your route is open on the official ONF (Office National des Forêts, the French National Forest Office) website, as trails are regularly closed following heavy rain or rockfalls. In a mountain emergency, call 112 (PGHM, the mountain rescue gendarmerie).

• Booking mountain accommodation: Wild camping is subject to strict regulations. If you are staying in a mountain hut (such as Caverne Dufour or the lodges in Mafate), you must book months in advance through the IRT (Île de la Réunion Tourisme) platform, as places are very limited.

• Managing your water supply: Water from ravines, and sometimes even from remote lodges, is not always safe to drink, especially after heavy rain. Allow 2 to 3 litres of water per person per day to compensate for heavy sweating. Remember to bring water purification tablets (such as Micropur) or a water bottle with a built-in filter.

• Equipment: Knowing what to pack in a hiking backpack is crucial given the island’s contrasting conditions (from 25°C at the bottom of a cirque to 0°C at the summit). Choose a three-layer clothing system, rain protection, sunscreen and footwear with deep-tread soles suited to muddy terrain.

• Sustainable transport: As a low-carbon travel agency, we encourage you to use local public transport to reach your trek’s starting point. The “Alternéo” bus network (for Cilaos) and “Estival” bus network (for Salazie) are good alternatives to leaving a hire car sitting in a car park for several days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - The Cirques of Réunion

Which cirque on Réunion is the easiest to reach?

The cirque of Salazie is the easiest and quickest to reach by car from the east coast (around 20 minutes from Saint-André). The cirque of Cilaos is also accessible by car, but requires driving along the winding “road of 400 bends”. Mafate, meanwhile, is only accessible on foot or by helicopter.

Can you drive to Mafate?

No. This is what makes the cirque of Mafate so distinctive and utterly charming: no roads lead into it. You can only reach it via hiking trails (from the Col des Bœufs, Maïdo or the Rivière des Galets). It is a hiking paradise free of motor vehicles.

How fit do you need to be to climb Piton des Neiges?

Climbing Piton des Neiges requires a very high level of hiking fitness and excellent cardiovascular fitness. Although there are no technical difficulties (no climbing is involved), the ascent involves more than 1 700 metres of elevation gain, with steps that are often very high and punishing on the knees.

When is the best time to hike in the cirques?

The most reliable time for hiking is the Southern Hemisphere winter, from May to November. The weather is generally drier and cooler, although mountain conditions can still change quickly.

Since 1983, the Grand Angle team has been exploring these trails to design itineraries that balance physical activity with cultural discovery. Whether you choose a group trip led by a guide specialising in volcanic flora or a self-guided holiday with luggage transfers (where logistics allow), we bring our local expertise to your adventure.

Réunion’s cirques are more than hiking destinations; they are an open-air lesson in geology and an opportunity to meet mountain communities proud of their roots. Exploring these landscapes with us means enjoying a relaxed immersion in some of nature’s most powerful scenery.

Ready to take on the challenge of the towering cirque walls? Discover all our hiking holidays and let our passion for the great outdoors guide you.